By: Najla Alexander
Woodbridge officials announced that the U.S. Department of Education has named Woodbridge Academy Magnet School a 2024 National Blue Ribbon School in recognition of exceptional teaching and learning.
It is one of only 11 schools in New Jersey and just 356 schools nationwide to achieve this designation in 2024, officials stated. 
Authorities say this honor comes within the same school year that the New Jersey Department of Education ranked Woodbridge Academy Magnet School number one among all New Jersey high schools.
"This prestigious award is a testament to the tireless efforts of our dedicated educators, our students' passion for learning, and the compelling support of our school community. We are committed to providing an exceptional educational experience that empowers our students to reach new heights, and this recognition further affirms our school's #1 school ranking by the NJDOE. We share this achievement with pride and dedication to continue our academic excellence and student growth mission," said Superintendent Jorge E. Diaz.
“Our entire school community is so excited to be recognized as a National Blue Ribbon as an Exemplary High Achieving School. This honor is a validation to our staff for their hard work and dedication to their craft, as well as our students and their parents, who know they made the right choice to come to our school for a rigorous, high-quality education. I am receiving emails and phone calls congratulating me, but the congratulations really go to our students, parents, faculty, and staff for their commitment to excellence.” said Woodbridge Academy Magnet School Principal Robert Fuller.
“Middlesex County is making critical investments in educational partnerships, programming, and infrastructure, and as a result, our County Magnet Schools rank among the best high schools in the nation — with Woodbridge Academy Magnet School No. 1 in the state,” said Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios.
“Woodbridge Academy’s selection by the U.S. Department of Education as a 2024 Blue Ribbon School is a tremendous honor and a reflection of the talent and hard work of our faculty and students. On behalf of the entire Board of County Commissioners, I congratulate the Board of Education, Superintendent Diaz, Principal Fuller, and, of course, our students on this well-deserved honor.”
“A high-quality education enriches a person’s entire life, expanding their worldview and opening the doors to so many career and life opportunities,” said Middlesex County Commissioner Chanelle Scott McCullum, chair of the Economic Development Committee.
“The U.S. Department of Education’s selection of Woodbridge Academy Magnet School as a 2024 Blue Ribbon School shines a spotlight on the exceptional educational experiences that Woodbridge Academy – and all of our County Magnet Schools – provides our students. I am immensely proud of Woodbridge Academy Magnet School, and I congratulate our students, faculty, and staff on this incredible honor.”
Established in 1982, the U.S. Department of Education’s National Blue Ribbon Schools Program recognizes exemplary public and non-public elementary, middle, and high schools throughout the country each year, officials stated. Blue Ribbon School status is awarded based on a school’s high overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among diverse groups of students.
Woodbridge Academy’s selection as a 2024 National Blue Ribbon School highlights the school’s collaborative efforts to align with the Middlesex County Magnet School District’s goal of preparing students to be College, Career, and Life-Ready, according to officials.
Authorities say the district’s recent rebranding was a pivotal moment that redefined and emphasized the critical role a high-quality career and technical education plays within economic development.
Middlesex County Magnet Schools offer rigorous academic programs along with high-skill, real-world training in a hands-on learning environment, officials said. Each magnet school provides myriad ways for students and parents to create a competitive advantage within specialized career programs.
Officials say Middlesex County residents who are interested in attending an open house at any of the five County Magnet Schools can view the schedule here. For more information on the Middlesex County Magnet Schools, including career programs offered at each school, please visit mcmsnj.net.