Average
#2347 of 3,813 schools in IL
Lara Elem Academy
Elementary School · Chicago Public Schools Dist 299
4619 S Wolcott Ave, Chicago, IL 60609
Enrollment
337
Student-Teacher
11.2:1
Score
5.8
Grades
Pre-K – 8th
Enrollment
337
Student-Teacher
11.2:1
Score
5.8
Grades
Pre-K – 8th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Chicago
#429 of 629
public schools
Illinois elementary schools
#1,417 of 2,326
In district
#424 of 621
Chicago Public Schools Dist 299
School environment
9.3 / 10
Exceptional
About Lara Elem Academy
Lara Elem Academy is a public elementary school located in Chicago, Illinois, on the bustling streets of South Wolcott Avenue. The school serves students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade, making it a unique blend of early childhood and middle school education under one roof. With an enrollment of 337 students and a student-teacher ratio of 11.2:1, Lara Elem Academy offers personalized attention to each child’s learning needs.
The school has 30 full-time equivalent teachers dedicated to providing quality education in the heart of Chicago. While academic performance metrics show room for improvement—Lara Elem Academy ranks 13th percentile statewide and scores below average on ELA and math proficiency tests—it is clear that the focus here is on student development and growth. Located in a vibrant, urban setting, Lara Elem Academy benefits from being part of a diverse community where students can experience firsthand the rich cultural tapestry of Chicago.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
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Lara Elem Academy — Students at Lara Elem Academy score 7% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 7%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
91.4%
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: 5.1/10.
How Lara Elem Academy Compares
See how Lara Elem Academy performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 17% (2019) to 2.5% (2021). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 17% (2019) to 12% (2022).
Location
4619 S Wolcott Ave, Chicago, IL 60609
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Lara Elem Academy may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Fulton Elem School (rated 7.2/10, 0.9 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Seward Elem Communication Arts Ac (rated 7.0/10, 0.1 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Henderson Elem School (rated 7.0/10, 1.3 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Seward Elem Communication Arts Ac Chicago | 0.1 mi | 7.0 |
| Hedges Elem School Chicago | 0.2 mi | 6.9 |
| SAN MIGUEL SCHOOL Chicago | 0.2 mi | 5.9 |
| Back of The Yards IB HS Chicago | 0.3 mi | 8.3 |
| Chavez Elem Multicultural Acad Ct Chicago | 0.4 mi | 4.5 |
| Daley Elem Academy Chicago | 0.5 mi | 6.3 |
| Hamline Elem School Chicago | 0.6 mi | 6.9 |
| Richards Career Academy HS Chicago | 0.7 mi | 6.9 |
| Fulton Elem School Chicago | 0.9 mi | 7.2 |
| CICS - Basil Campus Chicago | 1.1 mi | 3.3 |
| Namaste Elem Charter School Chicago | 1.1 mi | 4.5 |
| Horizon Science Acad-McKinley Pk Chicago | 1.0 mi | 5.7 |
| Christopher Elem School Chicago | 0.9 mi | 6.8 |
| Horizon Sci Acad - Southwest Chtr Chicago | 1.1 mi | 5.2 |
| Libby Elem School Chicago | 1.1 mi | 6.3 |
| Shields Middle School Chicago | 1.0 mi | 6.9 |
| Thomas Early Childhood Center Chicago | 1.3 mi | 7.0 |
| Henderson Elem School Chicago | 1.3 mi | 7.0 |
| Shields Elem School Chicago | 1.0 mi | 6.2 |
| Evergreen Academy Elem School Chicago | 1.3 mi | 8.0 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 60609 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$54,142
Median Home Value
$251,600
Median Rent
$1,070/mo
Population
64,268
College Educated
20%
Homeownership
41.6%
Avg Commute
33 min
Poverty Rate
25.3%
Median Age
35.2
Community Profile
The community surrounding Lara Elem Academy has a median household income of $54,142. It is a community where 20% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $251,600, with a median rent of $1,070/month. The area has a poverty rate of 25.3%, indicating some economic challenges in the community. 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 |
|---|---|
| Acero Chtr - Rufino Tamayo Elem Chicago, IL | 5.8 |
| Blackstone Elem School Mendota, IL | 5.8 |
| CICS - Bond Campus Chicago, IL | 5.8 |
| Chauncey H Duker School Mchenry, IL | 5.8 |
| Fairmount Elem School Downers Grove, IL | 5.8 |
| Field Elementary School Texico, IL | 5.8 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Lara Elem Academy
What grades does Lara Elem Academy serve?
Lara Elem Academy serves students in grades Pre-K through 8th.
How many students attend Lara Elem Academy?
Lara Elem Academy has an enrollment of approximately 337 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Lara Elem Academy?
The student-teacher ratio at Lara Elem Academy 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 Lara Elem Academy rank in IL?
Lara Elem Academy is ranked #2347 out of 3,813 schools in IL.
What is Lara Elem Academy's MySchoolScout rating?
Lara Elem Academy has a composite rating of 5.8 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 Lara Elem Academy?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Lara Elem Academy has 9.8% math proficiency and 12.2% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Lara Elem Academy a charter school?
No, Lara Elem Academy is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Lara Elem Academy a Title I school?
No, Lara Elem Academy is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Lara Elem Academy?
91.4% of students at Lara 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
- 337
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 11.2:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 30
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 91.4%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large City
- County
- Cook County
- Phone
- (773) 535-4389
- 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
- #424 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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