Best Elementary Schools
in Chicago, Illinois
We ranked the 567 elementary schools in Chicago with real test data. The top 25 scored between 8.7 and 9.8 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and Illinois education data
The short answer
The top-rated elementary schools in Chicago for 2026 are Bronzeville Classical Elem Sch (9.8/10), Decatur Classical Elem School (9.7/10), and Edison Elem Regional Gifted Cntr (9.7/10), based on MySchoolScout's analysis of real test data across 567 rated elementary schools. Schools with estimated (proxy) scores are excluded from this ranking.
Choosing an elementary school in Chicago?
Every elementary school in Chicago is scored 1–10 on the same four measures. Use the ranking to build a shortlist, then weigh the tradeoffs a single score can't capture.
Shortlist starter
Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.
Bronzeville Classical Elem Sch
Chicago, IL. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Decatur Classical Elem School
Chicago, IL. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Edison Elem Regional Gifted Cntr
Chicago, IL. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
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.
Bronzeville Classical Elem Sch
Decatur Classical Elem School
Edison Elem Regional Gifted Cntr
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 with weights that vary by school level: Student Growth tracks improvement over time and counts most in elementary and middle grades. Poverty-Adjusted Academic Achievement measures standardized test performance in math and reading against socioeconomic expectations. Environment considers class size, spending, and attendance. College Readiness joins the composite for high schools. Equity data is shown for context but is not factored into the score. All scores are computed within Illinois so schools are compared to peers in the same state. See our full methodology.
Top 25 of 567 Rankings
| # | School | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bronzeville Classical Elem Sch Chicago Public Schools Dist 299 | 9.8 |
| 2 | Decatur Classical Elem School Chicago Public Schools Dist 299 | 9.7 |
| 3 | Edison Elem Regional Gifted Cntr Chicago Public Schools Dist 299 | 9.7 |
| 4 | Prescott Elem School Chicago Public Schools Dist 299 | 9.4 |
| 5 | Latin School of Chicago Upper | 9.4 |
| 6 | Mayer Elem School Chicago Public Schools Dist 299 | 9.3 |
| 7 | Lenart Elem Regional Gifted Ctr Chicago Public Schools Dist 299 | 9.3 |
| 8 | Skinner North Elem Sch Chicago Public Schools Dist 299 | 9.3 |
| 9 | Everett Elem School Chicago Public Schools Dist 299 | 9.2 |
| 10 | Hamilton Elem School Chicago Public Schools Dist 299 | 9.2 |
| 11 | Hawthorne Elem Scholastic Academy Chicago Public Schools Dist 299 | 9.2 |
| 12 | Keller Elem Gifted Magnet School Chicago Public Schools Dist 299 | 9.2 |
| 13 | Ravenswood Elem School Chicago Public Schools Dist 299 | 9.2 |
| 14 | Stem Magnet Academy Elem Chicago Public Schools Dist 299 | 9.2 |
| 15 | Sor Juana Ines De La Cruz Chicago Public Schools Dist 299 | 9.2 |
| 16 | Ancona School | 9.2 |
| 17 | Poe Elem Classical School Chicago Public Schools Dist 299 | 9.1 |
| 18 | Lincoln Elem School Chicago Public Schools Dist 299 | 9.1 |
| 19 | Coonley Elem School Chicago Public Schools Dist 299 | 8.9 |
| 20 | Blaine Elem School Chicago Public Schools Dist 299 | 8.8 |
| 21 | Haines Elem School Chicago Public Schools Dist 299 | 8.8 |
| 22 | Pritzker Elem School Chicago Public Schools Dist 299 | 8.8 |
| 23 | Lasalle II Lang Acad Elem Sch Chicago Public Schools Dist 299 | 8.8 |
| 24 | Skinner Elem School Chicago Public Schools Dist 299 | 8.7 |
| 25 | British International School of Chicago, Lincoln P | 8.7 |
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, Bronzeville Classical Elem Sch is the top-rated elementary school in Chicago with a composite score of 9.8/10. The score blends student growth, poverty-adjusted academic performance, and school environment — plus college readiness for high schools — with equity shown as context, not scored.
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 6.0/10. 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 that blends Student Growth, Poverty-Adjusted Academic Achievement, and School Environment — plus College Readiness for high schools. Weights vary by school level, with growth counting most in elementary and middle grades. Equity data is shown for context but not scored. 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.