Best Elementary Schools
in Chicago, Illinois
We ranked all 618 elementary schools in Chicago. The top 25 scored between 8.2 and 9.4 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and Illinois education data
Chicago's 461 ranked elementary schools span a wide range of performance, with an average composite score of 6.3/10 across the metro. At the top, Belding Elementary School and Orozco Elementary Fine Arts & Sciences both earn 9.3/10, followed closely by Bronzeville Classical Elementary, Pritzker, and Armour. That upper tier is competitive — 134 schools, about 29% of the ranked total, score 7 or higher. The table below lets you sort by overall score, test performance, and other key metrics to find schools that fit what matters most to your family. Whether you're comparing neighborhood schools or exploring options across the city, the data gives you a direct look at how each school stacks up. Start with the top-rated schools or filter by your district — the right fit depends on more than just a single number.
LATIN SCHOOL OF CHICAGO UPPER
Belding Elem School
Orozco Elem Fine Arts & Sciences
Score Distribution
Where the top 25 schools fall on a 1-10 scale
How We Ranked Chicago's Elementary Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four components: Academic Achievement (50%) measures standardized test performance in math and reading. Student Growth (20%) tracks improvement over time. Equity (15%) evaluates how well a school serves all student groups. Environment (15%) considers class size, spending, and attendance. All scores are computed within Illinois so schools are compared to peers in the same state. See our full methodology.
All 25 Rankings
| # | School | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | LATIN SCHOOL OF CHICAGO UPPER | 9.4 |
| 2 | Belding Elem School Chicago Public Schools Dist 299 | 9.3 |
| 3 | Orozco Elem Fine Arts & Sciences Chicago Public Schools Dist 299 | 9.3 |
| 4 | Bronzeville Classical Elem Sch Chicago Public Schools Dist 299 | 9.2 |
| 5 | ANCONA SCHOOL | 9.2 |
| 6 | Pritzker Elem School Chicago Public Schools Dist 299 | 9.1 |
| 7 | Armour Elem School Chicago Public Schools Dist 299 | 9.0 |
| 8 | Beard Elem School Chicago Public Schools Dist 299 | 8.7 |
| 9 | Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz Chicago Public Schools Dist 299 | 8.7 |
| 10 | BRITISH INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF CHICAGO, LINCOLN P | 8.7 |
| 11 | Hawthorne Elem Scholastic Academy Chicago Public Schools Dist 299 | 8.6 |
| 12 | Pickard Elem School Chicago Public Schools Dist 299 | 8.6 |
| 13 | LATIN SCHOOL OF CHICAGO LOWER | 8.6 |
| 14 | Black Magnet Elem School Chicago Public Schools Dist 299 | 8.5 |
| 15 | CHICAGO CITY DAY SCHOOL | 8.5 |
| 16 | LaSalle Elem Language Academy Chicago Public Schools Dist 299 | 8.4 |
| 17 | Nettelhorst Elem School Chicago Public Schools Dist 299 | 8.4 |
| 18 | ST JOHN LUTHERAN SCHOOL | 8.4 |
| 19 | ICC ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | 8.4 |
| 20 | Bell Elem School Chicago Public Schools Dist 299 | 8.3 |
| 21 | National Teachers Elem Academy Chicago Public Schools Dist 299 | 8.3 |
| 22 | Edison Elem Regional Gifted Cntr Chicago Public Schools Dist 299 | 8.3 |
| 23 | ST JOHN BERCHMANS SCHOOL | 8.3 |
| 24 | URBAN PRAIRIE WALDORF SCHOOL | 8.3 |
| 25 | De Diego Elem Community Academy Chicago Public Schools Dist 299 | 8.2 |
Scores are based on 2024-25 data from the NCES Common Core of Data and Illinois education department. Rankings are relative to all public elementary schools in Illinois. Learn about our methodology.
Map: Top 25 Elementary Schools in Chicago
Pins are color-coded by score: green (7+), yellow (4-6.9), red (below 4). Click a pin for details.
School Spotlights: Chicago's Top 10 Elementary Schools
Choosing the Right Elementary School in Chicago
Rankings identify schools with the strongest measurable outcomes, but the right school for your family depends on more than a number. Chicago's elementary school landscape is one of the most diverse in Illinois, with 618 schools spanning 10 school districts, plus 51 charter schools offering alternative approaches.
Consider your child's learning style. Some children thrive in smaller settings (look for student-teacher ratios under 14:1), while others do well in larger, more social environments. The schools on this list range widely in size and approach.
Look beyond the composite score. A school ranked #15 might be the best fit if it excels in growth (improving student outcomes year over year) even if its raw academic score is lower. Click into individual school profiles to see the breakdown.
Visit your top choices. Walk the hallways during a school day. Watch how teachers interact with students. Ask about before- and after-school care, transportation, and parent involvement. These details matter more than any dataset.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best elementary school in Chicago, Illinois?
According to MySchoolScout's 2026 rankings, LATIN SCHOOL OF CHICAGO UPPER is the top-rated elementary school in Chicago with a composite score of 9.4/10. The score is based on academic performance, student growth, equity, and school environment.
How many elementary schools are in Chicago, Illinois?
Chicago has 618 elementary schools, including 51 charter schools. Of these, 570 have enough data for a full composite rating on MySchoolScout.
What is the average elementary school rating in Chicago?
The average composite score for Chicago elementary schools is 6.3/10. Scores range from 1.0 (bottom of the state) to 10.0 (top 1% in Illinois).
How does MySchoolScout rate elementary schools?
Each school receives a 1-10 composite score based on four components: Academic Achievement (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and School Environment (15%). All scores are computed within Illinois, so schools are compared to peers in the same state. Data comes from the NCES Common Core of Data and state education departments.
What is a good school rating on MySchoolScout?
A score of 7 or above means a school is in roughly the top 30% of its state. A 5 is average. Anything above 8 is exceptional. Our ratings are relative to other schools in Illinois, not a national comparison, because each state has different testing standards.
Are charter schools included in the Chicago elementary school rankings?
Yes. Chicago has 51 charter elementary schools, and they are ranked alongside traditional public schools using the same composite scoring methodology.