Hoboken Public School District Celebrates 53 Students Earning the New Jersey Department of Education Seal of Biliteracy
Hoboken Public School District Celebrates 53 Students Earning the New Jersey Department of Education Seal of Biliteracy
Hoboken, NJ, — Monday, April 28, 2025– The Hoboken Public School District is proud to announce that 53 Hoboken High School students—21 juniors and 32 seniors—have earned the prestigious 2025 New Jersey Department of Education Seal of Biliteracy. These exceptional students have demonstrated proficiency in both English and an additional language, including Spanish, Italian, French, Dutch, Serbian, Bulgarian, and Turkish.
This remarkable achievement highlights not only the students' dedication but also the district’s ongoing commitment to multilingualism, multiculturalism, and global education.
“Our students have embraced the power of language as a bridge between cultures and communities,” said Hoboken High School Principal Robin Piccapietra. “This achievement reflects both their hard work and our district’s dedicated investment in world language education from the earliest years.”
The Seal of Biliteracy is awarded to students who demonstrate a high level of proficiency in speaking, reading, writing, and listening in one or more world languages in addition to English. It is prominently displayed on high school diplomas and transcripts, signaling to colleges and employers that these students are prepared for success in an interconnected world.
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Christine Johnson emphasized that this success aligns with the district’s broader vision for global learning. “Language is more than communication—it’s connection. From our youngest learners to our high school scholars, Hoboken Public Schools are cultivating global citizens who understand and appreciate the richness of other cultures.”
The Seal of Biliteracy recognizes students who have attained proficiency in one or more world languages, celebrating linguistic and cultural diversity in a global society.
The district’s commitment to global education is evident in several initiatives, including:
- A newly launched Dual Language Program in Kindergarten and First Grade at each elementary school, set to expand by one grade level each year to foster bilingual fluency from an early age.
- A robust, five-day-a-week World Language Program at Hoboken Middle School, offering French, Spanish, and Mandarin to foster daily immersion and intercultural competence.
- A rigorous World Language Program at Hoboken High School, including Advanced Placement offerings that challenge students to achieve college-level proficiency and cultural literacy.
- The Classrooms Without Walls International Travel Program, offering transformative educational experiences to countries such as France, Greece, Italy, Spain, Japan, the Galapagos Islands, Peru, England, Iceland, and South Africa.
These initiatives reflect the district’s belief that every student should have access to a globally enriched education that builds empathy, perspective, and leadership skills for success in an increasingly diverse and dynamic world.
The district will formally recognize the Seal of Biliteracy recipients at an upcoming Board of Education meeting and during Hoboken High School’s Class of 2025 commencement ceremony.
For more information about the Seal of Biliteracy or the district’s world language initiatives, please contact Ms. Sandra Rodriguez Gomez, Assistant Superintendent of Schools.
Contact:
Ms. Sandra Rodriguez Gomez Assistant Superintendent of Schools
Hoboken Public School District
Email:[email protected]
Phone: 201-356-3604
About the New Jersey Department of Education Seal of Biliteracy
The New Jersey Department of Education Seal of Biliteracy is an official recognition awarded to high school students who demonstrate proficiency in both English and one or more world languages. The Seal of Biliteracy aims to highlight the value of multilingualism and cultural diversity, recognizing the importance of language skills in today’s interconnected world.
About Hoboken High School
Hoboken High School is committed to providing students with dynamic educational experiences that prepare them for success in college, careers, and beyond. With a strong emphasis on STEM, leadership, and career readiness, the school supports students in pursuing unique and competitive opportunities. Hoboken High School offers a rigorous curriculum that includes Advanced Placement (AP) courses, Project Lead The Way programs, and a Gifted & Talented program, providing students with opportunities to challenge themselves academically.