Very Good
#788 of 3,813 schools in IL
Top 21% in state
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
7.6
Grades
Pre-K – 8th
Enrollment
725
Student-Teacher
14.5:1
Score
7.6
Grades
Pre-K – 8th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Illinois schools
#788 of 3,813
In Chicago
#87 of 630
public schools
In district
#85 of 621
Chicago Public Schools Dist 299
School environment
8.6 / 10
Excellent
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Columbia Explorers Elem Academy
Elementary School in Chicago · grades Pre-K – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Gunsaulus Elem Scholastic Academy
0.3 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Acero Chtr - Officer Marquez Elem
0.4 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Columbia Explorers Elem Academy
Columbia Explorers Elem Academy is a public elementary school in Chicago, IL, part of Chicago Public Schools Dist 299. Columbia Explorers Elem Academy serves approximately 725 students, and covers grades Pre-K-8th, and has a 14.5:1 student-teacher ratio. Columbia Explorers Elem Academy has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.6 out of 10 and ranks #788 of 3,813 schools in IL.
Structured state assessment records for Columbia Explorers Elem Academy show 45% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2021) and 43% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
- This school 7.6 · Very Good
- District avg 5.9
- IL avg 6.2
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
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 27 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: 7.2/10.
How Columbia Explorers Elem Academy Compares
See how Columbia Explorers Elem Academy performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
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 - Rufino Tamayo Elem (rated 8.5/10, 0.9 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Another option is Acero Chtr - Officer Marquez Elem (rated 7.7/10, 0.4 miles away), with a very similar rating. Additionally, Acero Chtr-Brighton Park Elem Sch (rated 7.6/10, 0.6 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Gunsaulus Elem Scholastic Academy Chicago | 0.3 mi | 5.5 |
| Acero Chtr - Officer Marquez Elem Chicago | 0.4 mi | 7.7 |
| POPE JOHN PAUL II CATHOLIC SCHOOL Chicago | 0.4 mi | 6.2 |
| Noble St Chtr - Mansueto Chicago | 0.5 mi | 5.5 |
| Acero Chtr Sch Netwrk- Victoria Chicago | 0.7 mi | 6.0 |
| Acero Chtr Network - Jovita Idar Chicago | 0.7 mi | 6.4 |
| Acero Chtr-Brighton Park Elem Sch Chicago | 0.6 mi | 7.6 |
| Davis N Elem School Chicago | 0.8 mi | 5.6 |
| Thomas Kelly College Preparatory Chicago | 0.7 mi | 7.2 |
| Sawyer Elem School Chicago | 0.9 mi | 4.3 |
| Shields Middle School Chicago | 0.8 mi | 6.5 |
| Shields Elem School Chicago | 0.8 mi | 4.6 |
| Calmeca Acad Elem School Chicago | 1.0 mi | 3.9 |
| Acero Chtr - Rufino Tamayo Elem Chicago | 0.9 mi | 8.5 |
| Acero Chtr - Sandra Cisneros Elem Chicago | 1.0 mi | 7.5 |
| Solorio Academy High School Chicago | 1.1 mi | 7.9 |
| ST GALL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Chicago | 1.2 mi | 5.4 |
| Brighton Park Elem School Chicago | 1.1 mi | 4.4 |
| Hernandez Middle School Chicago | 1.2 mi | 5.1 |
| Sandoval Elem School Chicago | 1.3 mi | 6.7 |
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
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Acero Chtr-Brighton Park Elem Sch Chicago, IL | 7.6 |
| Benjamin Elem School Bloomington, IL | 7.6 |
| Conley Elementary School Algonquin, IL | 7.6 |
| Greenville Elem School Greenville, IL | 7.6 |
| Grundy Elem School Morton, IL | 7.6 |
| Holmes Elem School Clarendon Hills, IL | 7.6 |
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 ranks #788 of 3,813 schools in IL.
What is Columbia Explorers Elem Academy's MySchoolScout rating?
Columbia Explorers Elem Academy has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.6 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Columbia Explorers Elem Academy?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Columbia Explorers Elem Academy has 45% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2021) and 43% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
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
Powered by 
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
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 18.3%
- Phone
- (773) 535-4050
Resources & Links
District
Chicago Public Schools Dist 299- District Enrollment
- 322,809
- Schools in District
- 643
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $22,699
- District Rank
- #85 of 621
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