Below Average
#3487 of 3,813 schools in IL
Dirksen Elem School
Elementary School · Chicago Public Schools Dist 299
8601 W Foster Ave, Chicago, IL 60656
Enrollment
1,213
Student-Teacher
18.1:1
Score
4.4
Grades
Pre-K – 8th
Enrollment
1,213
Student-Teacher
18.1:1
Score
4.4
Grades
Pre-K – 8th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Chicago
#599 of 629
public schools
Illinois elementary schools
#2,083 of 2,326
In district
#591 of 621
Chicago Public Schools Dist 299
Academic performance
8.4 / 10
Very strong
About Dirksen Elem School
Dirksen Elementary School serves 1,213 students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade in Chicago's 60656 neighborhood. With 67 full-time equivalent teachers, the school maintains an 18.1:1 student-teacher ratio, providing opportunities for meaningful classroom interaction. Academically, Dirksen has room for growth, with 27% of students performing at or above proficient levels in English Language Arts across all grades.
The school holds a MySchoolScout rating of 5.0 out of 10 and ranks in the 41st percentile among Illinois elementary schools. These metrics suggest the school community is working to strengthen student achievement and build stronger academic foundations. The school draws families from a stable middle-class neighborhood where the median household income reaches $82,992 and 41% of residents hold bachelor's degrees or higher.
With a low poverty rate of 7.5% and median home values around $339,200, the surrounding community demonstrates economic stability that can support student success. As a regular public school in Chicago's educational landscape, Dirksen Elementary operates within one of the nation's largest urban school systems, serving families in a diverse city environment that offers both challenges and opportunities for student growth and development.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
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Data not available for this school
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Dirksen Elem School — Students at Dirksen Elem School score 29% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 13%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
77.9%
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
↓ 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: 2.0/10.
How Dirksen Elem School Compares
See how Dirksen Elem School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 49% (2019) to 31% (2021). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 51% (2019) to 27% (2022).
Location
8601 W Foster Ave, Chicago, IL 60656
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Dirksen Elem School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Theodore Roosevelt Elem School (rated 7.9/10, 1.8 miles away, in nearby Park Ridge), which scores notably higher. Another option is J Leigh Elem School (rated 7.4/10, 0.8 miles away, in nearby Norridge), which scores notably higher. Additionally, BRICKTON MONTESSORI SCHOOL (rated 7.3/10, 0.4 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Chicago, see our Chicago schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 2.4 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Pennoyer Elem School Norridge | 0.2 mi | 5.2 |
| BRICKTON MONTESSORI SCHOOL Chicago | 0.4 mi | 7.3 |
| J Leigh Elem School Norridge | 0.8 mi | 7.4 |
| ST EUGENE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Chicago | 0.8 mi | 5.9 |
| ST SAVA ACADEMY Chicago | 1.0 mi | 6.6 |
| ST PAUL EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER Chicago | 1.1 mi | — |
| MARY, SEAT OF WISDOM SCHOOL Park Ridge | 1.4 mi | 5.9 |
| Theodore Roosevelt Elem School Park Ridge | 1.8 mi | 7.9 |
| Washington Elem School Schiller Park | 1.4 mi | 7.0 |
| Canty Elem School Chicago | 1.9 mi | 5.2 |
| Maine South High School Park Ridge | 1.9 mi | 8.0 |
| Ridgewood Comm High School Norridge | 1.6 mi | 6.1 |
| Oriole Park Elem School Chicago | 1.5 mi | 4.7 |
| J Giles Elem School Norridge | 1.7 mi | 7.8 |
| RESURRECTION COLLEGE PREP HIGH SCHOOL Chicago | 1.8 mi | 6.0 |
| ST FRANCIS BORGIA SCHOOL Chicago | 2.1 mi | 7.2 |
| George Washington Elem School Park Ridge | 2.2 mi | 7.3 |
| Rosemont Elem School Rosemont | 1.8 mi | 5.2 |
| Edison Park Elem School Chicago | 2.0 mi | 6.7 |
| Lincoln Middle School Park Ridge | 2.4 mi | 6.8 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 60656 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$88,000
Median Home Value
$344,400
Median Rent
$1,388/mo
Population
28,726
College Educated
41.7%
Homeownership
64.3%
Avg Commute
31.2 min
Poverty Rate
7.7%
Median Age
41.6
Community Profile
The community surrounding Dirksen Elem School has a median household income of $88,000. It is a well-educated community where 42% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $344,400, with a median rent of $1,388/month. The local poverty rate of 7.7% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 31 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 |
|---|---|
| Mount Greenwood Elem School Chicago, IL | 4.4 |
| Chavez Elem Multicultural Acad Ct Chicago, IL | 4.5 |
| Dore Elem School Chicago, IL | 4.5 |
| Lloyd Elem School Chicago, IL | 4.5 |
| Dever Elem School Chicago, IL | 4.3 |
| Peck Elem School Chicago, IL | 4.3 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Dirksen Elem School
What grades does Dirksen Elem School serve?
Dirksen Elem School serves students in grades Pre-K through 8th.
How many students attend Dirksen Elem School?
Dirksen Elem School has an enrollment of approximately 1,213 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Dirksen Elem School?
The student-teacher ratio at Dirksen Elem School is 18.1:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Dirksen Elem School rank in IL?
Dirksen Elem School is ranked #3487 out of 3,813 schools in IL.
What is Dirksen Elem School's MySchoolScout rating?
Dirksen Elem School has a composite rating of 4.4 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.
What are the test scores at Dirksen Elem School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Dirksen Elem School has 40.0% math proficiency and 35.3% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Dirksen Elem School a charter school?
No, Dirksen Elem School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Dirksen Elem School a Title I school?
No, Dirksen Elem School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Dirksen Elem School?
77.9% of students at Dirksen Elem School 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
- Walk Score
- 67 Somewhat Walkable
- Transit Score
- 33 Some Transit
- Bike Score
- 44 Somewhat Bikeable
- City Safety
- High (4,030/100K)
Powered by 
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Chicago). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 8th
- Enrollment
- 1,213
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 18.1:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 67
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 77.9%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large City
- County
- Cook County
- Phone
- (773) 534-1090
- 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
- #591 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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