Excellent
#123 of 3,813 schools in IL
Top 3% in state
Central Elem School
Elementary School · CCSD 62
1526 E Thacker St, Des Plaines, IL 60016
Enrollment
326
Student-Teacher
12.5:1
Score
9.1
Grades
Kindergarten – 5th
Enrollment
326
Student-Teacher
12.5:1
Score
9.1
Grades
Kindergarten – 5th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Illinois schools
#123 of 3,813
In Des Plaines
#2 of 17
public schools
In district
#2 of 11
CCSD 62
School environment
9.5 / 10
Excellent
Shortlisting around Central Elem School?
Use this profile as one decision point, then compare nearby options, source confidence, and commute fit before picking a neighborhood around it.
Shortlist starter
Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.
Central Elem School
Elementary School in Des Plaines · grades Kindergarten – 5th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Plato Academy
0.2 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Science & Arts Academy
0.4 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Central Elem School
Central Elem School is a public elementary school in Des Plaines, IL, part of CCSD 62. Central Elem School serves approximately 326 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-5th, and has a 12.5:1 student-teacher ratio. Central Elem School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 9.1 out of 10 and ranks #123 of 3,813 schools in IL.
Structured state assessment records for Central Elem School show 65% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2021) and 67% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
- This school 9.1 · Excellent
- District avg 8.4
- IL avg 6.2
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Central Elem School — Students at Central Elem School score 50% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 35%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
31%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores IL EDFACTS (2021-22)
Based on 27 test records from IL state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 8.8/10.
How Central Elem School Compares
See how Central Elem School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
Location
1526 E Thacker St, Des Plaines, IL 60016
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Central Elem School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. South Elem School (rated 9.4/10, 1.2 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Another option is Cumberland Elem School (rated 9.1/10, 1.6 miles away), with a very similar rating. Additionally, Iroquois Community School (rated 9.0/10, 1.9 miles away), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Des Plaines, see our Des Plaines schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 2.0 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| PLATO ACADEMY Des Plaines | 0.2 mi | 7.8 |
| SCIENCE & ARTS ACADEMY Des Plaines | 0.4 mi | 8.4 |
| North Elementary School Des Plaines | 0.5 mi | 7.6 |
| WILLOWS ACADEMY Des Plaines | 0.6 mi | 8.6 |
| South Elem School Des Plaines | 1.2 mi | 9.4 |
| GUARDIAN ANGEL ORTHODOX DAY SCHOOL Des Plaines | 1.0 mi | 6.5 |
| Algonquin Middle School Des Plaines | 1.1 mi | 7.9 |
| Forest Elem School Des Plaines | 1.2 mi | 8.0 |
| Plainfield Elem School Des Plaines | 1.5 mi | 8.1 |
| Cumberland Elem School Des Plaines | 1.6 mi | 9.1 |
| Maine West High School Des Plaines | 1.6 mi | 7.6 |
| Chippewa Middle School Des Plaines | 1.6 mi | 8.4 |
| Iroquois Community School Des Plaines | 1.9 mi | 9.0 |
| Maine East High School Park Ridge | 1.5 mi | 8.1 |
| Franklin Elementary School Park Ridge | 1.6 mi | 8.7 |
| MARYVILLE JEN SCHOOL Des Plaines | 2.1 mi | — |
| Terrace Elem School Des Plaines | 1.6 mi | 8.7 |
| Orchard Place Elem School Des Plaines | 2.4 mi | 7.0 |
| JOSEPH ACADEMY Des Plaines | 2.4 mi | — |
| KIDDIE GARDEN Niles | 2.0 mi | — |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 60016 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$84,044
Median Home Value
$300,700
Median Rent
$1,406/mo
Population
60,520
College Educated
42.7%
Homeownership
68.5%
Avg Commute
30.8 min
Poverty Rate
9.1%
Median Age
42.1
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Avoca West Elem School Glenview, IL | 9.1 |
| Cumberland Elem School Des Plaines, IL | 9.1 |
| Davis Primary School Saint Charles, IL | 9.1 |
| Hubbard Woods Elem School Winnetka, IL | 9.1 |
| John Laidlaw Elem School Western Springs, IL | 9.1 |
| Orrington Elem School Evanston, IL | 9.1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Central Elem School
What grades does Central Elem School serve?
Central Elem School serves students in grades Kindergarten through 5th.
How many students attend Central Elem School?
Central Elem School has an enrollment of approximately 326 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Central Elem School?
The student-teacher ratio at Central Elem School is 12.5:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Central Elem School rank in IL?
Central Elem School ranks #123 of 3,813 schools in IL.
What is Central Elem School's MySchoolScout rating?
Central Elem School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 9.1 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Central Elem School?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Central Elem School has 65% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2021) and 67% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
Is Central Elem School a charter school?
No, Central Elem School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Central Elem School a Title I school?
No, Central Elem School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Central Elem School?
31.0% of students at Central Elem School qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Kindergarten – 5th
- Enrollment
- 326
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 12.5:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 26
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 31.0%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Small City
- County
- Cook County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 20.6%
- Phone
- (847) 824-1575
Resources & Links
District
CCSD 62- District Enrollment
- 4,480
- Schools in District
- 11
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $25,359
- District Rank
- #2 of 11
Other Schools in This District
How we rate schools
A clear 1–10 score built from public data — growth, academics, and learning environment. No hidden criteria, no pay-to-play.
See how we rateRelated reading
Get school insights in your inbox
New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.