Very Good
#94 of 716 private schools in IL
Top 13% of private schools
Chicago Free School
Elementary School
1100 E HYDE PARK BLVD, Chicago, IL 60615
Estimated academic score. This school does not have standardized test data. Based on 623 schools in Chicago. Learn more
Enrollment
59
Student-Teacher
6:1
Score
7.7
Grades
Pre-K – 7th
Enrollment
59
Student-Teacher
6:1
Score
7.7
Grades
Pre-K – 7th
Updated
2021-22
Updated 2021-22
How this school compares
In Chicago
#33 of 162
public schools
Illinois elementary schools
#49 of 471
About Chicago Free School
CHICAGO FREE SCHOOL is a public elementary school located in Chicago, Illinois, offering education from preschool through seventh grade. With an enrollment of 59 students and a student-teacher ratio of 6:1, the school provides personalized attention to each child. The faculty consists of 10 full-time equivalent teachers dedicated to fostering a supportive learning environment.
Although specific test score data is not available, CHICAGO FREE SCHOOL aims to focus on student development and growth through its small class sizes and committed staff. The school's MySchoolScout rating of 4.4 out of 10 suggests there is room for academic improvement but also highlights the school’s potential and dedication. CHICAGO FREE SCHOOL is situated in a vibrant, bustling city setting, offering students exposure to diverse cultural experiences and resources unique to urban environments.
What Parents Should Know
With an enrollment of 59 students, Chicago Free School is a smaller school where families often find a close-knit community atmosphere. Smaller settings can mean more individual attention from teachers and staff, though they may offer fewer extracurricular options than larger schools.
With a student-teacher ratio of 6:1, Chicago Free School offers a notably low ratio compared to the national average. This typically means smaller class sizes and more opportunities for one-on-one interaction between students and teachers.
As a private school, Chicago Free School operates independently from the local public school district. Families considering this school should inquire about tuition costs, financial aid availability, and the admissions process. Private schools are not required to follow the same curriculum standards as public schools, which can be either an advantage or a consideration depending on your priorities.
Financial Overview
Source: IRS Form 990 (2022 filing)
- Per-Pupil Spending
- Total expenses ÷ enrollment
- $12,130
- Per-Pupil Revenue
- Total revenue ÷ enrollment
- $10,232
- Financial Health
- Revenue-to-expense ratio (>1.0 = surplus)
- 0.84x — At Risk
- Tuition Dependency
- Share of revenue from program services (tuition, fees)
- 98%
- Total Assets
- End-of-year total assets from IRS filing
- $69,196
Financial data from IRS Form 990 filings via ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer. Per-pupil figures based on current enrollment of 59 students. Not all private schools file Form 990.
Compare to Public Schools
BetaHow Chicago Free School compares to 502 public schools serving similar grades in Chicago, IL
Student Demographics
Nearby Elementary Schools
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Chicago Free School (this school) | 7.7 |
| Shoesmith Elem School | 4.7 |
| Kozminski Elem Community Academy | 6.5 |
| Reavis Elem Math & Sci Spec Schl | 6.8 |
| Murray Elem Language Academy | 5.9 |
| Bronzeville Academy Charter Sch | 5.5 |
| Kenwood Academy High School | 6.9 |
| Ariel Elem Community Academy | 6.1 |
| Univ of Chicago Chtr-Nth Kenwood | 5.9 |
| Ray Elem School | 5.4 |
| Bret Harte Elem School | 4.6 |
| Woodson South Elem School | 6.7 |
| Robinson Elem School | 6.2 |
| Burke Elem School | 7.5 |
| Mollison Elem School | 8.2 |
| Fuller Elem School | 6.2 |
| Fiske Elem School | 6.9 |
| Carnegie Elem School | 6.6 |
| Beasley Elem Magnet Academic Ctr | 5.7 |
| Beethoven Elem School | 6.1 |
| Univ of Chicago Chtr-Woodlawn | 5.8 |
Showing 20 of 502 schools. View all schools in Chicago
Demographics sourced from NCES Private School Survey (PSS) and Common Core of Data (CCD). Comparisons are based on enrollment-weighted averages.
Score Breakdown
What This Rating Measures
This rating reflects classroom size, instructional time, student diversity, community resources, and school characteristics. Private schools are ranked against other private schools in IL.
Data Unavailable
View data sources
Score basis: Private school model
Data coverage: 80% of scoring components had data
Components scored: 4 of 5
Ranking pool: Private schools in IL
Test Scores
Test score data not yet available for this school.
