Saint Anne Parish School in Barrington is one of only 50 non-public schools nationwide to receive the 2016 National Blue Ribbon Award from the U.S. Department of Education. Private schools must achieve testing scores ranking in the top ten percent in the nation to receive this prestigious annual award.
The National Blue Ribbon Schools program honors both public and private K-12 schools that are either academically superior in their state or that demonstrate dramatic gains in student achievement. Saint Anne is one among 279 public and only 50 private schools receiving this honor.
Secretary of Education John B. King, Jr. announced this year’s National Blue Ribbon Award winners with a video statement saying he understands the tough choices schools have to make today.
“It takes courage to do the right thing for children, even in the face of significant challenges. All of you, students, teachers and administrators deserve our highest praise. Your are shining examples for your communities, the state and the nation. You’re proof that we can prepare every child for college and meaningful careers.”
Saint Anne earned this award in 2006, and Principal Dawn Kapka says the school is so delighted to have received the award again this year.
“Like any great accomplishment, many people are responsible for the glory! We are blessed at Saint Anne to have fabulous, hardworking students and extremely skilled teachers who are incredibly dedicated to our students,” Kapka says. “We are blessed to have supportive parents invested in their child’s education. We are blessed to have a devoted pastor, Father Bernie Pietrzak who is committed to every facet of our school life as he allows me to make instructional decisions that are in the best interest of all … optimizing our success. There are so many people to thank for helping us get to this place! Today is just the start of our celebrations!”
Schools are nominated for the award by the state department of education, and then complete a comprehensive application about school practices.
Schools may apply for status as Exemplary High Performing—among the top schools in a state—or Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing—schools making the fastest progress in their state in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups.
Saint Anne will be represented at a two-day awards ceremony in Washington, D.C., celebrating their hard-won achievements. School celebrations will take place with students and faculty and a formal awards ceremony will be held at Saint Anne Parish School at a later date.
Saint Anne Parish School is dedicated to the formation and education of children from preschool through 8th grade in partnership with home, church and community. Located at 319 Franklin Street in Barrington, Illinois, the Saint Anne Parish School community is rich in Catholic values and academic excellence, empowering students to discover their God-given gifts and to use them as leaders of the Church and society. Click here to follow the latest Saint Anne Parish School updates on Facebook or visit their website at StAnneSchoolBarrington.org.
