Three West40 Area Schools Earn Governor's Blue Ribbon Honors
It’s one of the highest honors students and educators can receive in education and this year three West Cook County area schools have been named a 2026 Illinois Governor’s Blue Ribbon School.
The honors go to John Mills Elementary (Elmwood Park District 401), Lincoln Elementary School (River Forest School District 90), and Seventh Avenue School (La Grange School District 105). The state-wide award honors schools that have demonstrated educational excellence through high academic achievement or significant progress in closing achievement gaps.
This year only 16 public schools out of the 4,300 public schools in Illinois received the honor. Eight nonpublic schools were also named award winners.
On Tuesday, Governor J. B. Pritzker announced the 24 schools at a ceremony at John Mills Elementary School.
In 2025, the state established the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Schools program shortly after the federal program was cancelled.
“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 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.”
John Mills Elementary was recognized as an Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing School.
“When I think about our progress in closing the achievement gap and being recognized by ISBE and the Governor’s Office, I think about our teachers, the planning, the collaboration, and the care that goes into answering one essential question: ‘What do our students need next?’” said Frank Kuzniewski, Principal of John Mills Elementary School.
District 105 superintendent Dr. Brian Ganan said the Exemplary High Performing school honor for Seventh Avenue School reflects years of steady, thoughtful work people who show up for children every day.
“It belongs to our staff, our students, our families, and a community that has championed this school for so many years,” said Ganan.
Lincoln Elementary in River Forest is now a two-time honoree, having been previously recognized as a national Blue Ribbon School in 2015 by the U. S. Department of Education.
Lincoln was recognized as an Exemplary High Performing School for demonstrating consistently strong academic outcomes over time.
“This recognition speaks directly to the heart and dedication woven into our classrooms every day,” said Casey Godfrey, principal of Lincoln since 2015. “At Lincoln, high achievement isn’t just about test scores, it’s the natural outcome of a school culture where every single child feels seen, valued, and genuinely supported.”
All three West40 area partner districts honored the award-winning schools with celebratory assemblies
