St. Mary of the Angels School Named 2026 Blue Ribbon School!
Chicago– St. Mary of the Angels has been named a 2026 Governor Blue Ribbon School, earning one of the state’s highest recognitions for educational excellence. St. Mary of the Angels is one of just 24 schools statewide to receive the distinction this year.
“I want to congratulate our 2026 Governor’s Blue Ribbon Schools, who demonstrate what is possible when students, educators, families, and communities come together to support our children in reaching their full potential,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “All across the state, Illinois schools are reaching new heights in school performance, graduation rates, and learning proficiency – a testament to the passion and dedication of our teachers and the power of sustained public investment in education.”
The Illinois Governor’s Blue Ribbon Schools Program recognizes public and nonpublic schools that demonstrate exceptional student outcomes through outstanding academic performance or success in closing achievement gaps.
St. Mary of the Angels School was recognized as an Exemplary High Performing School.
For High Performing schools: Schools that demonstrate consistently strong academic outcomes over time, not just in a single year.
“This Blue Ribbon recognition represents years of intentional work to unite academic excellence, strong character, and a vibrant Catholic faith,” said Beth Dolack, President of St. Mary of the Angels School. “Having led SMA as Head of School from 2009 to 2025, I am deeply grateful to the faculty, staff, and families who helped bring this vision to life. We offer this achievement in honor of Our Lady, whose name our school bears and whose loving care has guided our mission. Together, we have built a school where children are known, challenged, and loved—and we still have more to do together!”
“This is an incredibly proud moment for our entire St. Mary of the Angels community,” said Adriana Giannelli, Head of School. “This recognition reflects the dedication and hard work of our school leadership, faculty, and staff, who have remained committed to academic excellence grounded in our Catholic faith. I am grateful to the many individuals who have contributed to this achievement and to our families for their continued trust and partnership. The Blue Ribbon recognition is a tremendous honor for our school and a reflection of the commitment to our students that continues each day at SMA.”
Being named a Governor’s Blue Ribbon School is a remarkable achievement and a testament to the hard work of students, educators, staff, and families, said State Superintendent of Education Dr. Tony Sanders. “These schools have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to student success, whether through exceptional academic performance or meaningful progress in closing achievement gaps. Their accomplishments reflect the strength of Illinois education and provide examples of excellence for schools across our state.”
Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) announced recipients on Oct. 20. All 2026 Governor’s Blue Ribbon School recipients will be invited to a special recognition event at the Governor’s Mansion in Springfield this spring.
The Governor’s Blue Ribbon Schools Program was established in 2025, after the federal administration abruptly ended the prestigious U.S. Department of Education program. The Governor’s Blue Ribbon Schools Program continues the longstanding tradition of recognizing educational excellence in Illinois schools.
Designated schools serve as models for effective teaching, learning, and student support across the state.
