10/10/2025
Chicago, IL (October 10, 2025) — William H. Prescott Elementary School is proud to announce that it has been designated a 2025 Illinois Governor’s Blue Ribbon School, and is the only Chicago public school to be recognized this year. This marks the second time Prescott has received this distinguished honor. The school was named a National Blue Ribbon Award recipient for the first time in 2019. This accolade comes as part of a new state program launched by Governor J.B. Pritzker to replace the U.S. Department of Education’s prestigious nationwide Blue Ribbon Schools program which was abruptly cancelled by the federal administration in August, shortly before the recipients were set to be announced.
“Being named a Blue Ribbon School for the second time is an incredible honor for Prescott,” said Prescott Principal Dr. Erin Roche. “This award reflects the dedication and caring spirit of our teachers and staff, as well as the brilliance, determination and agency of our students. I’m so proud of the community we’ve built together and all that we continue to accomplish.”
Why Prescott Stands Out
Prescott’s success is rooted in a student-centered approach that focuses on holistic growth. The school is committed not only to academic excellence but also to nurturing students’ social-emotional, physical and moral development. Prescott sets high expectations for all students, ensuring each child is challenged and supported. Teachers and staff are intentional about meeting students’ academic and social needs, and the school actively celebrates every student’s background and contributions to the community.
“What I love most about Prescott is how we meet kids right where they are,” said Lisandra Barajas, a kindergarten teacher at Prescott. “It’s amazing to watch students grow in so many ways — academically, socially and emotionally — and to know they feel cared for every step of the way. It’s a really special place to teach and to learn.”
About the Illinois Governor’s Blue Ribbon Program
Following the federal administration’s cancellation of the U.S. Department of Education’s National Blue Ribbon Schools Program, Illinois established its own state-level recognition to continue celebrating exceptional schools. Under the new program, 28 Illinois schools in 2025 are being honored for exemplary academic performance and leadership. Prescott joins this distinguished group of Illinois public schools.
“At a moment when quality education is more important than ever, we will never abandon our pursuit of academic excellence or recognition of the teachers and students doing the hard work every day – that’s why we are proud to honor 28 Illinois schools as part of the new Governor’s Blue Ribbon Schools Program,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Illinois will always strive to give our students and schools the tools and support they need to succeed. Nothing is more important than our children, and education is the foundation of strong communities, the stability of our democracy, and the health of our economy.”
All honorees will be invited to a special recognition event at the Governor’s Mansion in Springfield this spring.
“Being designated a Governor’s Blue Ribbon School is an incredible distinction, and these schools deserve to be celebrated,” said State Superintendent of Education, Dr. Tony Sanders. “For more than 40 years, earning the prestigious national award served as a badge of honor for students, staff, and families. Illinois is proud to carry on that tradition this year and to recognize the outstanding achievements of our students and educators. I congratulate this year’s honorees for their tremendous accomplishments and thank them for serving as models of excellence for schools across the state.”
About William H. Prescott Elementary School
Prescott is a neighborhood Chicago public school where academics are rigorous, where teachers are highly qualified and engaging, where social-emotional learning is as critical as academic learning, where our community is active, and where our community partnerships are strong. Learn more about our school at https://prescottparents.com/.
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Prescott Parents 