Ventnor Elementary School has been named a New Jersey Blue Ribbon School for Closing the Achievement Gap, a prestigious recognition aligned to the U.S. Department of Education’s National Blue-Ribbon Schools Program. The award follows nomination by the New Jersey Department of Education and celebrates schools that demonstrate steady, measurable progress in narrowing academic disparities among student subgroups.
“This recognition reflects years of focused work by our educators, students, and families,” said Dr. Carmela Somershoe, Superintendent/Principal of Ventnor Elementary School. Dr. Somershoe praised the school’s commitment to equity and results: “Ventnor Elementary has proven that when a school community sets a clear vision and supports teachers with the right tools, the achievement gap can close. By using data to personalize instruction, expanding interventions, and strengthening social emotional learning, our students are thriving. We are proud of this recognition and even prouder of the opportunities it reflects for our students.”
What drove the gains
Ventnor Elementary attributes its progress to a set of evidence-based practices implemented over multiple years, including:
• Data-informed instruction: Regular progress monitoring and responsive small-group teaching in literacy and mathematics.
• NJ Tiered supports (NJTSS): Timely interventions during the school day and extended-learning options before/after school.
• Culturally responsive teaching: Curriculum and classroom practices that build on students’ strengths and backgrounds.
• Social-emotional learning: Nurtured Heart Approach and daily instruction in social-emotional learning
• Language development supports: Instruction strategies that accelerate growth for multilingual learners.
• Family partnership: Ongoing communication, tools, and resources that help families support learning at home.
“Ventnor’s educators see potential in every child and meet them where they are,” said Doug Biagi, Ventnor City Board of Education President. “This award affirms the progress our community sees every day.”
About the Blue-Ribbon recognition
The National Blue-Ribbon Schools Program, established in 1982, honors public and nonpublic schools for overall academic excellence or for closing achievement gaps among student groups. Schools are nominated by state education departments and selected by the U.S. Department of Education. This year, the federal government entrusted the states with presenting this award, and Ventnor Elementary is among the schools selected for this distinction. We will be formally recognized for this outstanding accomplishment during the November New Jersey State Board of Education meeting.
Ventnor Elementary’s designation recognizes its sustained, multi-year success in advancing equitable outcomes for all learners.
