U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona gave a salute to 297 schools, including 17 in Illinois, as National Blue Ribbon Schools for this year. This honor is based on a school’s overall academic performance, or progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups.
“Congratulations to our 17 National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2022! I couldn’t be prouder of our extraordinary educators, students, and communities, for all of their hard work day in and day out,” said State governor, JB Pritzker.
“In Illinois, we strive to set our students up for success, from cradle to career. And these schools are doing exactly that, all while exemplifying the values of equity and excellence along the way. To our Illinois National Blue Ribbon Schools: here’s to your continued success and setting the national standard for years to come.”
“We are extremely proud of our 2022 National Blue Ribbon School award recipients,” said State superintendent of education, Dr. Carmen I. Ayala. “This prestigious award affirms and validates the hard work of our students, educators, families, and communities. Illinois’ Blue Ribbon Schools will serve as nationwide models for effective educational practices, and I want to wish heartfelt congratulations to all those whose passion and drive have warranted this well-deserved recognition.”
The U.S. Department of Education began the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program in 1982 to bring public attention to exemplary schools in the United States and to spread awareness for best practices. The Illinois schools named as National Blue Ribbon Schools are:
• Chicago – Christ the King Elementary School, Archdiocese of Chicago;
• Deerfield – Deerfield High School, Township High School District 113;
• Dunlap – Hickory Grove Elementary School, Dunlap Community Unit School District 323;
• Frankfort – Chelsea Elementary School, Frankfort Community Consolidated School District 157C;
• Joliet – Eisenhower Academy, Joliet Public Schools District 86;
• Lincolnshire – Daniel Wright Junior High School, Lincolnshire-Prairieview School District 103;
• Naperville – Elmwood Elementary School, Naperville Community Unit School District 203;
• Naperville – Highlands Elementary School, Naperville Community Unit School District 203;
• Naperville – Steeple Run Elementary School, Naperville Community Unit School District 203;
• Northbrook – Wescott Elementary School, Northbrook/Glenview School District 30;
• Northbrook – Westmoor Elementary School, Northbrook School District 28;
• Northbrook – Wood Oaks Junior High School, Northbrook Educational School District 27;
• Oak Brook – Brook Forest Elementary School, Butler School District 53;
• Palos Park – Palos West Elementary School, Palos Community Consolidated School District 118;
• Peoria – Ridgeview Elementary School, Dunlap Community Unit School District 323;
• St. Charles – St. Charles North High School, St. Charles Community Unit School District 303;
• West Chicago – Norton Creek Elementary School, St. Charles Community Unit School District 303.
— Kane County Regional Office of Education