Dayton, OH — The Council for American Private Education (CAPE) announced today that Chaminade Julienne Catholic High School (CJ) is Ohio’s only private school to receive the 2025 CAPE Blue Ribbon School Award, formally the 2025 National Blue Ribbon School Award, having met the U.S. Department of Education’s criteria for this prestigious national recognition.

In mid-August, CJ received a congratulatory packet from the U.S. Department of Education’s National Blue Ribbon Schools (NBRS) program, which stated:

“On behalf of the U.S. Department of Education’s National Blue Ribbon School program team, I want to congratulate you on your award. Once the Secretary of Education announces the awardees, it is time to celebrate your success!”

Following the guidance provided, Chaminade Julienne waited until the formal national announcement, scheduled for September, to celebrate. However, in late August, the U.S. Department of Education unexpectedly discontinued the National Blue Ribbon Schools Award program, canceling the official recognition process for all 2025 nominees nationwide.

Nonetheless, CAPE chose to announce the private schools across the country nominated for the award. Chaminade Julienne was identified as a 2025 recipient in the Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools category. According to CAPE, this distinction is reserved for schools that “excel in narrowing achievement gaps between different student groups and the overall student body.”

“I’m immensely proud of this group of educators and teachers who have made this achievement a reality,” said Greg Mueller, principal. “CJ’s recognition in the category of Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing, which illustrates our commitment to serve all learners and prepare them to succeed in college, highlights the commitment of our people, the quality of our programs, and the dedication we all feel to our mission.”

“This recognition is a testament to the commitment and faith-driven professionalism of our teachers and staff members,” said Dan Meixner, president. “It affirms the transformational work they do every day to support all students and uphold the foundations and traditions of our sponsors, the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur and the Marianists.”

This is the second time that Chaminade Julienne Catholic High School has received this award. In 1989, Chaminade Julienne was recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a National School of Excellence (the predecessor to The National Blue Ribbon Schools Award) in honor of the school’s rich tradition, committed faculty, diverse student body, and supportive community.

Chaminade Julienne is a private, co-educational Catholic high school in Dayton. The school was founded in 1850 with the Marianists’ St. Mary’s School for Boys and has operated at its current location on Franklin and Ludlow Streets in Dayton, Ohio, since 1886, with the establishment of Notre Dame Academy by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur. The school is proud of its cosmopolitan composition, with a population of approximately 700 students in grades 9-12 representing 50 different zip codes from around the region, and nearly 50 students in grades 7-8 for the first year of operating a middle school during the 2025-2026 school year. Chaminade Julienne is owned and operated by the Marianists and the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur