The Association of Illinois Middle-Grade Schools (AIMS) is proud to announce New and Redesignated Illinois Horizon Schools to Watch (IHSTW) for 2022.

These schools demonstrate exemplary middle-level programming through academic excellence, responsiveness in meeting student social-emotional needs and providing an organizational structure that supports best practices in early adolescent education. They will be honored at the National Schools to Watch Conference, June 23-25, in Washington D.C.

Schools earning Initial Designation include:

• Plano Middle School. Plano SD 88 Principal: Mark Heller
• Still Middle Middle School. Indian Prairie SD 204 Principal: Kimberly Cornish
• West Oak Middle School. Diamond Lake SD 76 Principal: Peter Cunningham

Schools earning Re-designation IV status include:

• Emerson Middle School. Park Ridge-Niles SD 64 Principal: Samantha Alaimo
• Granger Middle School. Indian Prairie SD 204 Principal: Allan Davenport
• Hickory Creek Middle School. Frankfort SD 157-C Principal: Tricia Dotson

Schools earning Redesignation II status:

• Highland Middle School. Libertyville SD 70 Principal: Jon Hallmark

Earning Redesignation I status:

• Olympia Middle School Olympia CUSD 16 Principal: Michael Jones

Check out the Schools to Watch page to learn more about becoming an Illinois Horizon School To Watch.