Student Demographics NCES PSS (SY 2021-22)
Source: NCES Private School Survey (PSS)
Location
1100 E HYDE PARK BLVD, Chicago, IL 60615
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Chicago Free School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. ANCONA SCHOOL (rated 9.2/10, 0.5 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is AKIBA-SCHECHTER JEWISH DAY SCHOOL (rated 8.1/10, 0.7 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, Burke Elem School (rated 7.5/10, 1.0 miles away), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Chicago, see our Chicago schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 1.3 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Shoesmith Elem School Chicago | 0.3 mi | 4.7 |
| Kozminski Elem Community Academy Chicago | 0.4 mi | 6.5 |
| Reavis Elem Math & Sci Spec Schl Chicago | 0.4 mi | 6.8 |
| ST THOMAS THE APOSTLE Chicago | 0.5 mi | 5.0 |
| Murray Elem Language Academy Chicago | 0.5 mi | 5.9 |
| Ariel Elem Community Academy Chicago | 0.6 mi | 6.1 |
| Univ of Chicago Chtr-Nth Kenwood Chicago | 0.6 mi | 5.9 |
| ANCONA SCHOOL Chicago | 0.5 mi | 9.2 |
| Bronzeville Academy Charter Sch Chicago | 0.5 mi | 5.5 |
| Kenwood Academy High School Chicago | 0.5 mi | 6.9 |
| Ray Elem School Chicago | 0.8 mi | 5.4 |
| King College Prep High School Chicago | 0.8 mi | 4.8 |
| Walter Henri Dyett HS for Arts Chicago | 0.7 mi | 5.8 |
| AKIBA-SCHECHTER JEWISH DAY SCHOOL Chicago | 0.7 mi | 8.1 |
| Robinson Elem School Chicago | 1.0 mi | 6.2 |
| Bret Harte Elem School Chicago | 0.9 mi | 4.6 |
| Woodson South Elem School Chicago | 0.9 mi | 6.7 |
| UNIV OF CHICAGO LAB SCHOOL Chicago | 1.0 mi | 6.0 |
| Burke Elem School Chicago | 1.0 mi | 7.5 |
| Fuller Elem School Chicago | 1.3 mi | 6.2 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 60615 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$62,105
Median Home Value
$305,200
Median Rent
$1,444/mo
Population
42,752
College Educated
61.3%
Homeownership
31.9%
Avg Commute
29.5 min
Poverty Rate
23.7%
Median Age
35.1
Community Profile
The community surrounding Chicago Free School has a median household income of $62,105. It is a well-educated community where 61% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $305,200, with a median rent of $1,444/month. The area has a poverty rate of 23.7%, indicating some economic challenges in the community. The average commute for residents is 30 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| MONTESSORI ACADEMY OF CHICAGO Chicago, IL | 7.7 |
| MONTESSORI ACADEMY OF CHICAGO Chicago, IL | 7.7 |
| TRINITY LUTHERAN SCHOOL Burr Ridge, IL | 7.7 |
| TRINITY LUTHERAN SCHOOL Danville, IL | 7.7 |
| CONCORD LUTHERAN SCHOOL Bensenville, IL | 7.8 |
| Franklin Elementary School Franklin, IL | 7.8 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Chicago Free School
What grades does Chicago Free School serve?
Chicago Free School serves students in grades Pre-K through 7th.
How many students attend Chicago Free School?
Chicago Free School has an enrollment of approximately 59 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Chicago Free School?
The student-teacher ratio at Chicago Free School is 6:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 11:1 for private schools.
How does Chicago Free School rank in IL?
Chicago Free School is ranked #94 out of 716 private schools in IL.
What is Chicago Free School's MySchoolScout rating?
Chicago Free School has a composite rating of 7.7 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.
Is Chicago Free School a private school?
Yes, Chicago Free School is a private coeducational school with a Nonsectarian affiliation. Private schools are not required to participate in state standardized testing, so academic performance data may be limited compared to public schools.
Is Chicago Free School a religious school?
No, Chicago Free School is a nonsectarian (non-religious) private school.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
- Walk Score
- 81 Very Walkable
- Transit Score
- 67 Good Transit
- Bike Score
- 82 Very Bikeable
- City Safety
- High (4,030/100K)
Powered by 
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Chicago). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES PSS (SY 2021-22)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 7th
- Enrollment
- 59
- Gender Split
- 58% M / 42% F
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 6:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 10
- Type
- private
- Coed Status
- coed
- Affiliation
- Nonsectarian
- School Day
- 6.8 hours
- Days Per Year
- 177 days
- Setting
- Large City
- County
- COOK
- Phone
- (773) 879-0285
- Data Year
- 2022–2023
Resources & Links
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 methodologyRelated reading
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