Principal
Principal Letter
Dear Oak Prairie Parents,
My name is Johnny Billingsley, and I am beyond excited to be selected as the next principal of Oak Prairie for the 2026–2027 school year!
I bring 28 years of experience in education, with most of those years serving as a middle school principal. I firmly believe that the middle school years are among the most important in a child's educational journey. During adolescence, students experience incredible cognitive, emotional, social, and physical growth. With your partnership, we can make what can sometimes be a challenging transition into a positive, supportive experience that fosters academic growth, builds social-emotional skills, and helps students become confident, compassionate young adults.
My number one goal is to connect with our Oak Prairie students and families and build positive, lasting relationships. I want to cheer our students on in athletics, support them in the arts, challenge them through a rigorous curriculum, and celebrate their successes along the way. Most importantly, I want to serve our students, staff, and families so that every child has an amazing middle school experience.
Students should be on the lookout for a back-to-school opportunity to connect with me in August as well as information about a locker move in day. In the meantime, I wanted to extend that opportunity to parents as well. I love meeting with families in person, but I also know summer is a busy time, so I'm happy to connect in whatever way works best for you.
Please feel free to email or call me to set up a time to talk about your child. I'd love to learn more about them, answer any questions you may have, and work together to make this their best school year yet.
I can't wait to meet all of you and officially become part of the Oak Prairie family. Enjoy the rest of your summer, and I'll see you soon!
Sincerely,
Johnny Billingsley
Principal, Oak Prairie Middle School
Welcome to Oak Prairie Junior High
Oak Prairie Junior High School is located at 15161 South Gougar Road, in an unincorporated section of Homer Township. Oak Prairie Junior High School opened its doors to students for the first time in August 2002. At that time Oak Prairie became the most recent addition to the four schools now operating within Will County School District 92 boundaries.
The Oak Prairie teachers are some of the best around! They promote academic excellence, individual responsibility, and appropriate social interaction. The Oak Prairie staff work to prepare all students for a smooth transition to the high school level; academically, socially, and emotionally. Meeting these lofty goals would not be possible without the professional dedication of a tireless staff, along with tremendous community support. Oak Prairie Junior High School is proud to have such a staff and honored to be part of an amazing and supportive community.
The academic day at Oak Prairie is structured around an eight-period class day. During these eight periods, every student has five core subjects (Reading, Language Arts, Math, Science and Social Studies) and one P.E./health class.
Sixth-grade students participate in a mini course class rotation (Computers, STEM Academy, Music and Art) and also select one elective class (Connections, Choir, or Band).
Seventh and eighth-grade students have two elective class choices; Band, Choir, Digital Art, Art II, 3D Art, STEM, Guitar, Music Technology, Computer Applications, Computer Media Production, Discovering Languages & Cultures, Spanish I and/or Spanish II.
Oak Prairie offers educational supports for all of its learners and provides reading and/or math interventions for struggling students as well as enrichment options for those students that excel. In addition, there are instructional, resource and special education classes to aid the identified special needs population. These programs along with a robust ELL (English Language Learners) program help all students to succeed in school.
Many before and after school programs are offered throughout the year. Some of these include sports, music lessons, student council, dance club, cheerleading, tutoring, S.O.S. (Student Opportunity to Succeed), and art club.
Much effort goes into the successful education of a child. One component of that process is a strong, caring school system with dedicated loving teachers. We have that at Oak Prairie Junior High School but without the extraordinary parents and community, our job would be made near impossible. We are grateful for the time and commitment our parents and community members show to further the educational process of all our students. To the District 92 Foundation, PFA, Athletic Association, local business associations and other such support groups we cannot be more grateful, “Thank You”!
If you have any questions about any of our programs, please call or email me at Oak Prairie Junior High School, 815-836-2724.