SS. Cyril And Methodius Named National Blue Ribbon School

LEMONT, IL — Saints Cyril and Methodius School in Lemont has been named a 2019 National Blue Ribbon School. U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy Devos announced the 2019 National Blue Ribbon Schools Thursday.

SS. Cyril and Methodius School was named an exemplary high-performing school. Exemplary high performing schools are among their state's highest performing schools as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests, the Department of Education said.

"The entire SS. Cyril and Methodius School family is honored to have been named a 2019 National Blue Ribbon School," Principal Shirley Tkachuk told Patch.

According to the Department of Education, the recognition is based on a school's overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups.

"We recognize and honor your important work in preparing students for successful careers and meaningful lives," said U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos in a video message to the honorees. "As a National Blue Ribbon School, your school demonstrates what is possible when committed educators hold all students and staff to high standards and create vibrant, innovative cultures of teaching and learning."

On Nov. 14 - 15, the honorees will head to an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C.

In Illinois, six non-public schools were named Blue Ribbon Schools and 50 non-public schools across the country were honored. The other honorees from Illinois include:

• Saint Benedict Preparatory School, Chicago
• Saint Raymond School, Mount Prospect
• St. Athanasius School, Evanston
• Timothy Christian High School, Elmhurst
• Wheaton Academy, West Chicago

SS. Cyril and Methodius joins the company of Lemont High School, which was named a National Blue Ribbon School in 2017.