Average
#1578 of 3,813 schools in IL
Top 41% in state
Dirksen Junior High School
Middle School · Joliet PSD 86
203 S Midland Ave, Joliet, IL 60436
Enrollment
655
Student-Teacher
14.2:1
Score
6.6
Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
655
Student-Teacher
14.2:1
Score
6.6
Grades
6th – 8th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Joliet
#8 of 31
public schools
Illinois middle schools
#291 of 684
In district
#5 of 20
Joliet PSD 86
Academic growth
8.1 / 10
Very strong
About Dirksen Junior High School
Dirksen Junior High School is a public middle school in Joliet, Illinois, serving students in grades six through eight. With an enrollment of 655 students and a student-teacher ratio of 14.2:1, the school benefits from smaller class sizes that allow for more individualized attention. The faculty consists of 46 full-time equivalent teachers dedicated to supporting each student’s learning journey.
Academically, Dirksen Junior High School currently ranks in the 29th percentile among Illinois schools, with a focus on continuous improvement. While test scores indicate areas where there is room for growth—only 7% of students are proficient in math and 9% in ELA/Reading—the school remains committed to fostering student development through various support programs. The school’s setting is in a large suburban area that offers a blend of residential neighborhoods and local amenities, providing a vibrant community atmosphere.
For families looking for a supportive learning environment with an eye toward growth and improvement, Dirksen Junior High School stands as a valuable option within the Joliet community.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Dirksen Junior High School — Students at Dirksen Junior High School score 6% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 5%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
97.4%
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: 8.1/10.
How Dirksen Junior High School Compares
See how Dirksen Junior High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 9% (2019) to 5% (2021). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 12% (2019) to 7% (2022).
Location
203 S Midland Ave, Joliet, IL 60436
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Dirksen Junior High School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Marycrest Early Childhood Center (rated 6.9/10, 1.1 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Another option is Farragut Elem School (rated 6.7/10, 1.3 miles away), with a very similar rating. Additionally, ST PAUL THE APOSTLE SCHOOL (rated 6.6/10, 0.5 miles away), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Joliet, see our Joliet schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 2.0 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Lynne Thigpen Elem School Joliet | 0.1 mi | 6.4 |
| ST PAUL THE APOSTLE SCHOOL Joliet | 0.5 mi | 6.6 |
| UCP-CDS-MELVIN J LARSON SCHOOL Joliet | 0.4 mi | 6.2 |
| Pershing Elem School Joliet | 0.6 mi | 4.2 |
| Rockdale Elem School Rockdale | 0.8 mi | 5.8 |
| Joliet West High School Joliet | 0.8 mi | 6.3 |
| ST JUDE SCHOOL Joliet | 1.0 mi | 6.6 |
| Farragut Elem School Joliet | 1.3 mi | 6.7 |
| OUR SAVIOR LUTHERAN PRESCHOOL & KINDERGARTEN Joliet | 1.4 mi | — |
| Marycrest Early Childhood Center Joliet | 1.1 mi | 6.9 |
| CATHEDRAL OF ST RAYMOND SCHOOL Joliet | 1.4 mi | 5.5 |
| Taft Elementary School Joliet | 1.7 mi | 4.9 |
| Hufford Junior High School Joliet | 1.8 mi | 6.1 |
| JOLIET CATHOLIC ACADEMY Joliet | 2.0 mi | 5.4 |
| ST JOSEPH ACADEMY Joliet | 1.7 mi | — |
| Carl Sandburg Elementary Joliet | 1.9 mi | 5.3 |
| M J Cunningham Elem Sch Joliet | 1.9 mi | 6.0 |
| Thomas Jefferson Elem School Joliet | 1.8 mi | 5.0 |
| ST MARY NATIVITY SCHOOL Joliet | 2.0 mi | 6.2 |
| VILASECA JOSEPHINE CENTER Joliet | 2.0 mi | — |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 60436 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$63,570
Median Home Value
$170,800
Median Rent
$1,242/mo
Population
19,446
College Educated
14.5%
Homeownership
57.2%
Avg Commute
26.8 min
Poverty Rate
15.8%
Median Age
34.3
Community Profile
The community surrounding Dirksen Junior High School has a median household income of $63,570. It is a community where 15% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $170,800, with a median rent of $1,242/month. The area has a poverty rate of 15.8%. The average commute for residents is 27 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 |
|---|---|
| Hannah Beardsley Middle School Crystal Lake, IL | 6.6 |
| Herget Middle School Aurora, IL | 6.6 |
| Heritage Middle School Berwyn, IL | 6.6 |
| Homer Jr High School Homer Glen, IL | 6.6 |
| Jane Addams Middle School Bolingbrook, IL | 6.6 |
| Kellar School Robbins, IL | 6.6 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Dirksen Junior High School
What grades does Dirksen Junior High School serve?
Dirksen Junior High School serves students in grades 6th through 8th.
How many students attend Dirksen Junior High School?
Dirksen Junior High School has an enrollment of approximately 655 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Dirksen Junior High School?
The student-teacher ratio at Dirksen Junior High School is 14.2:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Dirksen Junior High School rank in IL?
Dirksen Junior High School is ranked #1578 out of 3,813 schools in IL.
What is Dirksen Junior High School's MySchoolScout rating?
Dirksen Junior High School has a composite rating of 6.6 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 Junior High School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Dirksen Junior High School has 7.0% math proficiency and 9.3% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Dirksen Junior High School a charter school?
No, Dirksen Junior High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Dirksen Junior High School a Title I school?
No, Dirksen Junior High School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Dirksen Junior High School?
97.4% of students at Dirksen Junior High 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
- City Safety
- High (1,601/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Joliet). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 6th – 8th
- Enrollment
- 655
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 14.2:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 46
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 97.4%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large Suburb
- County
- Will County
- Phone
- (815) 729-1566
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Joliet PSD 86- District Enrollment
- 9,449
- Schools in District
- 22
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $22,414
- District Rank
- #5 of 20
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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