Since its founding in 1853, Wheaton Academy continuously sets a high standard of excellence in education.
November 5, 2025
Wheaton Academy has received two prestigious awards recognizing outstanding academic achievement in 2025: the Governor’s Blue Ribbon School Award from the State of Illinois and the CAPE Blue Ribbon School Award.
The State of Illinois launched the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Schools program to recognize exemplary schools statewide after the U.S. Department of Education discontinued its national Blue Ribbon program. Wheaton Academy had already been selected for national recognition prior to the program’s closure, building on the school’s National Blue Ribbon award first received in 2019. In 2025, Wheaton Academy was one of just 3 private high schools in Illinois to receive the new state honor. Awardees were invited to participate in a special celebration hosted by the governor in Springfield.
In parallel, the Council for American Private Education (CAPE) honored 15 non-public high schools nationwide with its Blue Ribbon designation, celebrating either overall academic excellence or success in closing achievement gaps. Wheaton Academy was recognized in the category of Exemplary High Performance, placing our school among the top-performing private institutions in the country.
“This consecutive recognition validates the outstanding mission fulfillment happening on campus each day,” said Principal Brad Thornton. “It reflects our high and uncompromising standards for hiring Living Curriculum Teachers and highlights the strategic investments we have made in academic programs and the learning environments that support them. Together, these awards affirm the enduring impact of our Christ-centered academic model, our faculty’s commitment to excellence, and our students’ pursuit of learning that honors God.”
To commemorate these Blue Ribbons, IL State Senator Lewis joined us at Community Time on November 5th to celebrate our achievements with a Senate Recognition Certificate.
As Principal Brad Thornton shared the news of these achievements with the student body, he reminded us that this success is from the Lord. It is our desire to steward the gifts we have received as we stand firm on the foundation of the Lord’s faithfulness.
We are grateful for these recognitions and proud to stand among the nation’s leading schools. Soli Deo Gloria.
Awarded by the Department of Education to schools excelling in curriculum development, student culture, and co-curricular offerings
Nominated as one of the highest performing private schools in the nation
Recognized by the College Board for our students’ achievements on the Advanced Placement (AP) examinations as they earn college credit in high school
Founded the Council on Educational Standards & Accountability with other exemplary Christian schools
Earned recognition as an Illinois Governor’s Blue Ribbon School for demonstrating exemplary academic performance
Served and collaborated with schools across the country to advance Christian education
Received high marks from the Best Christian Workplace review for over twenty years, most recently ranking as a “Flourishing” workplace
Ranked as one of the Best Christian High Schools in Illinois, receiving a grade A from Niche’s review
The mission of Wheaton Academy is to nurture growth in students through relationships, excellence, and service to the glory of God.
Wheaton Academy reached record enrollment for this current school year. Due to our full school, our Admissions Office activated a wait pool in all four grades last year. If you are considering Wheaton Academy for Fall 2026, we urge you to start the admissions process quickly!
