Dunlap Middle School received one of the country’s most prestigious recognitions for schools Monday when it was named a National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education.
Dunlap was one of 18 schools in the state of Illinois to receive this high honor, given to schools that have shown strong academic performance and those who narrow the achievement gap between student groups. It was one of only three schools outside of the Chicago area to be honored, with Maryville and Mascoutah elementary schools in the Metro East suburbs of St. Louis also receiving recognition.
In its final application to the Department of Education, the school describes itself as “academically rigorous,” with 77% of students meeting or exceeding state standards in language arts, 61% meeting or exceeding in math and 85% meeting or exceeding in science.
More: This Illinois college ranks just behind the Ivy League at No. 11 in the nation
The school also described its Panther Pride intervention time given to all students each day, along with efforts to promote inclusion and unity in the student body, such as themed days and weeks like Friendship Week and Mix-it-Up Day.
The school also made a major point of its efforts to support the community through their Panthers with a Purpose Service Day, where students and staff volunteer at various non-profits throughout Peoria County.
The school said that it put a primary focus on doing the mundane exceptionally well, saying it tries not to focus on chasing trends, but on building strong core practices throughout the building.
“Elevating our everyday practices has not been about making radical changes each year,” the school said. “Making manageable improvements to our daily routines will remain our focus. By focusing on doing everyday things exceptionally well, we have been fortunate enough to see the positive impacts on both students and staff at Dunlap Middle School.”
It is the first time Dunlap Middle School has received a Blue Ribbon School honor and the fourth time overall that a Dunlap district school has been honored in this matter by the federal government. Banner Elementary School was honored in 2019 as an Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing School, while Hickory Grove and Ridgeview elementary schools each were honored as Exemplary High Performing Schools in 2022.
Dunlap Middle School received both Exemplary High Performing and Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing in its 2024 recognition. U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona said that schools like Dunlap are setting new standards in education, while also serving as models for their communities.
“The National Blue Ribbon Schools Award is a testament to the exceptional achievements of students and educators at each of these schools,” Cardona said. “As we celebrate their achievements, let us look to these schools for inspiration as we champion education as the foundation of a brighter future for every child.”
More: Peoria restaurant space revived with beloved local pizza on the menu
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Dunlap Middle School receives Blue Ribbon honor
