Hawthorne Scholastic Academy Recognized Among 2024 Cohort of National Blue Ribbon Schools

• CHICAGO – Chicago Public Schools (CPS) leaders today celebrate Hawthorne Scholastic Academy for being named a 2024 National Blue Ribbon School, a prestigious U.S. Department of Education award that highlights schools across the country for excelling in academic performance or making significant strides in closing achievement gaps among student groups.
  “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.”
  The national recognition is not new for CPS. In 2020, the District had the second highest number of National Blue Ribbon recipients of any district in the country.
  “Hawthorne is a wonderful example of the academic excellence we are working to achieve in all of our schools across the District,” said CPS CEO Pedro Martinez. “This is further proof of CPS’ strides in providing a well-rounded, rigorous education and joyful daily student experiences for all of our students.”
  Hawthorne Principal Patricia Davlantes called the recognition of the elementary school she has overseen since 2018 somewhat “surreal.”
  "I am incredibly proud of the service we provide,” Principal Davlantes said. “Students walk through these doors with their hopes and dreams, and through the learning provided here, we get to help them grow into successful and civic-minded individuals. This recognition is only possible thanks to the hard work and commitment of our staff, students, and families.”
  Hawthorne will host several celebratory school events this week, including a Blue Ribbon Ceremony at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 25, replete with a ceremonial blue ribbon cutting and aerial picture with the entire student body and staff. The school is being honored for excelling in academic performance. The school has an exemplary rating, meaning it is performing in the top 10 percent of schools statewide, according to the Illinois State Board of Education.
  “CPS has always been an example of how a large, urban district can be purposeful and steadfast in providing our young learners and future generations a public education that propels them into success,” said Chief Education Officer Bogdana Chkoumbova. “I am grateful for the talented educators at Hawthorne and across the District. This recognition will further fuel our ambitious plans to strengthen and expand the high-quality, culturally-responsive learning experiences offered at CPS.”
  A National Blue Ribbon School award flag displayed in a school’s entryway or on a flagpole is a widely recognized emblem of exceptional teaching and learning. These schools serve as models of effective and innovative practices for educators across the nation. The U.S. Department of Education recognizes all schools based on student performance data including assessment results, student subgroup performance, and graduation rates. Schools are recognized in both or either of two performance categories:
• Exemplary High Performing Schools: These schools are among the top performers in their state as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests.
• Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools: These schools excel in narrowing achievement gaps between different student groups and the overall student body.

Each nominated school submits a comprehensive application detailing its school culture, curriculum, assessments, instructional practices, professional development, leadership, family, and community involvement. Photographs and brief descriptions of the 2024 National Blue RibbonSchools are available ahttps://nationalblueribbonschools.ed.gov/.