Success takes many forms for District 214 students, from strong academic performance to hands-on experiences that help shape their futures. The Class of 2026 demonstrated both, exceeding Illinois ACT averages in every tested subject and earning more than 540 College and Career Pathway Endorsements.
“Our students are so much more than a test score,” said Superintendent Dr. Scott Rowe. “The ACT matters as one measure of academic preparation, and we are proud of what our students have achieved. We also see their growth in the skills they develop, the interests they discover and the confidence they build through meaningful learning and career experiences.”
Together, the ACT results and pathway endorsements offer a broader picture of how students are preparing for opportunities after high school.
Strong academic preparation
District graduates posted an average ACT composite score of 20.8, compared with the Illinois average of 19.0. Average scores also surpassed state results in English, mathematics, reading and science.
The ACT profile report includes 2,894 District 214 graduates who earned a college-reportable composite score during high school. In addition to average scores, the report measures the percentage of students meeting ACT’s college-readiness benchmarks, which estimate readiness for introductory college coursework.
District 214 graduates exceeded Illinois benchmark attainment rates in all four subjects. English represented the district’s largest advantage, with 62% of graduates meeting the benchmark compared with 48% statewide. One-third of District 214’s tested graduates met all three benchmarks in English, mathematics and reading, compared with 23% statewide.
The Class of 2026 results reflect substantially broader ACT participation following Illinois’ transition to statewide ACT testing for juniors in spring 2025. District 214’s report includes more than seven times as many tested graduates as the previous year’s report, providing a broader view of students’ academic preparation. Because participation changed significantly, the results are not directly comparable with prior graduating classes.
The 2026 Illinois Report Card also shows a four-year graduation rate of 92.6% for District 214, compared with 89.8% statewide. All six comprehensive high schools earned either an “Exemplary” or “Approaching Exemplary” summative designation, the state’s two highest performance levels.
Connecting learning to future careers
For the Class of 2026, District 214 reported more than 540 College and Career Pathway Endorsements to the state across all seven endorsement areas. The largest numbers were in Health Sciences and Technology, Finance and Business Services, and Human and Public Services.
The results build on District 214’s established leadership in the program. The Illinois State Board of Education’s FY2025 report listed 447 District 214 students earning at least one endorsement, the highest district total in Illinois.
Students earn endorsements by completing an individualized college and career plan, career-focused coursework that includes at least six hours of early college credit, and professional learning experiences, including at least 60 hours of work-based learning. Students also demonstrate readiness for college-level reading and mathematics without remediation.
An endorsement recognizes sustained preparation for a career field, connecting classroom learning with practical experience. Through those experiences, students can explore their interests, apply their skills and make informed decisions about college, training and employment.
Guided by the Future 214 strategic plan, District 214 combines strong academic preparation with opportunities for students to discover their interests and develop their talents. Each experience helps students build the knowledge, skills and confidence to pursue their goals in college, careers and beyond.