State Board Names ​Palos South Exemplary School

Palos South Middle School has been named an exemplary school by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) joining an elite group in the top 10% of all middle schools in the State of Illinois and one of only 14 schools in the South Cook region to achieve the honor.

Palos South Principal Dr. Stuart Wrzesinski said that a team approach has helped the school excel.

“I’m proud to work with such a dedicated group of staff and students who have helped South achieve these outstanding outcomes and our recognition as an exemplary school,” he said.

In addition to the honors for Palos South, Palos School District 118 received high marks on the recently released state report card for schools with 70% of the District’s students meeting or exceeding state standards in English Language Arts (ELA) putting it in the 97th percentile; a 10% gain in the number of students meeting or exceeding in ELA compared to the previous year puts students in the 92nd percentile; and the 93rd percentile for meeting or exceeding state standards in math. In the category of eighth graders passing Algebra I, the District was in the 97th percentile.

Other good news from the state report card included that the Palos 118 was among the Top 10% of districts in their performance in science statewide, was among the highest performers in science in South Cook and was among only 6 school districts in the state that spent less per student and had higher achievement in reading.

In terms of return on investment for residents, Palos 118 continues to be a destination district that spends approximately $1,000 less per student than the state average with nearly double the percent of students meeting or exceeding in both reading and math compared to the state average.

Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Anthony Scarsella, said that the District has a legacy of being good stewards of public funds while returning exceptional results for its families and the communities it serves.

“We’re proud to be a low-spending, high-performing District that continues to excel in the important work of ensuring that all of our students reach their full potential academically,” he said, noting that Palos South joins the other schools in the District in being recognized for outstanding performance. Palos West Elementary was recognized as a 2022 National Blue Ribbon School and Palos East Elementary was recognized as an exemplary school by ISBE in 2020.

School Board President Pam Paris said she is encouraged to see that students continue to reach the high standards and expectations set by teachers and support staff.

“I’m so proud to be serving on an award winning board of education that is dedicated to continuing District 118’s long-standing legacy of academic excellence,” she said.