Maple School earns National Blue Ribbon Award for Exemplary High-Performing Schools

Northbrook's Maple School on Tuesday received a National Blue Ribbon Award for Exemplary High-Performing Schools from the U.S. Department of Education.

Maple School, 2370 Shermer Road, earned the second National Blue Ribbon Award for Northbrook/Glenview School District 30. Wescott School received the award in 2013.

Maple was one of only two Illinois public middle schools to earn the Exemplary High-Performing status, joining Oak Brook's Butler Junior High.

The Illinois State Board of Education nominated Maple School for the award, and Principal Sam Kurtz and Assistant Principal Betty Holzkopf partnered with their staff to complete the application process.

"In early November, we will formally receive our award from the Secretary of Education in Delaware, and upon our return, we will commence with a special celebration at Maple School. This award belongs to each of us, and the festivities will reflect the enormous honor and pride that we all feel." Kurtz said.

U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona made the announcement of the 39th National Blue Ribbon Awards on Tuesday morning from another Illinois honoree, Walter R. Sundling Junior High School in Palatine. There were 325 winners nationally for 2021, based on a school's overall academic performance or its progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups.

"Congratulations to Maple School for earning the National Blue Ribbon Award," said District 30 board President Nancy Artz. "We are exceedingly proud of Maple's staff and students for the exemplary educational opportunities recognized with this esteemed award."

There were 18 Illinois schools named National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2021: Braeside Elementary School, Highland Park; Carmel Catholic High School, Mundelein; Lake Forest High School; and Lincoln Middle School, Park Ridge.

District 30 Superintendent Dr. Brian K. Wegley was "thrilled" with the recognition.

"Congratulations to Maple School and all of District 30, as this distinction reflects our entire community that craves learning, fosters resiliency, and cares deeply about every student." he said.

"I also add my personal congratulations to Mr. Kurtz, Mrs. Holzkopf and their staff for sharing Maple's story through the application process after their nomination by the Illinois State Board of Education as an Exemplary High Performing School. This is truly a well-deserved honor and reflects the collective efforts of our entire district."