Awards & Recognition

Parents and students choose us for the small school personalized care they receive from teachers and staff, for the “learn by doing” education that inspires our students’ performance, and for our focus of keeping the environment at the center of everything we do.

The results foster a nationally recognized award winning education and a choice for parents who want their children to be natural leaders.

Since 1999, Prairie Crossing Charter School has been providing an exceptional public school education to hundreds of families per year.  With a maximum enrollment of 432 students in Kindergarten through 8th grade, we provide personalized attention that parents and students deserve and expect.  Class sizes in each grade level are deliberately small. Students in all grade levels enjoy the instruction from a teacher and instructional assistant, ensuring the educational, social and emotional needs of every student are met.

Awards

2024 — U.S. News & World Report Best Charter Elementary School in Illinois

2024 — U.S. News & World Report Best Charter Middle School in Illinois

2024 — U.S. News & World Report Best Elementary School and Best Middle School in Illinois

2024 — Niche Award as top Charter School in the State

2023 — Niche Award as top Charter School in the State

2022 — Green Schools National Network’s Trailblazer Award for Curriculum and Instruction

2022 — Niche Award as top Charter School in the State

2021 — Niche Award as top Charter School in the State

2020 — Niche Award as top Charter School in the State

2019 — Niche Award as top Charter School in the State

2019 — Midwest PBIS Network Platinum Award

2018 — Niche Award as top Charter School in the State

2018 — Niche Award as top 4% of Elementary schools in the Nation

2018 — Niche Award as top 5% of Elementary schools in the Nation

2018 — Two PCCS Teachers receive Recognition Award by the Illinois State Board of Education

2018 — Midwest PBIS Network Platinum Award

2017 — Niche Award as top 7% of Elementary schools in the Nation

2017 — Niche Award as top 8% of Middle schools in the Nation

2017 — Best K-8 Green School in the Country

2017 — Midwest PBIS Network Platinum Award

2016 — Midwest PBIS Network Silver Award

2015 — Midwest PBIS Network Bronze Award

2014 — Named one of the top 50 School Districts in Illinois (#29).

2013 — National Blue Ribbon Schools Award.

2012 — National Green Ribbon Schools Award.

2012 — Academic Excellence Award.

2011 — Academic Excellence Award.

2010 — Academic Excellence Award.

2009 — Academic Excellence Award.

2009 — Featured in “Chicago” magazine in as best charter schools in the area.

2008 — Awarded  LEED™ Gold by USGBC  (1st constructed in Illinois – 2004).

2007 — National Charter School of the Year by The Center for Education Reform

2006 — BP most valuable resources by for going beyond in math and science and environmental leadership.

2006 — Received a “Charter Up!” award from the Illinois Network of Charter Schools for our innovative Farm to Table program.

2005 — Academic Excellence Award.

2004 — Academic Excellence Award.

2004 — Recognized as a leader by BP with a focus on education as the cornerstone of innovation and progress.