20 Illinois schools win National Blue Ribbon awards, including 1 in St. Clair County

Meredith Howard
·4 min read

The U.S. Department of Education recently recognized more than 350 schools for their performance, including 20 in Illinois and one in St. Clair County, with Blue Ribbon awards.

“The recognition is based on a school’s overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student groups on assessments,” the U.S. Department of Education wrote in a Sept. 19 press release.

Along with a St. Clair County school, an institution in southern Illinois also made the list. This is the 40th year the federal department has given the award, and up to 420 schools can be nominated each year.

National Blue Ribbon Schools state-by-state
National Blue Ribbon Schools state-by-state

There are two award designations. “Exemplary high-performing schools” perform among the best in their state for state assessments or “nationally normed tests,” the department says.

“Exemplary achievement gap-closing schools” are among the top institutions in their state for closing achievement gaps between a school’s “student groups” and all students. Schools nominated for this award must complete an “extensive narrative application describing their school culture and philosophy, curriculum, assessments, instructional practices, professional development, leadership structures, and parent and community involvement.”

Here’s what to know about the schools in St. Clair County and southern Illinois that won in this year’s Blue Ribbon awards:

Lebanon Elementary School

Lebanon Elementary School received a Blue Ribbon award in the Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools category.

The institution has 275 students enrolled, according to the Illinois Report Card, with a 96% retention rate. The chronic absenteeism rate is 16%.

“Congratulations to Lebanon Elementary School on winning the Blue Ribbon School Award! This prestigious recognition is awarded to schools that demonstrate excellence in education,” Allison Gaubatz, president of the board, wrote in an emailed statement to the News-Democrat. “Winning this award is a testament to the district’s commitment to providing high-quality education and fostering a positive learning environment.

“Lebanon Elementary School now serves as a model of effective and innovative school practices for state and district educators throughout the nation,” Gaubatz continued. “Attaining the Blue Ribbon Award is an affirmation and validation of the hard work of the students, educators, families, and community striving for exemplary achievement. There are no words to adequately express my gratitude to the educators for the invaluable contributions and their unwavering commitment to education. This is a great day to be a Greyhound!”

Here’s how Lebanon Elementary School performed in proficiency assessments in 2022:

  • English language arts: 46% proficiency rate (compared to 29.9% statewide)

  • Science: 76% (compared to 50% statewide)

  • Math: 43% (compared to 25.8% statewide)

Franklin Elementary School

Metropolis’ Franklin Elementary School received a Blue Ribbon award in the Exemplary High Performing Schools category.

Franklin Elementary School was named an exemplary school by the Illinois Report Card as it ranked in the top 10% of schools statewide, with no underperforming student groups.

The school has 121 students, with a retention rate of 91% and an 11% chronic absenteeism rate.

“Franklin Elementary is honored to be recognized as a 2023 National Blue Ribbon School. We strive to instill high standards in our students everyday through our teaching from academics to social-emotional skills. This award has proven that hard work by all our students, staff and parents each day equals success. The students are greeted as soon as they step out of the car or off the bus and feel at home when they walk in the doors, and I feel that our school culture plays an important role in our high attendance rate. Franklin Elementary is so proud to have this recognition in our small community,” Candace Armstrong, principal of Franklin and Jefferson elementary schools, wrote in an emailed statement to the News-Democrat.

Here’s how Franklin Elementary School performed in proficiency assessments in 2022:

  • English language arts: 71.2% proficiency rate

  • Science: 74%

  • Math: 63.9%

Illinois Blue Ribbon schools

Here are the 20 Illinois institutions recognized in this year’s Blue Ribbon awards:

  • Arnett C. Lines Elementary School (Barrington)

  • Ellsworth Elementary School (Naperville)

  • Forest Hills Elementary School (Western Springs)

  • Franklin Elementary School (Metropolis)

  • Geneva Community High School (Geneva)

  • Glenbrook North High School (Northbrook)

  • Hiawatha Elementary School (Kirkland)

  • Lebanon Elementary School (Lebanon)

  • Northbrook Junior High School (Northbrook)

  • Oak Ridge Elementary School (Palos Hills)

  • Pleasantdale Elementary School (La Grange)

  • Prairie Hills Elementary School (South Beloit)

  • Prospect High School (Mt. Prospect)

  • Romona Elementary School (Wilmette)

  • Rondout Elementary School (Lake Forest)

  • Saint Francis High School (Wheaton)

  • Saint Joan of Arc School (Lisle)

  • School of Saints Faith, Hope and Charity (Winnetka)

  • St. Isaac Jogues Elementary School (Hinsdale)

  • Teutopolis Junior High School (Teutopolis)