5Essentials Designation

Forest Park School District 91 is proud to announce a historic achievement: for the first time, we have been recognized as “Well-Organized” in the Illinois 5Essentials Survey results. This distinction reflects the dedication of our educators, staff, students, and families, along with a shared commitment to growth and student success across the district.

According to 5Essentials research, schools and districts that are strong in at least four of the five essentials are 10 times more likely to experience substantial gains in student learning. D91’s designation highlights the progress taking place across our schools and the positive impact this work is having on student achievement.

The Illinois 5Essentials Survey measures five key indicators shown to be critical to school success: Effective Leaders, Collaborative Teachers, Ambitious Instruction, Involved Families, and Supportive Environment. Schools and districts are identified as “Well-Organized” when they demonstrate strong performance across these interconnected areas that support student learning and achievement.

Each year, students, teachers, and parents are invited to complete the survey, providing valuable feedback about their experiences. Their input helps create a comprehensive picture of school culture, instructional practices, leadership, family engagement, and student support systems.

Every school earns it's own 5Essentials designation, and those building-level results contribute to the district’s overall rating. This year, Betsy Ross Elementary, Field Stevenson Intermediate, and Forest Park Middle School earned a “Well-Organized” designation, while Garfield Elementary earned an “Organized” designation. The chart below highlights D91’s steady growth over the past four years, culminating in our first “Well-Organized” designation in 2026. This milestone is the result of intentional collaboration, continuous improvement, and a districtwide focus on student success.

This recognition is especially meaningful because it reflects the work happening in our classrooms and schools every day. From building strong relationships with students and families to delivering engaging, supportive instruction, our educators and staff continue to go above and beyond for children.

As we wrap up Teacher Appreciation Week, this milestone serves as a meaningful reminder of the impact our teachers and staff make every day. Their passion, professionalism, and care for students are at the heart of this accomplishment, and we are deeply grateful for all they do to support our school community.

Congratulations to the entire D91 community on this historic accomplishment!