Johnson Elementary Named 'Exemplary' By IL State Board Of Education

AURORA, IL — C. I. Johnson Elementary School has received "exemplary" status from the Illinois State Board of Education.

Located at 1934 Liberty St. in Aurora, the elementary school ranked in the top 3 percent of all schools in Illinois in 2024 with its overall index score at 92.62, according to a news release from East Aurora School District 131.

The Board began giving each Illinois school a summative designation in 2018 to measure progress in academic performance and student success. Receiving "exemplary" status means an educational institution is performing within the top 10 percent of schools statewide and has no underperforming student groups.

The overall index score encompasses English language proficiency and growth, science proficiency, math proficiency and growth, chronic absenteeism, and climate survey results.

In 2023, Johnson Elementary School was still considered an "exemplary" school but had an overall index score of 82.31.

"It's not easy to accomplish and yet Johnson Elementary School continues to raise the bar each year," officials wrote in the release.

Johnson Elementary School serves about 260 students in third through fifth grades and was named after Clifford I. Johnson, a pharmacist and former school board member. The school offers general courses and a STEM lab, as well as English as a second language, dual language and magnet classrooms.

"I am incredibly proud that Johnson Elementary School has once again been recognized as Exemplary," Principal Ines Sem said in a statement. "This achievement is a demonstration of the hard work and dedication of our staff and students. At Johnson, we foster an environment where every student believes in their ability to succeed, and we strive to help them reach their full potential. I am excited to see what the future holds for our school community."