On the heels of its recent designation as a National Blue Ribbon School for 2020 by the U. S. Department of Education, comes word that Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart has received another overall grade of A+ in the just-released Niche 2021 high school rankings. Once again, the Lake Forest school has gotten top marks when it comes to a faith-based education for young women. According to the 2021 rankings by Niche, an independent research company, Woodlands Academy repeats as the #1 Best All-girls High School in Illinois and the #1 Best Catholic High School in Illinois. This is the fourth year in a row that Woodlands has been ranked the #1 Best All-girls High School in Illinois based on factors such as SAT/ACT scores, student-teacher ratios and reviews from students and parents.  

With a few changes due to COVID-19, the fall Sacred Heart awards were given to seven Woodlands Academy students and one faculty member Oct. 7 in recognition of living the Sacred Heart Goals and Criteria in a most visible way. Goal Three was chosen by the Woodlands Academy student government as the basis for these awards. Those recognized on Oct. 7 for their efforts in living out this goal were: freshmen Hailey Ross and Greer Talty, sophomores Karla Tapia and Magdelene Roemer, juniors Lani English and Gretchen Steele, senior Gabriella Flores, and science teacher Kristen Black.

Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart is among an elite group of 317 public and 50 private schools recognized by U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos as a National Blue Ribbon School for 2020. This coveted award is based on a school's overall academic performance. "Congratulations to this year’s National Blue Ribbon School awardees,” DeVos said. “It’s a privilege to recognize the extraordinary work you do to meet students’ needs and prepare them for successful careers and meaningful lives.” Now in its 38th year, this U. S. Department of Education program seeks out and celebrates great American schools demonstrating that all students can achieve to high levels.