Average
#2624 of 3,813 schools in IL
Cics - Ralph Ellison Campus
High School · Chicago Public Schools Dist 299
1817 W 80th St, Chicago, IL 60620
Enrollment
227
Student-Teacher
28.4:1
Score
5.5
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
227
Student-Teacher
28.4:1
Score
5.5
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Chicago
#481 of 629
public schools
Illinois high schools
#515 of 703
In district
#473 of 621
Chicago Public Schools Dist 299
Academic growth
9.6 / 10
Exceptional
About Cics - Ralph Ellison Campus
CICS - Ralph Ellison Campus is a charter high school located in the heart of Chicago, Illinois. Serving students from ninth through twelfth grade, this urban campus has an enrollment of 227 students and maintains a student-teacher ratio of about 28 to 1 with eight full-time equivalent teachers. The school's focus lies more on fostering personal growth and development rather than traditional academic metrics, given its current state ranking and test performance scores.
With room for significant academic improvement, CICS - Ralph Ellison Campus is part of the Chicago International Charter School network, which emphasizes community engagement and holistic education. Despite lower test scores compared to other Illinois schools, the campus remains committed to nurturing students' overall well-being and preparing them for life after high school. Situated in a bustling city environment, CICS - Ralph Ellison Campus forms an integral part of its vibrant neighborhood, offering a unique blend of urban resources and educational opportunities tailored to meet the needs of young adults navigating their way through high school.
What Parents Should Know
While current test scores at Cics - Ralph Ellison Campus are below average, the school shows strong growth metrics — meaning students are making above-average progress year over year. This upward trajectory can be a positive indicator for families who value a school's ability to help students improve, even if absolute scores haven't caught up yet.
The student-teacher ratio at Cics - Ralph Ellison Campus is 28.4:1, which is higher than the national average. This may mean larger class sizes, so parents should ask about classroom support, teaching assistants, and how the school differentiates instruction for students who need extra help.
Cics - Ralph Ellison Campus is a charter school — a publicly funded school that operates with more autonomy than traditional district schools. Charter schools often have distinct educational models or specialties. Parents should understand the school's specific mission, enrollment process, and how its approach differs from nearby district options.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 4/4 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Cics - Ralph Ellison Campus — Students at Cics - Ralph Ellison Campus score 5% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 12%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
81.9%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores IL EDFACTS (2021-22)
Based on 5 test records from IL state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
→ StableAverage 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: 9.6/10.
How Cics - Ralph Ellison Campus Compares
See how Cics - Ralph Ellison Campus performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has improved from 2.5% (2019) to 5% (2021). Reading/ELA proficiency has improved from 2.5% (2019) to 5% (2022).
Location
1817 W 80th St, Chicago, IL 60620
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Cics - Ralph Ellison Campus may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Noble St Chtr-Hansberry Prep Slvr (rated 6.0/10, 1.3 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, LEO CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL (rated 5.5/10, 1.1 miles away), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Chicago, see our Chicago schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 1.2 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Joplin Elem School Chicago | 0.1 mi | 6.3 |
| LEARN Chtr - Hunter Perkins Camp Chicago | 0.4 mi | 5.3 |
| Barton Elem School Chicago | 0.5 mi | 7.4 |
| Cook Elem School Chicago | 0.5 mi | 6.7 |
| Foster Park Elem School Chicago | 0.7 mi | 7.8 |
| ST ETHELREDA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Chicago | 1.0 mi | 4.2 |
| ST SABINA ACADEMY Chicago | 0.8 mi | 4.8 |
| Randolph Elem School Chicago | 0.9 mi | 7.5 |
| Cuffe Math-Sci Tech Elem Academy Chicago | 0.9 mi | 7.3 |
| Montessori of Englewood Chtr ES Chicago | 1.3 mi | 7.3 |
| Wentworth Elem School Chicago | 1.3 mi | 6.3 |
| LEO CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL Chicago | 1.1 mi | 5.5 |
| Noble St Chtr-Hansberry Prep Slvr Chicago | 1.3 mi | 6.0 |
| Stagg Elem School Chicago | 1.3 mi | 6.3 |
| Fort Dearborn Elem School Chicago | 1.5 mi | 6.9 |
| Bond Elem School Chicago | 1.4 mi | 6.2 |
| Davis M Magnet Elem School Chicago | 1.6 mi | 4.9 |
| CHRIST THE KING ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Chicago | 1.6 mi | 6.5 |
| THE NAUTILUS SCHOOL Chicago | 1.6 mi | — |
| CICS - Wrightwood Chicago | 1.2 mi | 4.4 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 60620 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$48,805
Median Home Value
$187,900
Median Rent
$1,093/mo
Population
66,511
College Educated
20.5%
Homeownership
49.8%
Avg Commute
38.4 min
Poverty Rate
21.8%
Median Age
38.9
Community Profile
The community surrounding Cics - Ralph Ellison Campus has a median household income of $48,805. It is a community where 21% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $187,900, with a median rent of $1,093/month. The area has a poverty rate of 21.8%, indicating some economic challenges in the community. The average commute in the area is 38 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 |
|---|---|
| AlWood Middle/High School Woodhull, IL | 5.5 |
| Bushnell-Prairie City High Sch Bushnell, IL | 5.5 |
| Carrollton High School Carrollton, IL | 5.5 |
| Chicago Excel Academy HS Chicago, IL | 5.5 |
| FATHER MCGIVNEY CATHOLIC H S Glen Carbon, IL | 5.5 |
| LEO CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL Chicago, IL | 5.5 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Cics - Ralph Ellison Campus
What grades does Cics - Ralph Ellison Campus serve?
Cics - Ralph Ellison Campus serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend Cics - Ralph Ellison Campus?
Cics - Ralph Ellison Campus has an enrollment of approximately 227 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Cics - Ralph Ellison Campus?
The student-teacher ratio at Cics - Ralph Ellison Campus is 28.4:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Cics - Ralph Ellison Campus rank in IL?
Cics - Ralph Ellison Campus is ranked #2624 out of 3,813 schools in IL.
What is Cics - Ralph Ellison Campus's MySchoolScout rating?
Cics - Ralph Ellison Campus has a composite rating of 5.5 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 Cics - Ralph Ellison Campus?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Cics - Ralph Ellison Campus has 3.8% math proficiency and 4.2% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Cics - Ralph Ellison Campus a charter school?
Yes, Cics - Ralph Ellison Campus is a charter school. Charter schools are publicly funded but independently operated, often with more flexibility in curriculum and teaching methods.
Is Cics - Ralph Ellison Campus a Title I school?
No, Cics - Ralph Ellison Campus is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Cics - Ralph Ellison Campus?
81.9% of students at Cics - Ralph Ellison Campus 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
- City Safety
- High (4,030/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Chicago). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 227
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 28.4:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 8
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 81.9%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large City
- County
- Cook County
- Phone
- (773) 478-4434
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Chicago Public Schools Dist 299- District Enrollment
- 322,809
- Schools in District
- 643
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $22,699
- District Rank
- #473 of 621
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
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.