SJC School Wins the Blue Ribbon Award

St. John of the Cross Parish School in Western Springs has been awarded the National Blue Ribbon award from the U.S. Department of Education, a prestigious recognition denoting SJC as among the “state's highest performing schools, as measured by state assessments or nationally-normed tests” of language-arts and mathematics skills.

SJC is one of 14 Illinois elementary schools to win the award in 2012, and one of 50 private schools nationwide. Schools must be nominated to apply for the award; private schools like SJC are nominated by the Council for American Private Education.

Criteria for the award included test scores of students over the past five years as well as current students, the school said.

“We thank our parish for its generosity and support these last fifty years,” said Principal Kathleen Gorman in a press release. “We are grateful for our outstanding parents and their continued support over the years. We recognize our wonderful students for their efforts.

“Our excellent teachers, staff, and administration, both past and present, provided and continue to provide a high quality of education. Our staff has always gone above and beyond in providing for the individual needs of each of our students. This award certainly reflects their dedication and commitment to Catholic education.”

The school has announced that they will hold several events to celebrate, including a recognition ceremony and special mass.

Gorman will attend a special ceremony in Washington D.C. on Nov. 12 and 13 along with an SJC teacher and Rev. David Dowdle to accept the award.