CHICAGO (November 13, 2025) – William H. Prescott Elementary School has once again earned the highest “Exemplary” rating on the Illinois State Board of Education’s 2025 Illinois Report Card, marking the fourth consecutive year the school has been recognized among the top 10% of public schools statewide for academic performance. Prescott is one of only nineteen Chicago Public Schools to achieve this distinction in 2025, and one of only a small number to receive it consistently.
Prescott is a neighborhood, non-selective enrollment K–8 CPS school serving a majority student of color population and offering a rigorous academic program in reading, writing, math, science, and social studies. The school also prioritizes social-emotional learning (SEL), restorative practices, and a culture that helps students thrive both academically and personally.
“This rating is a direct reflection of the hard work, curiosity and kindness our students show every single day,” said Prescott Elementary School Principal Dr. Erin Roche. “Our teachers know their students deeply and design learning experiences that meet them where they are and stretch them further, helping every child make significant academic growth. I’m so proud of this community — students, teachers and families alike — for sustaining this level of excellence year after year.”
Prescott’s strong academic outcomes continue to reflect the school’s comprehensive approach to learning. Students in grades 3–8 exceeded state averages in both English Language Arts and Mathematics, with a 69th percentile growth rate in ELA and 59th percentile growth rate in math.
Tayler Showalter, who teaches middle school English language arts, said the school’s success reflects the dedication and care that staff and students bring into classrooms each day. “Teachers provide rigorous and intentional instruction while also nurturing students’ growth as caring, joyful and thoughtful young people,” she said.“Students, in turn, engage with endless determination and curiosity, bringing their full, authentic selves into the learning. They know that who they are matters, and they engage deeply in their learning as a result.”
“Our teachers always push us to do our best,” said Kaif Taherbai, who attends Prescott as an 8th grader and serves on the school’s Local School Council as a student representative. “They help us learn how to work hard, be kind and believe in ourselves.”
The Exemplary designation is the highest rating a school can receive from the Illinois State Board of Education. It is awarded to schools performing in the top 10% statewide on the multi-measure accountability index, with no underperforming student groups.
This honor follows a series of recent recognitions for Prescott’s excellence:
- Last month, Prescott was named a 2025 Blue Ribbon School, the second time receiving this honor and the only CPS school to earn the distinction this year. Prescott first received the honor in 2019, and is the only non-selective, neighborhood school in CPS to have ever won more than once.
- Prescott earned RAMP (Recognized ASCA Model Program) Certification for its comprehensive, data-driven counseling program that supports student well-being and academic success.
- In September 2025, Prescott was ranked #9 among all public elementary schools in Chicago by Chicago Magazine.
Prescott has transformed from a low-performing school facing possible closure in 2010 into a thriving, high-performing neighborhood school known for its inclusive culture, academic rigor and commitment to equity.
Prescott’s mission is to nurture creative minds and caring hearts that contribute meaningfully to their communities through an anti-racist, culturally relevant curriculum; rigorous and individualized academic experiences; and a strong emphasis on collaboration and character development.
To learn more about Prescott, schedule a tour, or register to attend, please visit https://prescottparents.com.
Prescott Parents 