Hoboken Public School District Celebrates 70 Students Earning the New Jersey Department of Education Seal of Biliteracy
Hoboken Public School District Celebrates 70 Students Earning the New Jersey Department of Education Seal of Biliteracy
Hoboken, NJ — March 9, 2026 — The Hoboken Public School District is proud to announce that 70 Hoboken High School students have earned a total of 73 prestigious New Jersey Department of Education Seals of Biliteracy, including 35 juniors and 35 seniors.
These students demonstrated proficiency in both English and at least one additional language, including Spanish, Italian, French, Dutch, Serbian, Bulgarian, and Turkish. Their achievement reflects a strong commitment to multilingualism and global learning across the district.
“Our students have embraced the power of language as a bridge between cultures and communities,” said Hoboken High School Principal Robin Piccapietra. “This recognition reflects their dedication and the district’s continued investment in world language education.”
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 languages in addition to English. The distinction is displayed on students’ diplomas and transcripts, signaling to colleges and employers that these graduates are prepared for success in an interconnected world.
New Jersey adopted the Seal of Biliteracy in 2016 as part of a national effort to recognize the value of language proficiency and encourage students to pursue biliteracy. Students earn the Seal by meeting rigorous standards through state-approved assessments.
Superintendent Dr. Christine Johnson highlighted the importance of language learning in preparing students for a global future. “Language is more than communication. It is a connection,” said Dr. Johnson. “From our youngest learners to our graduating seniors, Hoboken Public Schools are nurturing global citizens who value and appreciate the richness of diverse cultures.”
The Seal of Biliteracy not only celebrates students’ linguistic accomplishments but also strengthens pathways to college, careers, and civic engagement, reinforcing the district’s commitment to preparing students to thrive in a diverse and 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 2026 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 .