Several area schools are among the 28 in the state that have been announced as recipients in the Governor’s Blue Ribbon School Award program, which honors public and private K-12 schools with exemplary academic performance.
The statewide recognition was quickly instituted after the national Blue Ribbon Schools program, started in 1982, was recently eliminated by the U.S. Department of Education.
The national awards were instituted to recognize exemplary public and nonpublic schools based on student achievement measures. Illinois will continue the recognition using the same criteria — including assessment results, student subgroup performance, and accountability status, according to the Illinois State Board of Education.
All 28 schools being lauded by the state — 15 public schools and 13 private schools — will be recognized at a special event at the Governor’s Mansion in Springfield in the spring of 2026.
Local schools among the 28 are Clarendon Hills Middle School and Walker School in Hinsdale-Clarendon Hills Elementary District 181, Highlands Elementary School in La Grange Highlands Elementary District 106, Pleasantdale Middle School in Pleasantdale Elementary District 107 in Burr Ridge, Lyons Township High School in La Grange, and St. John of the Cross Parish School in Western Springs.
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Other area Blue Ribbon schools are Timothy Christian in Elmhurst and Ascension Catholic School and St. Giles School, both in Oak Park.
In District 181, Superintendent Hector Garcia called the recognition for Walker School and Clarendon Hills Middle School more than an award.
“It is a powerful validation of our district’s unwavering commitment to excellence,” he said.
Levi Brown, principal of Clarendon Hills Middle School, added, “We are profoundly proud of the consistent dedication and hard work exhibited by our students and staff.”
Eric Chisausky, principal of Walker School, said the school community has demonstrably earned the award.
“I have observed our students and staff at Walker School consistently exceeding expectations in their academic pursuits,” he said.
John Munch, superintendent of La Grange Highlands Elementary District 106, said Highlands Elementary School receiving this award is a tremendous honor and a testament to the education and experience students receive.
“I am so thankful for our staff’s effort and commitment to make Highlands a school that is worthy of this kind of recognition,” he said. “Our excellence is truly a team effort; our support staff, teaching staff, administrative team, and parent community all play an important role in making our district such a great place for students.”
Munch also said he appreciates the efforts of Illinois State Board of Education and Gov. JB Pritzker to honor Blue Ribbon schools after the federal program was discontinued by the U.S. Department of Education.
Dave Palzet, superintendent of Pleasantdale Elementary District 107 in Burr Ridge said the award for Pleasantdale Middle School affirms the hard work of educators, families, and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools, where students master challenging and engaging content.
“This recognition is a tremendous honor and a reflection of the outstanding work happening every day in our classrooms,” he said. “Our students, staff, and families have worked together to build a culture of excellence. The Blue Ribbon Award validates that what we are doing is right and good for kids.”
Chuck Fieldman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.