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Average

#348 of 716 private schools in IL

Top 49% of private schools

Chicago Friends School

Elementary School

1246 W THORNDALE AVE, Chicago, IL 60660

Private Estimated Score

Estimated academic score. This school does not have standardized test data. Based on 623 schools in Chicago. Learn more

Enrollment

48

Student-Teacher

8:1

Score

6.4

Grades

Kindergarten – 8th

Updated 2021-22

How this school compares

In Chicago

#94 of 162

public schools

Illinois elementary schools

#205 of 471

About Chicago Friends School

Chicago Friends School is a small, intimate public school located in the heart of Chicago’s bustling city life. Serving kindergarten through eighth grade, this elementary-level institution currently enrolls just 48 students with a student-to-teacher ratio of 8 to 1, ensuring that each child receives personalized attention and support from their educators. With six full-time equivalent teachers dedicated to fostering a nurturing learning environment, Chicago Friends School prioritizes individual growth and development.

While the school’s MySchoolScout rating is at 4.4 out of 10 and its academic score stands at 3.4 out of 10, it's important to note that Chicago Friends School focuses on more than just test scores. The school aims to provide a well-rounded education that nurtures social, emotional, and intellectual growth. Chicago Friends School is situated in the dynamic city of Chicago, offering students access to a wide range of cultural, recreational, and educational resources right at their doorstep.

What Parents Should Know

With an enrollment of 48 students, Chicago Friends 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 8:1, Chicago Friends 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 Friends 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 (2023 filing)

Per-Pupil Spending
Total expenses ÷ enrollment
$12,755
Per-Pupil Revenue
Total revenue ÷ enrollment
$11,648
Financial Health
Revenue-to-expense ratio (>1.0 = surplus)
0.91x — Tight
Tuition Dependency
Share of revenue from program services (tuition, fees)
74%
Total Assets
End-of-year total assets from IRS filing
$304,432

Financial data from IRS Form 990 filings via ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer. Per-pupil figures based on current enrollment of 48 students. Not all private schools file Form 990.

Compare to Public Schools

Beta

How Chicago Friends School compares to 500 public schools serving similar grades in Chicago, IL

Student-Teacher Ratio
8:1
This School
vs
15.6:1
Public Avg
Avg School Size
48
This School
vs
492
Public Avg
Avg School Scout Rating
6.4
This School
vs
6.3
Public Avg

Student Demographics

White 79.2% vs 0%
Black 12.5% vs 0%
Hispanic 6.2% vs 0%
Chicago Friends School Chicago Public Avg

Nearby Elementary Schools

School Rating
Chicago Friends School (this school) 6.4
Swift Elem Specialty School 6.3
Hayt Elem School 5.0
Peirce Elem Intl Studies School 7.1
Asian Human Srvcs-Passage Chrtr 4.9
Goudy Technology Academy 5.5
Kilmer Elem School 6.8
Stone Elem Scholastic Academy 6.3
New Field Elem School 5.1
McCutcheon Elem School 5.3
Field Elem School 7.4
Chicago Math & Sci Elem Charter 6.9
Chappell Elem School 5.4
McPherson Elem School 6.1
Armstrong G Elem IntL Studies 7.5
Clinton Elem School 5.4
Courtenay Elem Language Arts Ctr 6.7
Jamieson Elem School 6.6
Jordan Elem Community School 7.6
Mosaic School of Fine Arts 6.8
Budlong Elem School 6.2

Showing 20 of 500 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.

Classroom Attention
? Student-teacher ratio calibrated against other private schools. Lower ratios mean more individual attention. (30% of overall score)
A- 8.3 / 10
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio 8:1
Instructional Commitment
? Total annual instructional hours based on school day length and days per year. (15% of overall score)
B 5.9 / 10
View breakdown
School Day Length 6.8 hours
Annual Instructional Hours 1,196.8
Diversity & Inclusion
? Racial and ethnic diversity of the student body using Simpson's diversity index. (20% of overall score)
B+ 6.6 / 10
View breakdown
Diversity Index 35%
Community Context

Data Unavailable

School Profile
? Enrollment size and grade span breadth — indicators of program depth and peer community. (15% of overall score)
C 3.0 / 10
View breakdown
Enrollment 48
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)

