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Average

#2058 of 3,813 schools in IL

Mays Elem Academy

Elementary School · Chicago Public Schools Dist 299

6656 S Normal Blvd, Chicago, IL 60621

Enrollment

244

Student-Teacher

14.4:1

Score

6.1

Grades

Pre-K – 8th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Chicago

#379 of 629

public schools

Illinois elementary schools

#1,260 of 2,326

In district

#374 of 621

Chicago Public Schools Dist 299

School environment

7.6 / 10

Very strong

About Mays Elem Academy

Mays Elem Academy is a public elementary school nestled in the heart of Chicago, Illinois. Serving students from pre-K through eighth grade, Mays Elem Academy has an enrollment of 244 students and maintains a student-to-teacher ratio of 14.4:1 with 17 full-time equivalent teachers on staff. The school’s setting within a bustling city environment offers unique opportunities for students to engage with the vibrant community around them.

Despite its modest academic score of 1.1 out of 10, Mays Elem Academy continues to focus on student development and growth, particularly in areas where there is room for improvement such as ELA/Reading and Math proficiency rates at just 5% each. The school remains committed to nurturing young minds and providing a supportive educational environment. Mays Elem Academy stands out not only for its dedication to its students but also for its location within the dynamic city of Chicago, offering a rich tapestry of experiences beyond the classroom walls.

What Parents Should Know

While current test scores at Mays Elem Academy are below average, the school shows strong growth metrics — meaning students are making above-average progress year over year. This upward trajectory can be a positive indicator for families who value a school's ability to help students improve, even if absolute scores haven't caught up yet.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress7.5Very Good50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change-2.43 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2022
TrendDeclining
Academics2.6Needs Improvement30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency2.5%
Reading/ELA Proficiency2.5%
Overall Proficiency3%
Expected (poverty-adj.)11%
vs. Expected-8.3 pts
Adjusted Percentile8th
College ReadinessNot Available

Data not available for this school

Resources & Environment7.6Very Good20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio14.4:1
Per-Pupil Spending$21,089

Mays Elem Academy — Students at Mays Elem Academy score 2% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 11%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

83.6%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores IL EDFACTS (2021-22)

Math Proficiency 4.8%
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 5.0%
School
State
N/A

Based on 5 test records from IL state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2019
Math
7%
ELA
10%
2021*
Math
2.5%
ELA
2.5%
2022
ELA
2.5%

* 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: 7.5/10.

How Mays Elem Academy Compares

See how Mays Elem Academy performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
6.1/10
46th percentile in IL
Academic
2.6/10
2.6/10
Growth
7.5/10
Above average
Environment
7.6/10
Above average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
84%
Teaching Staff
14:1 student-teacher ratio
17 teachers

Location

6656 S Normal Blvd, Chicago, IL 60621

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Mays Elem Academy may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Langford A Elem School (rated 7.9/10, 1.0 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Bass Elem School (rated 7.4/10, 0.4 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Nicholson Tech Acad Elem Sch (rated 7.4/10, 0.8 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Chicago, see our Chicago schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 1.1 mi
School Distance Rating
Kershaw Elem School Chicago 0.4 mi 7.2
Bass Elem School Chicago 0.4 mi 7.4
King Academy of Social Justice Chicago 0.6 mi 7.2
Bond Elem School Chicago 0.6 mi 6.2
Nicholson Tech Acad Elem Sch Chicago 0.8 mi 7.4
Barbara A Sizemore Campus Chicago 0.6 mi 6.9
Noble St Chtr-Johnson Colg Prep Chicago 0.7 mi 6.5
Englewood STEM High School Chicago 0.7 mi 4.8
Parker Elem Community Academy Chicago 0.7 mi 7.4
Stagg Elem School Chicago 1.0 mi 6.3
Wentworth Elem School Chicago 0.8 mi 6.3
CS ACADEMY Chicago 0.9 mi 6.2
Urban Prep Chtr Acad Englewood HS Chicago 0.9 mi 7.8
CS ACADEMY COLLEGE PREP Chicago 0.9 mi 5.5
Langford A Elem School Chicago 1.0 mi 7.9
Providence-Englewood Elem Charter Chicago 0.9 mi 3.9
Oglesby Elem School Chicago 1.2 mi 7.4
ACADEMY OF ST BENEDICT THE AFRICAN Chicago 1.1 mi 4.6
Harvard Elem School Chicago 1.3 mi 6.5
Davis M Magnet Elem School Chicago 1.1 mi 4.9

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 60621 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$33,235

Median Home Value

$161,900

Median Rent

$1,017/mo

Population

27,318

College Educated

11.9%

Homeownership

25%

Avg Commute

39.2 min

Poverty Rate

29.9%

Median Age

39.4

Community Profile

The community surrounding Mays Elem Academy has a median household income of $33,235. It is a community where 12% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $161,900, with a median rent of $1,017/month. The area has a poverty rate of 29.9%, indicating some economic challenges in the community. The average commute in the area is 39 minutes, which is above the national average. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
Barack Obama Sch of Ldership Chicago Heights, IL 6.1
Beethoven Elem School Chicago, IL 6.1
Center Elem School Freeport, IL 6.1
Community Cons School Pinckneyville, IL 6.1
FRASSATI CATHOLIC ACADEMY Wauconda, IL 6.1
Gen George Patton Elem School Riverdale, IL 6.1

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Mays Elem Academy

What grades does Mays Elem Academy serve?

Mays Elem Academy serves students in grades Pre-K through 8th.

How many students attend Mays Elem Academy?

Mays Elem Academy has an enrollment of approximately 244 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Mays Elem Academy?

The student-teacher ratio at Mays Elem Academy is 14.4:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Mays Elem Academy rank in IL?

Mays Elem Academy is ranked #2058 out of 3,813 schools in IL.

What is Mays Elem Academy's MySchoolScout rating?

Mays Elem Academy has a composite rating of 6.1 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 Mays Elem Academy?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Mays Elem Academy has 4.8% math proficiency and 5.0% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Mays Elem Academy a charter school?

No, Mays Elem Academy is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Mays Elem Academy a Title I school?

No, Mays Elem Academy is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Mays Elem Academy?

83.6% of students at Mays 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.

11 schools nearby View map →

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
244
Student-Teacher Ratio
14.4:1
Teachers (FTE)
17
Free/Reduced Lunch
83.6%
Type
regular
Setting
Large City
County
Cook County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

Chicago Public Schools Dist 299
District Enrollment
322,809
Schools in District
643
Per-Pupil Spending
$22,699
District Rank
#374 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 methodology

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