Average
#1826 of 3,813 schools in IL
Top 48% in state
Gardner Elem School
Elementary School · Gardner CCSD 72C
598 N Elm St, Gardner, IL 60424
Enrollment
145
Student-Teacher
11.2:1
Score
6.3
Grades
Pre-K – 8th
Enrollment
145
Student-Teacher
11.2:1
Score
6.3
Grades
Pre-K – 8th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Illinois schools
#1,826 of 3,813
In Gardner
#2 of 2
public schools
School environment
8.6 / 10
Excellent
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Gardner Elem School
Elementary School in Gardner · grades Pre-K – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Gardner-south Wilmington Twp H S
0.6 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
South Wilmington Grade School
2.0 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Gardner Elem School
Gardner Elem School is a public elementary school in Gardner, IL, part of Gardner CCSD 72C. Gardner Elem School serves approximately 145 students, and covers grades Pre-K-8th, and has a 11.2:1 student-teacher ratio. Gardner Elem School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.3 out of 10 and ranks #1,826 of 3,813 schools in IL.
Structured state assessment records for Gardner Elem School show 52% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2021) and 47% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
- This school 6.3 · Average
- IL avg 6.2
What Parents Should Know
At 145 students, Gardner Elem School is on the smaller side. That usually buys more individual attention and teachers who know every kid by name, with the trade-off of fewer electives and extracurriculars than a larger school can staff. Ask what activities it actually offers.
Gardner Elem School sits in a rural area, which can mean longer drives for some families. Rural schools are often community anchors with smaller classes, but check transportation, after-school options, and access to specialized services before you commit.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Gardner Elem School — Students at Gardner Elem School score 27% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 29%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
45.5%
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: 5.0/10.
How Gardner Elem School Compares
See how Gardner Elem School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Location
598 N Elm St, Gardner, IL 60424
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Gardner Elem School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Coal City Intermediate School (rated 8.3/10, 6.6 miles away, in nearby Coal City), which scores notably higher. Another option is Reed-Custer Elementary School (rated 8.0/10, 6.4 miles away, in nearby Braidwood), which scores notably higher. Additionally, L J Stevens Intermediate School (rated 7.6/10, 11.4 miles away, in nearby Wilmington), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Gardner, see our Gardner schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 13.0 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Gardner-South Wilmington Twp H S Gardner | 0.6 mi | 7.8 |
| South Wilmington Grade School South Wilmington | 2.0 mi | 5.9 |
| Braceville Elem School Braceville | 3.1 mi | 3.6 |
| Coal City Early Childhood Center Coal City | 5.7 mi | 5.5 |
| Coal City Middle School Coal City | 5.9 mi | 8.6 |
| Coal City High School Coal City | 6.4 mi | 6.3 |
| Coal City Intermediate School Coal City | 6.6 mi | 8.3 |
| Coal City Elem School Coal City | 6.8 mi | 5.5 |
| Reed-Custer Elementary School Braidwood | 6.4 mi | 8.0 |
| Reed-Custer Middle School Braidwood | 6.8 mi | 7.7 |
| Reed-Custer High School Braidwood | 6.8 mi | 6.4 |
| Mazon-Verona-Kinsman Elem School Mazon | 7.1 mi | 5.9 |
| Mazon-Verona-Kinsman Middle Sch Mazon | 7.2 mi | 5.0 |
| DWIGHT BAPTIST ACADEMY Dwight | 9.5 mi | — |
| Dwight High School Dwight | 9.7 mi | 6.7 |
| Dwight Common School Dwight | 10.0 mi | 3.5 |
| Bruning Elem School Wilmington | 10.4 mi | 4.7 |
| L J Stevens Intermediate School Wilmington | 11.4 mi | 7.6 |
| Wilmington Middle School Wilmington | 11.4 mi | 8.1 |
| IMMACULATE CONCEPTION SCHOOL Morris | 13.0 mi | 6.9 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 60424 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$81,000
Median Home Value
$191,600
Median Rent
$1,041/mo
Population
2,170
College Educated
18.2%
Homeownership
75.4%
Avg Commute
30.5 min
Poverty Rate
14%
Median Age
37
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Cissna Park Elementary School Cissna Park, IL | 6.3 |
| EMBERS ACADEMY Niles, IL | 6.3 |
| IMMANUEL LUTHERAN SCHOOL Palatine, IL | 6.3 |
| IMMANUEL LUTHERAN SCHOOL Batavia, IL | 6.3 |
| LANSING CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Lansing, IL | 6.3 |
| OUR LADY OF THE SNOWS SCHOOL Chicago, IL | 6.3 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Gardner Elem School
What grades does Gardner Elem School serve?
Gardner Elem School serves students in grades Pre-K through 8th.
How many students attend Gardner Elem School?
Gardner Elem School has an enrollment of approximately 145 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Gardner Elem School?
The student-teacher ratio at Gardner Elem School is 11.2:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Gardner Elem School rank in IL?
Gardner Elem School ranks #1,826 of 3,813 schools in IL.
What is Gardner Elem School's MySchoolScout rating?
Gardner Elem School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.3 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 Gardner Elem School?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Gardner Elem School has 52% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2021) and 47% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
Is Gardner Elem School a charter school?
No, Gardner Elem School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Gardner Elem School a Title I school?
No, Gardner Elem School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Gardner Elem School?
45.5% of students at Gardner 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
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 8th
- Enrollment
- 145
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 11.2:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 13
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 45.5%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Fringe Rural
- County
- Grundy County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 18.6%
- Phone
- (815) 237-2313
Resources & Links
District
Gardner CCSD 72C- District Enrollment
- 145
- Schools in District
- 1
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $17,561
- District Rank
- #1 of 1
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