Needs Improvement
#3695 of 3,813 schools in IL
Nelson Prairie School
Elementary School · New Lenox SD 122
2366 Nelson Rd, New Lenox, IL 60451
Enrollment
383
Student-Teacher
18.2:1
Score
3.9
Grades
1st – 3rd
Enrollment
383
Student-Teacher
18.2:1
Score
3.9
Grades
1st – 3rd
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In New Lenox
#14 of 14
public schools
Illinois elementary schools
#2,237 of 2,326
In district
#12 of 12
New Lenox SD 122
Academic performance
7.6 / 10
Very strong
About Nelson Prairie School
Nelson Prairie School is an elementary school located in New Lenox, Illinois, serving students from first to third grade. The school has a total enrollment of 383 students and maintains a student-to-teacher ratio of 18.2:1 with 21 full-time equivalent teachers. Set in a large suburban area, Nelson Prairie offers a supportive learning environment focused on foundational skills for young learners.
Academically, the school ranks at the 47th percentile among Illinois schools, reflecting areas where there is room for growth but also highlighting strengths in specific subjects. The ELA/Reading proficiency rate stands at 45%, while Math proficiency reaches 57%—indicating a solid performance in math and an opportunity to enhance reading skills. Nelson Prairie School serves a community that values education and supports its young scholars as they embark on their educational journey.
The setting provides a nurturing atmosphere for children to develop academically, socially, and emotionally during these critical early years.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
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Data not available for this school
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Nelson Prairie School — Students at Nelson Prairie School score 40% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 43%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
14.1%
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: 2.3/10.
How Nelson Prairie School Compares
See how Nelson Prairie School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 67% (2019) to 47% (2021). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 52% (2019) to 32% (2022).
Location
2366 Nelson Rd, New Lenox, IL 60451
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Nelson Prairie School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Union Elementary School (rated 9.9/10, 2.6 miles away, in nearby Joliet), which scores notably higher. Another option is Arnold J Tyler School (rated 7.2/10, 2.1 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Spencer Pointe (rated 6.9/10, 2.0 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in New Lenox, see our New Lenox schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 3.6 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Nelson Ridge School New Lenox | 0.1 mi | 6.0 |
| LA PETITE ACADEMY New Lenox | 1.3 mi | — |
| Lincoln Way West New Lenox | 1.6 mi | 6.1 |
| ST JUDE SCHOOL New Lenox | 2.4 mi | 6.7 |
| Arnold J Tyler School New Lenox | 2.1 mi | 7.2 |
| Bentley Elem School New Lenox | 2.2 mi | 5.8 |
| Spencer Pointe New Lenox | 2.0 mi | 6.9 |
| Spencer Crossing New Lenox | 2.0 mi | 4.6 |
| Manhattan Jr High School Manhattan | 2.6 mi | 5.4 |
| Spencer Trail New Lenox | 2.2 mi | 4.7 |
| Haines Elem School New Lenox | 3.0 mi | 4.0 |
| Alex M Martino Jr High School New Lenox | 2.7 mi | 6.8 |
| Oster-Oakview School New Lenox | 3.1 mi | 6.5 |
| Union Elementary School Joliet | 2.6 mi | 9.9 |
| PROVIDENCE CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL New Lenox | 3.2 mi | 4.5 |
| PROVIDENCE CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL New Lenox | 3.2 mi | — |
| ST JOSEPH CATHOLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Manhattan | 3.6 mi | 5.7 |
| Wilson Creek Elem Sch Manhattan | 3.7 mi | 4.2 |
| TRINITY SERVICES -TRINITY SCHOOL New Lenox | 3.3 mi | — |
| Cherry Hill Elem and EC Center New Lenox | 3.6 mi | 6.0 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 60451 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$132,260
Median Home Value
$373,100
Median Rent
$1,304/mo
Population
37,481
College Educated
41.9%
Homeownership
92.8%
Avg Commute
32.2 min
Poverty Rate
2.5%
Median Age
38.3
Community Profile
The community surrounding Nelson Prairie School has a median household income of $132,260. 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 $373,100, with a median rent of $1,304/month. The local poverty rate of 2.5% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 32 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 |
|---|---|
| Douglas Elementary School Princeton, IL | 3.9 |
| Hinckley-Big Rock Elem Sch Hinckley, IL | 3.9 |
| Jefferson Elem School Berwyn, IL | 3.9 |
| John A Bannes Elem School Tinley Park, IL | 3.9 |
| Jonas E Salk Elem School Bolingbrook, IL | 3.9 |
| King School Galesburg, IL | 3.9 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Nelson Prairie School
What grades does Nelson Prairie School serve?
Nelson Prairie School serves students in grades 1st through 3rd.
How many students attend Nelson Prairie School?
Nelson Prairie School has an enrollment of approximately 383 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Nelson Prairie School?
The student-teacher ratio at Nelson Prairie School is 18.2:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Nelson Prairie School rank in IL?
Nelson Prairie School is ranked #3695 out of 3,813 schools in IL.
What is Nelson Prairie School's MySchoolScout rating?
Nelson Prairie School has a composite rating of 3.9 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 Nelson Prairie School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Nelson Prairie School has 57.0% math proficiency and 45.3% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Nelson Prairie School a charter school?
No, Nelson Prairie School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Nelson Prairie School a Title I school?
No, Nelson Prairie School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Nelson Prairie School?
14.1% of students at Nelson Prairie 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
- Elevated (978/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (New Lenox). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 1st – 3rd
- Enrollment
- 383
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 18.2:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 21
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 14.1%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large Suburb
- County
- Will County
- Phone
- (815) 462-2874
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
New Lenox SD 122- District Enrollment
- 4,982
- Schools in District
- 12
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $14,628
- District Rank
- #12 of 12
Other Schools in This District
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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