Pleasantdale Elementary Among 57 Nationally To Receive Top Award

WILLOW SPRINGS, IL — Pleasantdale Elementary School has been named a 2026 National Gold Star School by the National Association of Elementary School Principals.

It is a national recognition for elementary and middle schools.

According to a news release, 57 schools nationwide received Gold Star status this year. They include four in Illinois: Pleasantdale, St. Benedict Preparatory School in Chicago, Hadley Middle School in Homer Glen and St. Giles School in Oak Park.

The National Gold Star Schools program honors schools that demonstrate leadership, innovation, academic excellence and a commitment to student success, according to the news release.

This year's honorees represent diverse communities nationwide and reflect high standards in educational leadership and inclusive learning environments, the news release said.

In the release, Superintendent Dave Palzet said the award reflects the work of the wider Pleasantdale school community and "our shared commitment to providing an exceptional educational experience for every student and creating a school culture where all children can thrive."

Principal Kathleen Tomei also pointed to the role of students, staff and families in earning the honor.

"This recognition is a celebration of our students, staff, and families, whose care, dedication, and partnership make Pleasantdale Elementary School such a special place to learn and grow," Tomei said.

The school previously received the National Blue Ribbon School Award for Academic Excellence in 1997 and 2023. It has also been recognized by U.S. News & World Report among the nation's Best Schools in recent years.

Principals from the selected schools will be formally recognized at the National School Leaders Conference in July 2026 at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort in Orlando, Florida.