Central 301 Schools Earn Top State and National Recognition

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ISBE Report Card and U.S. News Rankings Highlight Continued Growth, Excellence, and Stability

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The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) and U.S. News & World Report have both released their annual school performance results — and Central Community Unit School District 301 has reason to celebrate.

All seven (7) Central 301 schools earned an “Exemplary” or “Commendable” designation from ISBE, placing them among the top-performing schools in the state. These designations reflect strong academic performance, student growth, and overall success across grade levels.

“These results reflect the dedication of our staff, students, and families to creating a learning environment that thrives,” said Co-Interim Superintendent Dr. Kyle Schumacher. “The ISBE Report Card shows that Central 301 continues to grow in the right ways — higher teacher retention, greater student diversity, and responsible financial stewardship. Our success is about people, teamwork, and purpose, and I’m incredibly proud of this community.”

ISBE Report Card Highlights

According to the 2025 Illinois School Report Card, Central 301 continues to show year-over-year progress in key areas that reflect both academic strength and district stability:

  • All seven schools earned Exemplary or Commendable designations, placing them among Illinois’ top-performing districts. (Exemplary schools: Central Middle School, Country Trails Elementary School, Howard B. Thomas Grade School, Lily Lake Grade School. Commendable schools: Central High School, Prairie Knolls Middle School, Prairie View Grade School)
  • Teacher retention increased for the third straight year, a reflection of a continued positive culture and staff commitment.
  • Enrollment has risen by more than 8% since 2022, including a 5% increase this past year, outpacing the district’s traditional 3% annual growth that has been consistent since the 1950s.
  • Student diversity continues to grow, with the percentage of English Language Learners rising from 7% in 2020 to nearly 12% in 2025 — a sign of an increasingly dynamic and inclusive student population.
  • The student-to-certified staff ratio has remained steady for three consecutive years, reflecting the district’s relentless commitment to keeping class sizes balanced and ensuring strong student support.
  • While other districts are spending more on overhead, Central 301 is spending less. Average administrative salaries decreased by roughly 1% this year, even as the statewide average increased by more than 3% — proof that the district continues to operate efficiently and responsibly.

U.S. News & World Report Rankings

In addition to ISBE’s results, U.S. News & World Report named Lily Lake Grade School, Country Trails Elementary, Prairie Knolls Middle School, and Central Middle School among the Best Schools in Illinois. These schools placed within the top 40% statewide for reading and math achievement.

Central Middle School earned a score of 93.17, while Lily Lake Grade School received an overall score of 92.55, both reflecting student performance nearly twice the state average.

A District Moving Forward

These achievements affirm what many in the community already know — Central 301 remains a district defined by excellence, connection, and forward momentum.

“Every success in our report card and rankings is the result of the daily work happening in classrooms,” added Dr. Schumacher. “We’ll continue to build on that foundation and ensure every student in Central 301 is known, supported, and inspired to achieve their best.”

📊 Learn More:
Full ISBE designations and accountability details are available at this link you can always find on our Central 301 website.
The U.S. News & World Report rankings report for Central 301 can be viewed here for elementary schools and here for middle schools.

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