MONROE CENTER — Monroe Center Grade School, part of Meridian Community Unit School District 223, has been honored with the prestigious GreatSchools Thrive Award. This recognition places Monroe Center among the top 532 schools in Illinois, celebrated for creating a positive and supportive learning environment for both students and staff.
The Thrive Award is a first-of-its-kind, data-driven accolade that highlights schools fostering an environment where students can thrive academically and emotionally. This recognition is particularly significant as it is based on the results of the Illinois State Board of Education’s annual 5Essentials Survey — a key indicator of school climate and culture.
The 5Essentials Survey is an annual assessment taken by students and staff across Illinois public schools. It measures five critical areas of school effectiveness: Effective Leaders, Collaborative Teachers, Involved Families, Supportive Environment, and Ambitious Instruction. The survey results provide invaluable insights into a school's climate, offering a comprehensive overview that is often difficult for families to access otherwise.
Monroe Center Grade School’s strong performance on this survey underscores the school's commitment to fostering an environment where all students feel supported, safe, and encouraged to succeed. This latest recognition builds on the school's past achievements, including being named a Lighthouse School by Franklin Covey. This honor highlighted Monroe Center’s excellence in leadership and its dedication to developing a culture of student empowerment and accountability.
"We are incredibly honored to receive the GreatSchools Thrive Award," Principal Deana Simpson said. "This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire school community — teachers, students, and families. At Monroe Center, we believe that a supportive and positive environment is the foundation of a successful educational experience, and we are thrilled that our efforts have been recognized. Being named both a Lighthouse School and a recipient of the Thrive Award reflects our incredible commitment to the success and well-being of our students. It speaks volumes when you are honored with an award that is based on the input of the community, your staff family, and your students. I could not be prouder of those that created this environment."
GreatSchools, the nation's leading nonprofit school information site, developed the Thrive Award to meet the growing demand from parents for insights into school culture, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. By providing this information alongside data on advanced course offerings, STEM programs, and more, GreatSchools aims to empower parents with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their children's education.
For more information about Monroe Center Grade School and its programs, please visit the school's website or contact the school office at 815-645-2230.
