CHICAGO – Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot and CEO of the Chicago Public Schools, Pedro Martinez, today announced the three schools receiving the 2021 National Blue Ribbon Schools in Chicago. The Blue Ribbon recognition is based on a school’s overall academic performance and progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups. The awarded schools are Disney II Magnet High School, Prosser Career Academy High School, and Walter Payton College Preparatory High School, all in District 299. 

This year, more than 325 schools were recognized nationwide and 18 in the state of Illinois, including the three CPS schools.  This year also marks the first time that Disney II Magnet and Prosser Career Academy high schools have earned this honored distinction. Walter Payton Preparatory High School has previously been recognized in 2014 and 2008. 

"I am beyond excited to celebrate the students, teachers and staff who have made this recognition possible," said Mayor Lori Lightfoot. "The Blue Ribbon is a significant accomplishment that honors the schools and their communities who have performed among the highest throughout the state and nation. I applaud and congratulate the winning schools who have not only ensured our students' safety and wellbeing throughout this pandemic, but all the while remained committed to the academic success of these students and their future."  

“Earning the National Blue Ribbon School distinction is truly empowering not just for our incredible faculty, but also for our students, their families and the surrounding community,” said District CEO, Pedro Martinez. “Earning this national distinction in the midst of a global pandemic is a sign of accomplishment, as well as a reflection of their incredible grit and perseverance. And for that I applaud our students, teachers and school leaders at these three schools of excellence and thank you for making our District and our City proud.”  

“I’m proud to stand here with resilient and dedicated students and staff who have gone above and beyond to succeed. It is encouraging to see the commitment schools have within the community, and for that, I’m sincerely impressed,” said Ald. Gilbert Villegas. “To all the Blue Ribbon awardees, especially the three schools in our City, I ‘m excited for all your efforts and for being a haven for many of our students, and for helping educate confident young people who I’m sure we will continue to achieve greater accomplishments in their academic careers.”  

“As we mark the first month of the Chicago Public Schools reopening in-person, I want to applaud the students and schools who are already making an impact. The academic achievement made possible, not just by students and teachers, but also to the parents who have trusted the district in ensuring their children are in good hands,” said Ald. Walter Burnett. “I’m impressed with the progress our community schools are making and I cannot wait to see what is ahead of each students’ educational path.”  

“Today marks a great day in the Chicago Public Schools community and families. I’m excited to see the accomplishments students are doing every day,“ said Ald. Michael Scott. “ This award is proof of our educational moving forward, and I’m confident that educators and Chicago Public Schools staff will continue to do a tremendous job to serve students across the city.”  

"Today is a day of celebration. The Blue Ribbon highlights the discipline of students and the selfless work of educators" said Alderman Jim Gardiner. "This award helps celebrate the efforts of both students and teachers, while exemplifying the positive results when those efforts are intertwined." 

The announcement was made on September 21, by U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. The coveted National Blue Ribbon Schools award affirms the hard work of educators, families, and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging and engaging content. 

National Blue Ribbon Schools from CPS include: 

1. Disney II Magnet High School, 2021 
2. Prosser Career Academy High School, 2021 
3. Walter Payton College Prep, 2021, 2014 and 2008 
4. Decatur Classical School, 2020 
5. Hancock High School, 2020 
6. Lenart Regional Gifted Center, 2020 
7. Jones College Prep, 2020, 2012 and 2006 
8. Northside College Prep, 2020, 2012 and 2011 
9. Whitney Young Magnet High School, 2020 and 2009 
10. Prescott Elementary, 2019 
11. Gwendolyn Brooks College Prep, 2018 
12. Edison Regional Gifted Center, 2018 
13. Edgar Allan Poe Classical School, 2017 
14. Hannah G. Solomon Elementary School, 2017 
15. Skinner North Elementary School, 2016 
16. LaSalle Language Academy, 2015 
17. Payton College Prep, 2014 and 2008 
18. Frazier International Magnet School, 2013 
19. Skinner West Elementary, 2013 
20. Lane Tech College Prep, 2012 
21. Audubon Elementary School, 2011 
22. Jackson Language Academy, 2010 
23. Robert A. Black Magnet Elementary, 2008 
24. Horace Greeley Elementary, 2007 
25. George Leland Elementary School, 2004 

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