SPRINGFIELD
– The U.S. Department of Education today announced the 2019 National Blue Ribbon Schools, naming 25 Illinois elementary, middle, and high schools among recipients of the prestigious award. The diverse awardees include an elementary school with less than 200 students and a high school with more than 4,000 students. Sixteen are public schools, and nine are nonpublic schools. Two schools received recognition for their exemplary progress in closing achievement gaps among student groups. Twenty-three schools received recognition for overall exemplary academic performance.
“We are very proud of our 2019 Blue Ribbon Schools for exemplifying Illinois’ commitment to equity and excellence,” said State Superintendent of Education Dr. Carmen I. Ayala. “Illinois’ Blue Ribbon Schools are nationwide leaders in academic achievement. They challenge students to think critically about today’s and tomorrow’s issues and equip students with the skills they need to thrive. To the teachers, staff, administrators, students, families, and volunteers whose passion and drive make their schools great, congratulations on a well-deserved recognition.”