Skip to main content

Excellent

#123 of 3,813 schools in IL

Top 3% in state

Central Elem School

Elementary School · Wilmette SD 39

910 Central Ave, Wilmette, IL 60091

Enrollment

456

Student-Teacher

12.7:1

Score

8.9

Grades

Kindergarten – 4th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Wilmette

#4 of 7

public schools

Illinois elementary schools

#91 of 2,326

In district

#4 of 6

Wilmette SD 39

Academic performance

9.8 / 10

Exceptional

About Central Elem School

Central Elem School is a public elementary school in Wilmette, IL, part of the Wilmette SD 39. The school serves approximately 456 students in grades Kindergarten – 4th with a student-teacher ratio of 12.7:1. It holds a MySchoolScout rating of 8.9/10, placing it in the 96.8th percentile among IL schools — an above average rating overall.

Students demonstrate 70% proficiency in math and 62% in reading/language arts. The school scores particularly well in school environment (9.5/10). Located in a neighborhood with a median household income of $190,250, where 85% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

The school is situated in a large suburban setting.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress8.2Excellent50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change-1.65 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2022
TrendDeclining
Academics9.8Exceptional30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency67%
Reading/ELA Proficiency67%
Overall Proficiency67%
Expected (poverty-adj.)49%
vs. Expected+18.1 pts
Adjusted Percentile97th
College ReadinessNot Available

Data not available for this school

Resources & Environment9.5Exceptional20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio12.7:1
Per-Pupil Spending$23,544

Central Elem School — Students at Central Elem School score 67% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 49%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

0%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores IL EDFACTS (2021-22)

Math Proficiency 70.0%
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 61.7%
School
State
N/A

Based on 5 test records from IL state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

→ Stable

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2019
Math
73%
ELA
66%
2021*
Math
67%
ELA
52%
2022
ELA
67%

* 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: 8.2/10.

How Central Elem School Compares

See how Central Elem School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
8.9/10
97th percentile in IL
Academic
9.8/10
9.8/10
Growth
8.2/10
Above average
Environment
9.5/10
Above average

Location

910 Central Ave, Wilmette, IL 60091

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Central Elem School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. The Joseph Sears School (rated 9.6/10, 1.2 miles away, in nearby Kenilworth), which scores slightly higher. Another option is Orrington Elem School (rated 9.1/10, 1.4 miles away, in nearby Evanston), with a very similar rating. Additionally, Dewey Elem School (rated 9.0/10, 2.2 miles away, in nearby Evanston), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Wilmette, see our Wilmette schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 2.2 mi
School Distance Rating
ST FRANCIS XAVIER SCHOOL Wilmette 0.2 mi 7.2
McKenzie Elem School Wilmette 0.6 mi 8.1
ST ATHANASIUS SCHOOL Evanston 1.1 mi 6.9
Haven Middle School Evanston 1.1 mi 6.2
Kingsley Elementary School Evanston 1.2 mi 5.8
BAKER DEMONSTRATION SCHOOL Wilmette 1.0 mi 8.4
Willard Elem School Evanston 1.1 mi 5.7
Lincolnwood Elem School Evanston 1.3 mi 8.7
The Joseph Sears School Kenilworth 1.2 mi 9.6
KINGSWAY PREPARATORY SCHOOL Evanston 1.6 mi
Orrington Elem School Evanston 1.4 mi 9.1
New Trier Township H S Winnetka Winnetka 1.5 mi 9.1
RONALD KNOX MONTESSORI SCHOOL Wilmette 1.3 mi
MIDWEST MONTESSORI DEMONSTRATION SCHOOL Evanston 1.6 mi
THE BARBEREUX SCHOOL Evanston 1.6 mi
Greeley Elem School Winnetka 1.8 mi 7.5
Evanston Twp High School Evanston 2.1 mi 9.1
Highcrest Middle School Wilmette 1.6 mi 9.6
ROYCEMORE SCHOOL Evanston 2.2 mi 8.3
Dewey Elem School Evanston 2.2 mi 9.0

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 60091 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$190,250

Median Home Value

$800,100

Median Rent

$1,968/mo

Population

27,369

College Educated

84.5%

Homeownership

88.3%

Avg Commute

34.9 min

Poverty Rate

3.4%

Median Age

45.7

Community Profile

The community surrounding Central Elem School has a median household income of $190,250. It is a well-educated community where 85% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $800,100, with a median rent of $1,968/month. The local poverty rate of 3.4% is relatively low. The average commute in the area is 35 minutes, which is above the national average. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
Carl Sandburg Elem School Wheaton, IL 8.9
Congress Park Elem School Brookfield, IL 8.9
Hawthorn Elem School North Vernon Hills, IL 8.9
Kimball Hill Elem School Rolling Meadows, IL 8.9
Lebanon Elem School Lebanon, IL 8.9
Madison Elem School Wheaton, IL 8.9

Compare Central Elem School with similar schools nearby

Side-by-side ratings, test scores, and demographics for the schools parents most often weigh against this one.

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 4th.

How many students attend Central Elem School?

Central Elem School has an enrollment of approximately 456 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Central Elem School?

The student-teacher ratio at Central Elem School is 12.7:1. 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 is ranked #123 out of 3,813 schools in IL.

What is Central Elem School's MySchoolScout rating?

Central Elem School has a composite rating of 8.9 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at Central Elem School?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Central Elem School has 70.0% math proficiency and 61.7% reading/ELA proficiency.

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.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
82 Very Walkable
Transit Score
47 Some Transit
Bike Score
66 Bikeable
City Safety
Elevated (1,210/100K)

Powered by Walk Score

FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Wilmette). Data >1 year old.

Compare This School

How does Central Elem School stack up?

Harper Elem School
9.8

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Kindergarten – 4th
Enrollment
456
Student-Teacher Ratio
12.7:1
Teachers (FTE)
36
Type
regular
Setting
Large Suburb
County
Cook County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

Wilmette SD 39
District Enrollment
3,285
Schools in District
6
Per-Pupil Spending
$24,599
District Rank
#4 of 6

How We Rate Schools

Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.

Read our full methodology

Related 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.