On May 25, 2025, the Hoboken Public School District in Hoboken, New Jersey, received the Best Communities for Music Education award from The NAMM Foundation. This is the fifth year in a row the district has received this award. The honor recognizes districts across the United States that show strong results in providing quality music education to all students.
The award program, now in its 26th year, looks closely at how well schools support music. Hoboken continues to meet and exceed the national standards.
- Hoboken Public School District received its fifth consecutive Best Communities for Music Education award from The NAMM Foundation on May 25, 2025.
- The district met verified national standards in funding, student participation, instructional time, facilities, and community support, confirmed by the Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas.
- The program meets Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) requirements and supports improved academics, graduation rates, memory, and social skills.
Award Based on Verified National Criteria
To qualify for the Best Communities for Music Education award, the Hoboken Public School District was required to complete a comprehensive survey that examined the following areas in detail:
- Funding specifically allocated to music education programs
- Student participation rates across grade levels and schools
- Instructional time dedicated to music classes during the academic year
- Music facilities and equipment are available to students and educators
- Community support, including parent and local organization involvement
The completed survey was verified by Hoboken school district officials, ensuring that all submitted data was accurate. After verification, the results were independently reviewed by The Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas, which partners with The NAMM Foundation to assess the validity and performance of applying school districts.
This rigorous process means that only districts that can prove a strong and consistent commitment to high-quality music instruction receive this designation.
Hoboken’s Program Matches Federal Education Law
Hoboken’s music program also follows the rules in the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). ESSA is a federal law that replaced the No Child Left Behind Act in 2015. The law says that music and the arts are important parts of a complete education.
Because Hoboken offers music to all students and includes it in the regular school day, it meets the federal standard. This helps show why the district continues to be recognized at the national level.
Research Supports Benefits of Music Education
David Stasiak, the District Coordinator of Music and Performing Arts, explained that music helps students in many ways.
Studies show that students who take music classes:
- Develop stronger language and reasoning skills
- Score higher on standardized tests
- Are more likely to graduate high school
- Show improved cognitive processing, memory, and attention
- Learn essential social skills like teamwork, self-discipline, and confidence
These results are measurable and have been tracked across both short-term academic achievement and long-term life outcomes.
Community and School Support Make It Possible
This award also shows that Hoboken supports the arts as a full community. The school district continues to fund music programs every year. Parents attend student concerts and support music classes through fundraisers and events.
Without this support, the programs would not grow. The school board, teachers, families, and community groups all help make music part of every student’s education.
About The NAMM Foundation
The NAMM Foundation is a nonprofit group supported by the National Association of Music Merchants and its 15,000 members worldwide. The Foundation supports music education by giving grants, sharing research, and helping schools and communities start or grow music programs.
You can learn more at www.nammfoundation.org.
