Hadley Middle School in Homer Glen is one of 24 Illinois schools recognized as a 2026 Governor’s Blue Ribbon School for exemplary academic achievement, Gov. JB Pritzker and the Illinois State Board of Education recently announced.
The school was one of 16 public schools statewide, and the only school in the south and southwest suburbs, to earn the designation.
The recognition comes just months after Hadley Middle School was named a National Gold Star School from the National Association of Elementary School Principals, which was given to 57 schools nationwide, including four in Illinois.
“We’ve worked so hard over the years to make a difference for our kids,” said Kristen Schroeder, who was Hadley’s principal for 14 years before becoming principal this year at Goodings Grove Elementary School, which is also part of Homer School District 33C.
The Illinois State Board of Education identified 50 schools in April that were invited to apply for the Blue Ribbon honor. The invitation-only process ensures the program is a recognition of demonstrated performance and improvement over time, rather than a competitive or self-selected application process, the state board of education said.
Eligibility criteria mirrors what was historically used to nominate schools for the U.S. Department of Education’s National Blue Ribbon Schools program, which recognized public and private schools each year from 1982 until it was discontinued in 2025.
This is the second year Pritzker has named Blue Ribbon schools across Illinois.
“This is a prestigious award for the district,” Homer District 33C Superintendent Craig Schoppe said. “To be recognized as one of the top schools in Illinois is extremely exciting for Hadley Middle School and our district.”
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Schoppe said the achievement highlights an unwavering commitment of students, teachers, staff and families who come together to help students reach their full potential.
The district will hang a banner outside of the school, 15731 Bell Road, and recognize the honor at its school board meeting on Tuesday, Schoppe said. All honorees will also be invited to a special recognition event at the Governor’s Mansion in Springfield this spring.
After the school was invited to apply for the Blue Ribbon designation, Schroeder submitted numerous essays to document the efforts implemented to close achievement gaps, empower others and promote the culture and mission of the school.
Hadley Middle School was recognized under the Achievement Gap Closing category, which honors schools making extraordinary progress in closing performance gaps between student groups. Qualifying schools have demonstrated that student performance is improving faster than statewide averages and reflect the state’s commitment to educational equity and opportunity, the state board of education said.
Schroeder said it is important that everyone’s voice is heard.
“If you only have one person making all the decisions, you will only achieve the greatness of one person,” Schroeder said. “If you are listening to everyone’s expertise and you’re making decisions from that collective balance, you’re going to not only survive but you’re going to thrive. That is one of the things we showcased.”
Schroeder said the Hadley Mustang Way is a promise students and staff make to one another to respect everyone in the school community. The school has put social and emotional learning practices in place so that students feel they are in a safe environment, which ultimately leads to them to take ownership of their learning, Schroeder said.
“We have a philosophy that every single decision we make in the building is what is in the best interest of the students,” she said.
The school has implemented programs to help struggling students close achievement gaps and introduced the Hadley Literacy Plan to improve writing schoolwide. The plan continues to be modified, and helps promote writing across all disciplines including math and science, Schroeder said.
The school also looks at ways to ensure everyone has access to rigorous instruction.
“We are looking at what their abilities are, not what their limitations are,” Schroeder said.
The staff wants to meet the needs of its various subgroups, such as students in general education, special education, English language learners or high achieving students, so they are prepared for high school, college and beyond, Schroeder said. She said she’s seen so many of former students become young adults, enter the workforce and succeed in careers from engineering to the military.
Elective classes such as band, chorus, fine arts and world languages are seen as vital to develop well-rounded and engaged learners, Schroeder said.
The award is a testament to the educators, staff, students and families in the school, she said.
Even before Hadley was invited to apply for the Blue Ribbon designation, Schroeder had a book on her desk about the qualities that make up Blue Ribbon schools.
When she learned Hadley Middle School was this year’s recipient, she was overcome with emotion.
“It’s something we have strived for,” Schroeder said. “I’m so proud of everyone.
Michelle Mullins is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.