White 79.2%
Black 12.5%
Hispanic 6.2%
Two or More 2.1%

Source: NCES Private School Survey (PSS)

Location

1246 W THORNDALE AVE, Chicago, IL 60660

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Chicago Friends School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. ROGERS PARK MONTESSORI SCHOOL (rated 7.7/10, 1.0 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Peirce Elem Intl Studies School (rated 7.1/10, 0.5 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, Kilmer Elem School (rated 6.8/10, 1.0 miles away), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Chicago, see our Chicago schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 1.2 mi
School Distance Rating
Swift Elem Specialty School Chicago 0.2 mi 6.3
Senn High School Chicago 0.3 mi 7.5
GUIDEPOST AT EDGEWATER Chicago 0.4 mi
Hayt Elem School Chicago 0.5 mi 5.0
SACRED HEART SCHOOLS Chicago 0.5 mi 6.4
Peirce Elem Intl Studies School Chicago 0.5 mi 7.1
Asian Human Srvcs-Passage Chrtr Chicago 0.7 mi 4.9
Sullivan High School Chicago 0.9 mi 4.5
NORTHSHORE ACADEMY FOR CHILDREN Chicago 0.8 mi
Goudy Technology Academy Chicago 1.0 mi 5.5
Kilmer Elem School Chicago 1.0 mi 6.8
CHICAGO WALDORF SCHOOL Chicago 1.0 mi 8.8
ROGERS PARK MONTESSORI SCHOOL Chicago 1.0 mi 7.7
New Field Elem School Chicago 1.3 mi 5.1
MISERICORDIA SCHOOL Chicago 1.1 mi
McCutcheon Elem School Chicago 1.4 mi 5.3
Field Elem School Chicago 1.4 mi 7.4
Chicago Math & Sci Elem Charter Chicago 1.4 mi 6.9
PACTT LEARNING CENTER Chicago 1.5 mi
Stone Elem Scholastic Academy Chicago 1.2 mi 6.3

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 60660 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$66,206

Median Home Value

$287,500

Median Rent

$1,286/mo

Population

42,750

College Educated

57.1%

Homeownership

37.4%

Avg Commute

35.9 min

Poverty Rate

15.2%

Median Age

37.5

Community Profile

The community surrounding Chicago Friends School has a median household income of $66,206. It is a well-educated community where 57% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $287,500, with a median rent of $1,286/month. The area has a poverty rate of 15.2%. The average commute in the area is 36 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
CORAM DEO CLASSICAL CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Mount Vernon, IL 6.3
CREME DE LA CREME Romeoville, IL 6.3
Farrington Elem School Bluford, IL 6.3
OUR SAVIORS LUTHERAN SCHOOL Zion, IL 6.3
ST JOHN THE BAPTIST CATHOLIC SCHOOL Johnsburg, IL 6.3
ALEXANDER GRAHAM BELL MONTESSORI SCHOOL Wheeling, IL 6.6

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Chicago Friends School

What grades does Chicago Friends School serve?

Chicago Friends School serves students in grades Kindergarten through 8th.

How many students attend Chicago Friends School?

Chicago Friends School has an enrollment of approximately 48 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Chicago Friends School?

The student-teacher ratio at Chicago Friends School is 8:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 11:1 for private schools.

How does Chicago Friends School rank in IL?

Chicago Friends School is ranked #348 out of 716 private schools in IL.

What is Chicago Friends School's MySchoolScout rating?

Chicago Friends School has a composite rating of 6.4 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 Friends School a private school?

Yes, Chicago Friends School is a private coeducational school with a Friends (Quaker) 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 Friends School a religious school?

Chicago Friends School has a Friends (Quaker) religious affiliation.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

City Safety
High (4,030/100K)

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

Quick Facts NCES PSS (SY 2021-22)

Grades
Kindergarten – 8th
Enrollment
48
Gender Split
60% M / 40% F
Student-Teacher Ratio
8:1
Teachers (FTE)
6
Type
private
Coed Status
coed
Affiliation
Friends (Quaker)
School Day
6.8 hours
Days Per Year
176 days
Setting
Large City
County
COOK
Data Year
2022–2023

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

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