Kildeer Countryside Elementary School, a District 96 school located in Long Grove, was among only 219 public schools nationwide to be recognized for academic excellence with a 2012 U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon. Public and private elementary, middle, and high schools receive National Blue Ribbon School recognition in one of two categories–“exemplary high performing” and “exemplary improving.” Kildeer School, serving children in grades 1–5, earned recognition in the high-performing category, as measured by state assessments and nationally normed tests.
Kildeer Elementary School is the fourth District 96 school to earn U.S. Department of Education National Blue Ribbon recognition. Middle schools Twin Groves (2007) and Woodlawn (2009) and elementary school Ivy Hall (2008) also have been honored. Likewise, the District 96 Willow Grove Kindergarten and Early Childhood Center has earned program accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children.
Based on the most recent overall Illinois Standards Achievement Test (ISAT, 2011) results, 98 percent of Kildeer students meet or exceed state standards.
“Many dedicated teachers and staff contribute to make Kildeer School an exceptional place for our children to learn,” said Principal Jenny Smith.
She also expressed her appreciation for the strong home-school partnership that benefits Kildeer students and for the dedication of the PTO–who provided Blue Ribbon wear for all the students and staff to show their school pride.
On Nov. 27, the Kildeer gymnasium was filled with excited students, current and former teachers, and the music of the Kildeer band, orchestra, and chorus. Local dignitaries who joined in the celebration included Lake County Board Chairman David Stolman, Kildeer Village President Nandia Black, Kildeer Village Administrator Michael Talbett, Village of Long Grove President Maria Rodriguez, Village of Buffalo Grove Trustee Bev Sussman, Buffalo Grove Park District Executive Director Dan Schimmel, and District 96 Foundation Vice President Marty Sussman, as well as Barrett Monie, a legislative aide for Rep. Carol Sente, and Lindy Mika, a legislative aide for Senator Terry Link.
