Copyright Chicago Tribune
Local public schools received strong marks in the latest Illinois State Report Card, with most campuses in Lake Forest and Lake Bluff earning the state’s highest designation. The 2025 report card, recently released by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), shows all Lake Forest schools earned an “exemplary” rating — awarded to schools that rank in the top 10% statewide with no underperforming student groups. In Lake Bluff, Lake Bluff Elementary School (Pre-K–5) earned an exemplary rating, while Lake Bluff Middle School (6–8) received a “commendable” rating, the state’s second-highest tier. In Lake Forest District 67, Deer Path Middle School — which operates on two campuses, one for fifth and sixth grades and the other for seventh and eighth — received an exemplary rating from the ISBE for both campuses. Among the district’s elementary schools serving grades through fourth, Everett and Sheridan maintained their exemplary status, while Cherokee Elementary moved up from commendable to exemplary this year. “Districtwide, our students are benefiting from the recent introduction of new English language arts (ELA) and math curricula,” Assistant Superintendent of Teaching, Learning and Accountability Renee Fitzsimmons said in a statement. “The intentional use of data-informed instructional practices and targeted interventions are intended to meet the needs of our learners in a more personalized way.” In a community update, District 67 reported ELA proficiency at 84.3% in 2024-25 — placing the district in the top 3% statewide. Math proficiency reached 79.8%, ranking in the top 2% among Illinois districts. Lake Forest High School also earned an exemplary rating, with an overall summative score of 93.49%. “As a board, we celebrate the unique academic journey of every Lake Forest High School student,” Board President John Noble said in a statement. “We applaud the foundational work of our exceptional faculty and staff, and their commitment to outstanding instruction, continuous improvement, and finding ways for all students to thrive.” Principal Erin Lenart also highlighted strong student cohort growth, noting that groups of students advancing through grade levels ranked at or near the top statewide. In Lake Bluff, District 65 Superintendent Lisa Leali said the scores reflect progress, even as the district continues working toward improvement. “We continue to work on improving in both buildings,” Leali said in an interview. “Our goal is to ensure all students meet standards and grow. It’s disappointing not to have two exemplary schools, but the proficiency data at the middle school is very strong, and we continue to focus on growth.” Leali said ELA scores showed gains, while math progress has been slower than hoped. District efforts include reinforcing curriculum alignment, supporting teacher training on grade-level standards, and partnering with families to strengthen math skills where students are struggling. She also noted growth among multilingual learners and students with disabilities, signaling progress across learner groups. Danuel I. Dorfman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
