Six Unit 5 schools have earned the highest rating on the Illinois State Report Card this year.
That is the largest number of "exemplary" schools for Unit 5 since the current system began in 2017. The schools are: Carlock, Grove, Northpoint, Pepper Ridge, Prairieland, and Towanda. The designation is reserved for schools performing in the top 10% statewide.
Kingsley Junior High and Sugar Creek Elementary were targeted for improvement last year, but rose to the level of "commendable" this year. Pepper Ridge moved from "targeted" to "exemplary" this year, said the district.
Unit 5 is above the state average by several measures.
| Unit 5 | State Average | |
| IAR ELA (3-8) Meet & Exceed | 42.2% | 41.2% |
| IAR Math (3-8) Meet & Exceed | 29.3% | 28.4% |
| 9th Grade on Track | 93.3% | 88.2% |
Graduation Rate (4 year) | 90.4% | 87.7% |
NCHS 92.5% Normal West 92.1% | ||
| 8th Graders passing Algebra 1 | 32% | 29% |
"I'm incredibly proud of student growth throughout the district," said Superintendent Kristen Weikle. "We work to provide a high-quality education and support student growth, as evidenced by six schools receiving exemplary designations. This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students, staff, and families."
Besides Kingsley, 13 other Unit 5 schools also received commendable ratings: Benjamin, Cedar Ridge, Colene Hoose, Fairview, Glenn, Hudson, Parkside, Sugar Creek, Chiddix Jr. High, Parkside Jr. High, Evans Jr. High, Normal Community High and Normal Community West High.
