Indian Prairie School District 204 continues to stand out in Illinois education, with twenty‑three of its schools earning the highest “Exemplary” designation in the 2026 Illinois Report Card. The new Profiles of Performance accountability framework, which measures schools against statewide benchmarks rather than comparative rankings, shows the district excelling across multiple metrics.
Breakdown of ratings
Under the redesigned system, District 204 reported:
- 23 schools – Exemplary
- 4 schools – Approaching Exemplary
- 3 schools – Commendable
- 1 school – Developing
- 0 schools – Comprehensive
These results give families a clear view of school performance without the confusion of relative rankings.
Key factors behind the success
Superintendent Dr. John Price praised the district’s teachers, administrators, staff and students, noting that their “relentless dedication” and strong community partnership drove the outcomes. A major component of the new accountability system is the inclusion of “Elevating Indicators” such as English Learner (EL) Progress, Consistent Attendance and Climate Survey participation.
District 204 showed notable gains on all elevating indicators. English Language Learner (ELL) progress, measured by the annual ACCESS assessment, was a particular highlight. Students made measurable growth in listening, speaking, reading and writing, helping lift overall school performance.
Attendance and staff stability
Consistent attendance remains a cornerstone of student achievement. In 2026, 94.4% of students attended school regularly, up from 93.8% in 2025. The district achieved this by eliminating non‑school vacation attendance codes and providing quarterly community attendance updates.
Teacher retention also supports a stable learning environment. More than 83% of District 204 educators hold advanced degrees, contributing to the district’s reputation for high‑quality instruction across its 34 schools.
Board of Education perspective
Board President Laurie Donahue highlighted the district’s commitment to equity, especially for English Language Learners. She said the new framework aligns with the district’s long‑standing priority to give every student, regardless of background, the tailored support needed to thrive.
Looking ahead
Dr. Price emphasized that while the district celebrates its achievements, it remains focused on continuous improvement. The upcoming 2026‑27 school year will prioritize equitable, high‑quality instruction that prepares every child to reach their greatest potential.
Parents and community members can view the full 2026 Illinois Report Card for Indian Prairie at IllinoisReportCard.com.
Original reporting: Positively Naperville (Aurora area) — read the source article.
