Saint Viator, Two Lake Zurich Schools Receive 2024 Blue Ribbon Recognition
October 1, 2024
Saint Viator High School, Lake Zurich Middle School North and Lake Zurich High School were recognized as 2024 National Blue Ribbon schools by the U.S. Department of Education on Monday.
U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona recognized 356 U.S. schools as the 2024 cohort of National Blue Ribbon Schools. This prestigious recognition highlights schools that excel in academic performance or make significant strides in closing achievement gaps among different student groups.
In Illinois, 18 schools received this recognition. Ten of the schools are located in the North, West and Northwest suburbs of Chicago. The recognized suburban schools were John Hersey and St. Viator high schools in Arlington Heights; Jefferson Elementary School in Elmhurst; Heartland Elementary School in Geneva; Oak Grove School in Green Oaks; Lake Zurich Middle School North in Hawthorn Woods; Lake Zurich High School in Lake Zurich; and Naperville Central and Neuqua Valley high schools as well as Scott Elementary School in Naperville.
“The National Blue Ribbon Schools Award is a testament to the exceptional achievements of students and educators at each of these schools,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “The 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools are raising the bar for our nation’s students, serving as models for effective teaching and intentional collaboration in their schools and communities. As we celebrate their achievements, let us look to these schools for inspiration as we champion education as the foundation of a brighter future for every child.”
The 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools reflect the full diversity of American education and serve students from all backgrounds. While awardees represent a wide array of schools, they share common traits. National Blue Ribbon Schools are led by leaders who articulate a clear vision of instructional excellence and uphold high standards. They showcase effective teaching methods and offer robust professional development for their staff. Data-driven instruction is a hallmark, and there is a concerted effort to ensure every student succeeds. Collaboration among families, communities, and educators is a key component of their success.
“This is an incredible honor for our school community,” said Principal of Saint Viator Jon Baffico in a press release. “To receive the Blue Ribbon Award three times in our history is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and talent of our students, staff, and parents. We are truly grateful for this recognition and will continue to strive for excellence in all that we do.”
The Department recognizes all schools based on student performance data including assessment results, student subgroup performance, and graduation rates. Schools are recognized in both or either of two performance categories:
Exemplary High Performing Schools: These schools are among the top performers in their state as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests.
Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools: These schools excel in narrowing achievement gaps between different student groups and the overall student body
Each nominated school submits a comprehensive application detailing its school culture, programs, assessments, instructional practices, professional development, leadership, family, and community involvement. Up to 420 schools may be nominated each year. The Department invites nominations for the National Blue Ribbon Schools award from the top education officials in all states, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories, the Department of Defense Education Activity, and the Bureau of Indian Education. Private schools are nominated by the Council for American Private Education.
To see the full list of recognized schools, click HERE.
Photo Credit: St. Viator