Bergen County Technical High School – Teterboro Campus was formally recognized for earning a Blue Ribbon Schools Award at the New Jersey State Board of Education meeting in early November. Vice Principal Rosario Cabanilla attended the state’s recognition ceremony and accepted the award on behalf of the school.
Teterboro, N.J.– Bergen County Technical High School – Teterboro Campus is among the recipients of the 2025 New Jersey Blue Ribbon Schools Award. The school is one of only 11 New Jersey public and non-public schools – and the only county vocational-technical high school this year – to earn this prestigious recognition. The Blue Ribbon celebrates schools statewide for exceptional achievements, with Bergen County Technical High School – Teterboro Campus earning the designation for consistently high academic performances among students.
“This recognition is validation that our strategy for excellence is effective; we always seek ways to enhance our educational experience, guided by the question, ‘What is in the best interest of our students?’” said Mr. David Tankard, principal of Bergen County Technical High School – Teterboro Campus. “Our innovative policies and student-centered approach exemplify how dedication to ongoing enhancement leads to enduring success and relevance. We are preparing students to succeed in college and in their careers.”
Bergen County Technical High School – Teterboro Campus is part of Bergen County Technical Schools, which offers career and technical education to students from throughout Bergen County. The Teterboro Campus educates 661 students enrolled in a range of career programs: Aerospace Engineering, Automotive Engineering & Design, Commercial Art & Graphic Design, Computer Science, Culinology, Digital & Media Arts, Fashion Design and Merchandising, Financial Technology, and Law and Justice.
A standout component of the career-focused curriculum is the Senior Experience Internship Program. Each Wednesday throughout senior year, students participate in internships with one of more than 100 community partners, including BMW of North America, Hackensack Meridian Health, Morgan Stanley and more. These placements provide real-world exposure and valuable professional connections, enhancing students’ career readiness.
Students also have the opportunity to enhance learning through a schoolwide student research initiative. They are empowered and supported to conduct high-quality, original research across a range of disciplines. Since the onset of that initiative, Bergen County Technical High School – Teterboro Campus students have produced over 700 original research products or papers. Dozens have been published in peer-reviewed academic journals for young researchers.
Students can earn college credits through both AP courses and Dual Enrollment courses. The Teterboro Campus offers 48 dual enrollment courses in partnership with various institutions of higher education. Such courses enable students to graduate with advanced standing and a college transcript, while also reducing the financial burden of higher education.
A focus on both academics and career preparation has led to high student engagement and success. Bergen County Technical High School – Teterboro Campus boasted a 100% graduation rate in 2024, with 98% of graduates enrolled in a four-year college or university and 2% in a community college.
Instruction at the school is enhanced by its 1:1 iPad program. Each student is issued an iPad and Apple Pencil upon entry to use throughout their four years of high school. The shift to digital learning has transformed instruction, assessment and student engagement and earned Bergen County Technical High School – Teterboro Campus recognition as an Apple Distinguished School. The school was previously named a National Blue Ribbon School in 2012 and consistently ranks among the Top 100 high schools in the nation by Newsweek and U.S. News & World Report.
Bergen County Technical High School – Teterboro Campus was formally recognized for earning a Blue Ribbon Schools Award at the New Jersey State Board of Education meeting in early November. The U.S. Department of Education ended its longtime National Blue Ribbon Schools Program in August, allowing individual states to choose whether to continue it at the state level. The New Jersey Department of Education chose to recognize all schools that were previously selected by the U.S. Department of Education prior to discontinuing the program.
Rosario Cabanilla, vice principal of Bergen County Technical High School – Teterboro Campus, attended the state’s recognition ceremony and accepted the Blue Ribbon Schools Award for the school.
“This is an incredible achievement that validates the commitment of our students, educators and administrators throughout Bergen County,” said Dr. Howard Lerner, superintendent of Bergen County Technical Schools. “Students enter our district from local schools throughout our county, and they are well prepared to succeed because of the strong foundation they received in grades kindergarten through eighth. Those who specifically enroll in Bergen County Technical High School in Teterboro benefit from rigorous, relevant and tech-enabled learning that fosters independence, creativity and college readiness across all subject areas. Students remain focused on their futures with tremendous levels of engagement and college and career readiness.”
For more information about the New Jersey Blue Ribbon Schools program, visit www.nj.gov/education/recognition/schools/blueribbon.
