As students were sitting in class on Monday afternoon, teachers shared the official announcement of Conrady Jr. High School as a 2024 National Blue Ribbon School. Applause and cheers were heard throughout the school as the hard work and dedication of students and staff was recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Conrady is one of 356 schools in the nation and one of 18 in the state of Illinois that were recognized in the announcement by U.S. Secretary of Education, Miguel Cardona, this afternoon. Conrady was recognized as an Exemplary High Performing School. These schools are defined as being among the top performers in their state as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests.
“The National Blue Ribbon Schools Award is a testament to the exceptional achievements of students and educators at each of these schools,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel
Cardona. “The 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools are raising the bar for our nation’s students, serving as models for effective teaching and intentional collaboration in their schools and communities. 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.”
This is the second time Conrady has received this recognition, as it was previously recognized as an Exemplary High Performing School in 2017. Many current Conrady students have felt this success before, as both of the elementary schools that feed into Conrady have been recognized as National Blue Ribbon Schools in recent years; Oak Ridge in 2023 and Glen Oaks in 2019 and 2012.
"This recognition is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and unwavering commitment of our students, teachers, staff, parents, and community,” said District 117 Superintendent Dr. Christine Droba. “This distinguished national award is a reflection of Conrady’s culture of excellence that ensures all students receive a high-quality education.”