U.S. Secretary of Education Names St. Ben’s a Blue Ribbon School

U. S. SECRETARY OF EDUCATION ANNOUNCES ST. BENEDICT PREPARATORY SCHOOL AS 1 OF ONLY 50 PRIVATE SCHOOLS ON 2019 NATIONAL BLUE RIBBON SCHOOLS LIST

U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos recognized 362 schools as National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2019. The recognition is based on a school’s overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups. St. Benedict Preparatory School is one of only 50 nonpublic schools across the nation honored as an Exemplary High Performing School.

“We recognize and honor your important work in preparing students for successful careers and meaningful lives,” said DeVos in a video message to the honorees. “As a National Blue Ribbon School, your school demonstrates what is possible when committed educators hold all students and staff to high standards and create vibrant, innovative cultures of teaching and learning.”

The curriculum of St. Benedict Preparatory School (PreK to grade 8), is designed to be challenging, rigorous and advantageous to students as they progress into high school and beyond. This approach has proven effective evidenced by students’ superior academic test scores. St. Benedict students consistently exceeded national benchmarks on ACT Aspire Tests (in all categories, in all grades 3-8). St. Benedict students in 2019 also met or exceeded the Archdiocese of Chicago schools average in all areas at all grade levels.

The coveted National Blue Ribbon School award affirms the hard work of educators, families and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging and engaging content. Now in its 38th year, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has bestowed recognition on more than 9,000 schools.