Northbrook Junior High is one of 20 schools in Illinois to receive the 2023 National Blue Ribbon School award, according to a news release.
The recognition is based on the school’s overall academic performance. National Blue Ribbon Schools serve as models of effective and innovative school practices for state and district educators and other schools throughout the nation, according to the release.
“It is an extraordinary achievement for the students and staff at Northbrook Junior High to be recognized with the National Blue Ribbon,” said Superintendent Jason Pearson. “This is a highly competitive award and demonstrates the commitment of our staff, students, and community to maintain a focus on continuous improvement in the school and learning environment.”
Northbrook Junior High is among the 353 schools recognized by the U.S. Department of Education for the 2023 award, the release said.
“The honorees for our 2023 National Blue Ribbon Schools Award have set a national example for what it means to Raise the Bar in education,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona in a release from the U.S. Department of Education. “The leaders, educators, and staff at our National Blue Ribbon Schools continually inspire me with their dedication to fostering academic excellence and building positive school cultures that support students of all backgrounds to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.”
NBJH Principal Scott Meek said the school’s culture is designed around all aspects of a student’s development and contributes to academic success, according to a news release.
“At NBJH, our goal is to provide a safe and supportive learning environment where students feel empowered to take risks and challenge themselves in and out of the classroom. We are always looking for new ways to involve students in planning activities and making decisions,” Meek said in the release. “We can do that because we have such hardworking and dedicated staff members who truly focus on our students’ success, and our parent community is extremely supportive of their children’s education.”
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Northbrook Junior High joins two other District 28 schools in receiving the National Blue Ribbon School award. Westmoor School received the award in 2022 and Greenbriar School in 2013. Northbrook Junior High also received the award in 1992, the release said.
Meek, Pearson and a representative teacher will travel to Washington, D.C. on Nov. 16-17 to accept the award. A special school celebration is being planned for after Thanksgiving break.