24 Illinois Schools Earn Governor’s Blue Ribbon Honors

Twenty-four Illinois schools have been named 2026 Governor's Blue Ribbon Schools, earning recognition for high academic achievement or significant progress in closing achievement gaps.

Gov. JB Pritzker and the Illinois State Board of Education announced the recipients Tuesday during a ceremony at John Mills Elementary School in Elmwood Park, one of this year's honorees.

The list includes 16 public schools and eight nonpublic schools representing urban, suburban and rural communities. Sixteen received high-performing recognition, while eight were honored for closing achievement gaps.

"I want to congratulate our 2026 Governor's Blue Ribbon Schools, who demonstrate what is possible when students, educators, families, and communities come together to support our children in reaching their full potential," Pritzker said in the announcement.

Now in its second year, the state program follows the model of the federal Blue Ribbon Schools program. Illinois established its version last year after the Trump administration canceled the U.S. Department of Education’s national program, according to the governor's office.

"Being named a Governor's Blue Ribbon School is a remarkable achievement and a testament to the hard work of students, educators, staff, and families," State Superintendent of Education Tony Sanders said in the release.

"These schools have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to student success, whether through exceptional academic performance or meaningful progress in closing achievement gaps."

John Mills Elementary, which hosted Tuesday's ceremony, was recognized for closing achievement gaps. The governor's office said 40 percent of its students are English learners and 58 percent come from low-income households. The announcement credited inclusive instruction, targeted support and partnerships with families and the community.

All 24 honorees will also be invited to a recognition event at the Governor's Mansion in Springfield this spring.

Public School Honorees

• Brookview Elementary School, Rockford Public Schools — Achievement Gap Closing.
• Builta Elementary School, Indian Prairie School District 204 — High Performing.
• Cumberland Elementary School, Community Consolidated School District 62 — High Performing.
• Dawes Elementary School, Evanston-Skokie School District 65 — Achievement Gap Closing.
• Glenbrook South High School, Glenbrook High School District 225 — High Performing.
• Hadley Middle School, Homer Community Consolidated School District 33C — Achievement Gap Closing.
• John Mills Elementary School, Elmwood Park Community Unit School District 401 — Achievement Gap Closing.
• Lincoln Elementary School, River Forest School District 90 — High Performing.
• Mahomet-Seymour High School, Mahomet-Seymour Community Unit School District 3 — High Performing.
• May Whitney Elementary School, Lake Zurich Community Unit School District 95 — High Performing.
• McKenzie Elementary School, Wilmette Public Schools District 39 — High Performing.
• Midwest Central Primary School, Midwest Central Community Unit School District 191 — Achievement Gap Closing.
• Richland County Elementary School, Richland County Community Unit School District 1 — Achievement Gap Closing.
• Seventh Avenue School, La Grange School District 105 — High Performing.
• Vernon Hills High School, Community High School District 128 — High Performing.
• Winnebago Elementary School, Marquardt School District 15 — Achievement Gap Closing.

Nonpublic School Honorees

• Alphonsus Academy & Center for the Arts, Chicago — High Performing.
• Divine Providence Catholic School, Westchester — Achievement Gap Closing.
• Queen of Angels Catholic Elementary School, Chicago — High Performing.
• Saint Andrew School, Chicago — High Performing.
• Saint Clement School, Chicago — High Performing.
• St. Athanasius School, Evanston — High Performing.
• St. Benedict Preparatory School, Chicago — High Performing.
• St. Mary of the Angels School, Chicago — High Performing.