Lake County Gazette

Lake Forest School District 67 has announced the appointment of Kimberley Ratan as the new principal of Cherokee Elementary School.

Kimberley Ratan has been named the new principal of Cherokee Elementary by the District 67 Board of Education. She is recognized for her dedication to student achievement, her leadership experience, and her focus on building a welcoming, inclusive school culture, according to an announcement by Lake Forest School District 67. Ratan is expected to bring a purposeful and student-centered approach to her role as she joins the Cherokee community.

Cherokee Elementary School, established in 1962 and located at 475 E. Cherokee Rd. in Lake Forest, Illinois, serves students in kindergarten through fourth grade, with an enrollment of about 325 students. The school’s colors are navy blue and gold, and the mascot is “Champ” the Cheetah. It is part of District 67 and features links to various district resources including curriculum, health services, transportation, registration, and social-emotional learning (SEL), according to Lake Forest Schools.

Cherokee offers both Mandarin immersion and Spanish language programs as part of its academic curriculum. The school emphasizes inclusive instruction and student engagement through a range of learning experiences. School events throughout the year are supported by the APT and Spirit of 67 Foundation, which fund various programs. Principal Cavanaugh highlights collaboration among staff, students, and families to maintain a safe and academically focused environment.

Lake Forest Elementary School District 67 serves approximately 1,600 students in grades Pre-K through 8. The district includes three elementary schools—Cherokee Elementary (K-4), Everett Elementary (K-4), and Sheridan Elementary (Pre-K-4)—as well as Deer Path Middle School (5-8). Known for its innovative instructional practices, District 67 emphasizes inclusive education and personalized learning experiences that support academic, social, emotional, and behavioral development. The district’s mission is to inspire and empower students to maximize growth and cultivate respect for others in a dynamic, safe learning environment.