District 21 schools earn strong marks on 2025 Illinois School Report Card

Community Consolidated School District 21 announced that 10 of its 12 K-8 schools have earned a “Commendable” designation on the 2025 Illinois School Report Card, the second-highest rating awarded by the Illinois State Board of Education.

The designation recognizes schools that meet or exceed state targets for student academic growth and achievement, with no student groups performing significantly below expectations.

Tarkington and Whitman Elementary Schools received a “Targeted” rating, indicating that one or more student groups did not meet the state’s targets. Specifically, the ratings were based on the performance of students with individualized education programs (IEPs) and 504 plans, a group the state identifies as “Children with Disabilities” (CWD). District officials said they will use the results to focus resources and support for all students to reach or exceed performance goals.

“We’re proud of the strong performance of our schools and the progress our students continue to make,” said Superintendent Dr. Michael Connolly. “While most of our schools met or exceeded state targets, we also see opportunities to support the schools with student groups that need extra attention. Our focus remains on ensuring every student reaches their full potential.”

Hawthorne Early Childhood School is not included in the state’s annual designations due to its status as an early childhood school. The district noted that Hawthorne remains a vital foundation for preparing its youngest learners to achieve state benchmarks in later grades.

The Illinois School Report Card provides a comprehensive overview of school performance, including academic growth, school climate, and student success indicators. Full results for District 21 schools are available at www.illinoisreportcard.com.