Glenbrook South Named A Governor's Blue Ribbon School

GLENVIEW, IL — Glenbrook South High School has been named a 2026 Governor's Blue Ribbon School, joining 23 other Illinois schools recognized for academic excellence or progress in closing achievement gaps.

Gov. JB Pritzker and the Illinois State Board of Education announced the recipients Tuesday during a recognition ceremony at John Mills Elementary School in Elmwood Park.

Glenbrook South, part of Glenbrook High School District 225, earned the designation in the high-performing category.

The statewide honorees include 16 public schools and eight nonpublic schools. Eight were recognized for closing achievement gaps, while the remaining 16 earned recognition for high performance.

"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 recognizes schools for high academic achievement or significant progress in narrowing achievement gaps.

Illinois established the program last year after the Trump administration canceled the U.S. Department of Education's national Blue Ribbon Schools program, according to the governor’s office. The state initiative continues the tradition of recognizing students, teachers, principals and support staff for school achievement.

"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."

Other area recipients include Cumberland Elementary School in Des Plaines District 62, McKenzie Elementary School in Wilmette District 39, May Whitney Elementary School in Lake Zurich District 95 and Vernon Hills High School in District 128. All were recognized in the high-performing category.

Dawes Elementary School in Evanston-Skokie District 65 was honored for closing achievement gaps, while St. Athanasius School in Evanston earned high-performing recognition.

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