Elementary schools in La Grange and Oak Park are among 57 schools nationwide, and four in Illinois, that have been recognized as National Gold Star Schools by the National Association of Elementary School Principals.
Pleasantdale Elementary School in La Grange and St. Giles School in Oak Park join Hadley Middle School in Homer Glen and St. Benedict Preparatory School in Chicago as the schools chosen in Illinois. Overall, the 57 schools getting National Gold Star School recognition are located in 29 states.
NAESP honors elementary and middle-level schools where learning communities work collaboratively to grow and demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement of performance, according to information from the organization.
Each year, recognized schools are selected by the NAESP National Gold Star School Advisory Committee, comprised of NAESP National Distinguished Principals from each NAESP zone, according to the organization.
Elementary and middle-level principals and assistant principals who are current members of NAESP may nominate their public or private school for National Gold Star School recognition.
“We were honored to be selected because our application reflected how Pleasantdale intentionally builds systems, culture, and empowered practices that support students and adults at high levels,” Pleasantdale School Principal Kathleen J. Tomei said.
She said she and others at the school learned of the recognition in May.
“My first reaction was genuine gratitude — both for the recognition itself and for what it represents about our school community,” Tomei said. “This honor is a reflection of our students, our staff, and our families working together toward shared goals. I am proud of the ‘uniquely Pleasantdale”’experience we create every day and deeply appreciative of the collective effort that makes that possible.”
Tomei said the award is meaningful affirmation for everyone who supports, attends, and works at Pleasantdale School.
“Pleasantdale truly is a special place,” she said. “And while that may sound simple, there is something you can feel when you walk into our building. People often describe it as a ‘happy school that radiates joy,’ and I believe that comes from strong relationships, a shared sense of purpose, and adults who are deeply committed to doing what is best for students.”
Tomei said being recognized at the national level is energizing.
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“We celebrate this moment, but we don’t view it as an endpoint,” she said. “Instead, we see it as motivation to keep learning, improving, and expanding what we can offer our students and families. In many ways, it feels like a launching point for what’s next.”
Tomei said she believes her school was recognized because work there is truly centered on people and driven by a shared commitment to students.
“Students remain at the center of every decision we make,” she said. “Our staff understands that each person plays an important — and different — role in making Pleasantdale what it is.
“We work intentionally to provide a supportive and engaging learning experience, partner closely with families, and build systems that strengthen adult learning and growth. That combination—strong culture, aligned systems, and empowered people practices—creates the conditions where students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.”
St. Giles School Principal Meg Bigane said those at the school are “absolutely thrilled” with the recognition. St. Giles was one of two Catholic schools in the Archdiocese to receive the award.
“Being acknowledged by fellow school principals and educational leaders is especially meaningful to us,” she said. “Our school community takes great pride in celebrating accomplishments together, and to receive this honor from our educational peers is incredibly rewarding.”
Bigane said the award is a tremendous source of pride for the entire school community.
“We began the school year with the incredible honor of being recognized as a Blue Ribbon School, both nationally and in Illinois, and to conclude the year with this additional distinction makes the achievement even more meaningful,” she said. “Ending the school year on this positive and inspiring note is something we will all remember with great pride.
“The Gold Star Award is a reflection of the dedication, hard work, and commitment of our students, staff, and families. It represents a year filled with excellence, growth, and shared success across our entire school community.”
Bigane said she believes St. Giles was recognized because of the commitment it makes every day to providing both a strong academic foundation and a supportive social-emotional environment for its students and families.
“Our teachers and staff truly know and care about each student, and we approach everything we do with the entire family in mind at St. Giles,” she said. “Our school community consistently goes above and beyond to build meaningful connections and a strong sense of belonging, and we are proud to share that spirit of community with others.”
Chuck Fieldman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.