Average
#2978 of 3,813 schools in IL
Columbia Explorers Elem Academy
Elementary School · Chicago Public Schools Dist 299
4520 S Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60632
Enrollment
725
Student-Teacher
14.5:1
Score
5.1
Grades
Pre-K – 8th
Enrollment
725
Student-Teacher
14.5:1
Score
5.1
Grades
Pre-K – 8th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Chicago
#534 of 629
public schools
Illinois elementary schools
#1,769 of 2,326
In district
#526 of 621
Chicago Public Schools Dist 299
Academic performance
7.6 / 10
Very strong
About Columbia Explorers Elem Academy
Columbia Explorers Elem Academy is a public elementary school located in the heart of Chicago, Illinois. Serving students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade, it offers a diverse range of educational opportunities within its vibrant urban setting. With an enrollment of 725 students and a student-teacher ratio of 14.5:1, Columbia Explorers provides personalized attention to support each child’s learning journey.
The school has 50 full-time equivalent teachers dedicated to fostering academic growth and social development in their classrooms. While the current MySchoolScout rating is 4.2 out of 10, with a state ranking at #2944 out of 3819 schools (placing it in the 23rd percentile), Columbia Explorers continues to focus on improving student outcomes and providing a supportive educational environment. In terms of academic performance, 31% of students are proficient or above in ELA/Reading, while 26% meet proficiency standards in Math.
These scores indicate areas where additional support and growth could be beneficial for the school’s overall achievement levels. Columbia Explorers Elem Academy is situated in a bustling city neighborhood that offers a rich tapestry of cultural experiences and community resources. The setting provides students with unique opportunities to engage with their surroundings, fostering a sense of belonging and civic responsibility from an early age.
Score Breakdown
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Columbia Explorers Elem Academy — Students at Columbia Explorers Elem Academy score 20% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 8%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
90.2%
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
↓ 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: 2.6/10.
How Columbia Explorers Elem Academy Compares
See how Columbia Explorers Elem Academy performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 36% (2019) to 16% (2021). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 40% (2019) to 25% (2022).
Location
4520 S Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60632
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Columbia Explorers Elem Academy may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Acero Chtr - Sandra Cisneros Elem (rated 6.9/10, 1.0 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Brighton Park Elem School (rated 6.5/10, 1.1 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, POPE JOHN PAUL II CATHOLIC SCHOOL (rated 6.2/10, 0.4 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Chicago, see our Chicago schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 1.3 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Gunsaulus Elem Scholastic Academy Chicago | 0.3 mi | 5.1 |
| Acero Chtr - Officer Marquez Elem Chicago | 0.4 mi | 5.2 |
| POPE JOHN PAUL II CATHOLIC SCHOOL Chicago | 0.4 mi | 6.2 |
| Noble St Chtr - Mansueto Chicago | 0.5 mi | 5.8 |
| Acero Chtr Sch Netwrk- Victoria Chicago | 0.7 mi | 6.6 |
| Acero Chtr Network - Jovita Idar Chicago | 0.7 mi | 4.9 |
| Acero Chtr-Brighton Park Elem Sch Chicago | 0.6 mi | 5.5 |
| Davis N Elem School Chicago | 0.8 mi | 6.0 |
| Thomas Kelly College Preparatory Chicago | 0.7 mi | 7.9 |
| Sawyer Elem School Chicago | 0.9 mi | 5.5 |
| Shields Middle School Chicago | 0.8 mi | 6.9 |
| Shields Elem School Chicago | 0.8 mi | 6.2 |
| Calmeca Acad Elem School Chicago | 1.0 mi | 5.9 |
| Acero Chtr - Rufino Tamayo Elem Chicago | 0.9 mi | 5.8 |
| Acero Chtr - Sandra Cisneros Elem Chicago | 1.0 mi | 6.9 |
| Solorio Academy High School Chicago | 1.1 mi | 6.5 |
| ST GALL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Chicago | 1.2 mi | 5.4 |
| Brighton Park Elem School Chicago | 1.1 mi | 6.5 |
| Hernandez Middle School Chicago | 1.2 mi | 7.5 |
| Sandoval Elem School Chicago | 1.3 mi | 4.4 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 60632 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$60,576
Median Home Value
$240,600
Median Rent
$1,057/mo
Population
87,831
College Educated
13.3%
Homeownership
57.9%
Avg Commute
32.6 min
Poverty Rate
15.4%
Median Age
34.5
Community Profile
The community surrounding Columbia Explorers Elem Academy has a median household income of $60,576. It is a community where 13% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $240,600, with a median rent of $1,057/month. The area has a poverty rate of 15.4%. The average commute for residents is 33 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 |
|---|---|
| Cotton Creek School Island Lake, IL | 5.1 |
| Denning Elementary School West Frankfort, IL | 5.1 |
| Freedom Elem School Plainfield, IL | 5.1 |
| Fremont Intermediate School Mundelein, IL | 5.1 |
| Garvy J Elem School Chicago, IL | 5.1 |
| Glenbrook Elem School Streamwood, IL | 5.1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Columbia Explorers Elem Academy
What grades does Columbia Explorers Elem Academy serve?
Columbia Explorers Elem Academy serves students in grades Pre-K through 8th.
How many students attend Columbia Explorers Elem Academy?
Columbia Explorers Elem Academy has an enrollment of approximately 725 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Columbia Explorers Elem Academy?
The student-teacher ratio at Columbia Explorers Elem Academy is 14.5:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Columbia Explorers Elem Academy rank in IL?
Columbia Explorers Elem Academy is ranked #2978 out of 3,813 schools in IL.
What is Columbia Explorers Elem Academy's MySchoolScout rating?
Columbia Explorers Elem Academy has a composite rating of 5.1 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 Columbia Explorers Elem Academy?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Columbia Explorers Elem Academy has 26.0% math proficiency and 31.0% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Columbia Explorers Elem Academy a charter school?
No, Columbia Explorers Elem Academy is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Columbia Explorers Elem Academy a Title I school?
No, Columbia Explorers Elem Academy is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Columbia Explorers Elem Academy?
90.2% of students at Columbia Explorers Elem Academy 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
- Pre-K – 8th
- Enrollment
- 725
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 14.5:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 50
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 90.2%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large City
- County
- Cook County
- Phone
- (773) 535-4050
- 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
- #526 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
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