London Middle School has, for the fifth time, been designated an “Illinois Horizon School to Watch.” The program, designed by the National Forum to Accelerate Middle Grades Reform, identifies high-performing middle schools that have proven academic excellence while being developmentally responsive and socially equitable.

During a recent site visit as part of the re-evalution, 10 educators from across the Chicago area were “very impressed with the degree to which” London fulfilled the program’s criteria, according to a letter from IHSTW. London was initially recognized in 2009, and was redesignated in 2012, 2015, 2018 and now 2023.

“I am over the moon to receive this designation,” said London Principal Anastasia Netzel. “I participated in the original designation at Cooper Middle School during my first year in District 21. The [Association of Illinois Middle Schools] network has been a wonderful resource in terms of professional development and school collegiality. They understand the necessary support and areas of focus to best meet the needs of students at the middle school level. The process to become a Horizon School to Watch is reflective and collaborative; both of which I value and appreciate. I am very proud to receive my first designation as a building principal and even more proud of what my staff do on a daily basis to earn this recognition.”

London will be honored during the annual National Schools to Watch Conference from June 22-24 in Washington, D.C. As an Illinois Horizon School to Watch, it joins a network of almost 500 schools across the country to attain this status.