Brookview Elementary Named 2026 Governor's Blue Ribbon School

Brookview Elementary has been named a 2026 Governor's Blue Ribbon School, earning one of the state's highest recognitions for educational excellence. The school is one of just 24 schools statewide to receive the distinction this year.

“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,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “All across the state, Illinois schools are reaching new heights in school performance, graduation rates, and learning proficiency – a testament to the passion and dedication of our teachers and the power of sustained public investment in education.”

The Illinois Governor's Blue Ribbon Schools Program recognizes public and nonpublic schools that demonstrate exceptional student outcomes through outstanding academic performance or success in closing achievement gaps. Brookview Elementary was recognized as an Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing School.

“I am especially proud of the way our team continues to grow together,” said Brookview Elementary Principal Melanie Dalton. “We have embraced collaboration, strengthened our systems of support, focused on student achievement, and continued to ask ourselves what more we can do to help every child succeed. We know that excellence is not a destination; it is a commitment we make every day.

The Blue Ribbon Award is not the finish line. It is a celebration of how far we have come and a reminder of the responsibility we have to keep moving forward.

I am incredibly proud to serve as the principal of Brookview Elementary. This recognition reflects the dedication of our TEAM, the relationships we have built, and our shared belief that every student deserves the opportunity to achieve more than they ever thought possible.

Together, we have accomplished something special. And together, we will continue to grow, learn, and make a difference — because at Brookview, Together Everyone Achieves More.”

"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," said State Superintendent of Education Dr. Tony Sanders. "These schools have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to student success, whether through exceptional academic performance or meaningful progress in closing achievement gaps. Their accomplishments reflect the strength of Illinois education and provide examples of excellence for schools across our state."

Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) announced recipients on Oct. 20. All 2026 Governor's Blue Ribbon School recipients will be invited to a special recognition event at the Governor's Mansion in Springfield this spring.

The Governor's Blue Ribbon Schools Program was established in 2025, after the federal administration abruptly ended the prestigious U.S. Department of Education program. The Governor’s Blue Ribbon Schools Program continues the longstanding tradition of recognizing educational excellence in Illinois schools. Schools receiving the designation serve as models for effective teaching, learning, and student support across the state.

Continue reading for the official correspondence from the Governor's Office.

Twenty-four schools were recognized for exemplary academic achievement; state program models prestigious federal Blue Ribbon program canceled by the Trump Administration

ELMWOOD PARK – Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) today announced 24 schools recognized as 2026 Governor's Blue Ribbon Schools during a recognition ceremony at John Mills Elementary School in Elmwood Park. Now in its second year, the program celebrates schools that demonstrate educational excellence through high academic achievement or significant progress in closing achievement gaps.

The 2026 class of Governor's Blue Ribbon Schools includes 16 public schools and eight nonpublic schools representing communities throughout Illinois. Together, these schools reflect the breadth of Illinois' educational landscape, including rural and suburban districts as well as urban communities serving students across the state.

Last year, the state stepped up to establish the program shortly after the Trump Administration abruptly canceled the U.S. Department of Education’s prestigious nationwide program. The Governor's Blue Ribbon Schools Program carries forward a longstanding 40 year tradition of honoring schools based on exemplary student achievement and improvements and serves as an annual opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the hard work of principals, teachers, support staff, and students setting a new standard of excellence.

This year's celebration was hosted by John Mills Elementary School in Elmwood Park Community Unit School District 401, one of eight schools honored as an Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing School. Serving a diverse student population, including 40% English learners and 58% students from low-income households, John Mills has demonstrated exceptional success in helping students achieve at high levels through inclusive instructional practices, targeted supports, and strong partnerships with families and the community.

Illinois continues to invest in public education through evidence-based funding and other funding and programs that help schools expand opportunities for students and strengthen academic outcomes statewide. Since taking office, Governor Pritzker has increased evidenced-based funding for schools by more than $2.5 billion. By continuing the Governor's Blue Ribbon Schools Program, Illinois is ensuring that the accomplishments of outstanding schools, students, and educators are recognized and celebrated while inspiring excellence in communities across the state. All honorees will also be invited to a special recognition event at the Governor’s Mansion in Springfield this spring.

2026 Governor's Blue Ribbon Schools

Public Schools

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 CUSD 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 CUSD 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 Schools

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)

“Congratulations to the students, educators and families of John Mills Elementary on this well-deserved Blue Ribbon recognition,” said Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park). “You’ve given Elmwood Park a wonderful reason to celebrate. The Governor’s Blue Ribbon Schools program ensures that Illinois continues to recognize outstanding schools and the hard work that helps our students succeed.”

“Throughout the years, I’ve seen the amazing work John Mills Elementary School has done to support our students. They're an outstanding institution that has demonstrated their commitment to academic achievement and uplifting students within our community,” said state Rep. Norma Hernandez (D-Melrose Park). “Our teachers and staff show up everyday to guarantee our students are getting the best education and have a support system they can rely on. That’s why, it’s important that we celebrate this exemplary achievement and continue funding our local schools and educational programs so we can guide more students towards success.”