NORTH PARK — Solomon Elementary, tucked away in Peterson Park, has joined an elite list of city public schools to earn a coveted National Blue Ribbon honor from the U.S. Department of Education, officials announced Thursday.
Along with Poe Classical School in Pullman, Solomon was one of only two Chicago Public Schools to receive a 2017 Blue Ribbon. In total, 342 schools nationwide were given the distinction in 2017. Only 14 other CPS schools — among them five selective enrollment high schools — have earned a Blue Ribbon since 2004.
Solomon, at 6206 N. Hamlin Ave., is a neighborhood school that enrolls just shy of 300 students, according to the most recent figures released by CPS.
The school was recognized in Blue Ribbon's Exemplary High Performing Schools category for testing in the top 15 percent of all schools in Illinois, achieving high performance among key subgroups and completing a rigorous application process.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel congratulated Solomon and Poe: "This is a testament to the hardworking students, teachers, principals and administrators, and proof that a child can learn and succeed no matter what neighborhood they come from or type of school they attend.”
In a prepared statement, Solomon Principal Christopher Gamble praised members of the school's community for putting forth "tremendous effort into ensuring our students continue to excel every day."
“We are honored to be named among the best schools in the nation and will continue to strive for excellence," Gamble said.
Though the Blue Ribbon winners were a closely guarded secret until Thursday's announcement, Gamble hinted in a tweet on Wednesday that exciting news was coming.
Special Announcement: WEAR SOLOMON BLUE TOMORROW!!! https://t.co/s0UZviQJT6 pic.twitter.com/0ix6etQJL8
— Christopher Gamble (@PrincipalGamble) September 27, 2017
