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Average

#2341 of 3,813 schools in IL

Simeon Career Academy High School

High School · Chicago Public Schools Dist 299

8147 S Vincennes Ave, Chicago, IL 60620

Enrollment

1,138

Student-Teacher

13.9:1

Score

5.8

Grades

9th – 12th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Chicago

#423 of 629

public schools

Illinois high schools

#451 of 703

In district

#418 of 621

Chicago Public Schools Dist 299

Academic growth

8.6 / 10

Exceptional

About Simeon Career Academy High School

Simeon Career Academy High School serves 1,138 students in grades 9-12 on Chicago's South Side, offering a focused learning environment with 82 full-time teachers and a student-teacher ratio of 13.9:1. As a public career academy, the school is designed to prepare students for both college and career pathways following graduation. The school faces significant academic challenges, with room for substantial growth in student achievement.

Current test results show students performing well below state averages in English Language Arts and Reading, indicating the need for continued investment in educational resources and support systems. With a MySchoolScout rating of 2.6 out of 10 and ranking in the 3rd percentile among Illinois high schools, the school is working to improve outcomes for its student body. Located in the 60620 ZIP code area, Simeon Career Academy serves a community where the median household income is $46,472 and 19% of residents hold bachelor's degrees or higher.

The neighborhood has a poverty rate of 22.6%, with median home values around $177,500. The school sits in the heart of Chicago's urban landscape, providing students access to the opportunities and resources available in one of America's largest cities.

What Parents Should Know

While current test scores at Simeon Career Academy High School 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 · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress8.6Excellent25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change-1.2 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2022
TrendDeclining
Academics2.7Needs Improvement25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency0.5%
Reading/ELA Proficiency0.5%
Overall Proficiency1%
Expected (poverty-adj.)8%
vs. Expected-7.0 pts
Adjusted Percentile9th
College Readiness4.7Below Average30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
AP Participation18.4%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment8.0Excellent20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio13.9:1
Per-Pupil Spending$21,089

Simeon Career Academy High School — Students at Simeon Career Academy High School score 0% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 8%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

90.8%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores IL EDFACTS (2021-22)

Math Proficiency 1.8%
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 2.2%
School
State
N/A

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

Proficiency Trend

→ Stable

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

2019
Math
3%
ELA
4%
2021*
Math
0.5%
ELA
2%
2022
ELA
0.5%

* 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: 8.6/10.

How Simeon Career Academy High School Compares

See how Simeon Career Academy High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
5.8/10
39th percentile in IL
Academic
2.7/10
2.7/10
Growth
8.6/10
Above average
Environment
8.0/10
Above average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
91%
Teaching Staff
14:1 student-teacher ratio
82 teachers

Location

8147 S Vincennes Ave, Chicago, IL 60620

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Simeon Career Academy High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. YCCS-Community Youth Dev Inst HS (rated 6.8/10, 0.6 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Another option is Noble St Chtr-Hansberry Prep Slvr (rated 6.0/10, 1.1 miles away), with a very similar rating. Additionally, LEO CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL (rated 5.5/10, 0.7 miles away), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Chicago, see our Chicago schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 1.4 mi
School Distance Rating
Westcott Elem School Chicago 0.2 mi 7.1
RAEKWON'S SCHOLASTIC DAYCARE ACADEMY LLC Chicago 0.4 mi
Lenart Elem Regional Gifted Ctr Chicago 0.4 mi 5.2
YCCS-Community Youth Dev Inst HS Chicago 0.6 mi 6.8
Perspectives Chtr - Leadership Ac Chicago 0.6 mi 5.1
Perspectives Chtr - HS of Tech Chicago 0.6 mi 5.4
Ryder Elem Math & Sci Spec School Chicago 0.8 mi 5.6
Harvard Elem School Chicago 0.8 mi 6.5
Gresham Elem School Chicago 0.7 mi 6.0
LEO CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL Chicago 0.7 mi 5.5
Oglesby Elem School Chicago 0.9 mi 7.4
Neil Elem School Chicago 0.9 mi 7.3
Jackson M Elem School Chicago 1.0 mi 7.1
Ruggles Elem School Chicago 1.0 mi 7.4
McDade Elem Classical School Chicago 1.1 mi 4.2
Cuffe Math-Sci Tech Elem Academy Chicago 1.0 mi 7.3
Noble St Chtr-Hansberry Prep Slvr Chicago 1.1 mi 6.0
Stagg Elem School Chicago 1.2 mi 6.3
Deneen Elem School Chicago 1.3 mi 6.7
Turner-Drew Elem Language Academy Chicago 1.4 mi 4.8

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 60620 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$48,805

Median Home Value

$187,900

Median Rent

$1,093/mo

Population

66,511

College Educated

20.5%

Homeownership

49.8%

Avg Commute

38.4 min

Poverty Rate

21.8%

Median Age

38.9

Community Profile

The community surrounding Simeon Career Academy High School has a median household income of $48,805. It is a community where 21% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $187,900, with a median rent of $1,093/month. The area has a poverty rate of 21.8%, indicating some economic challenges in the community. The average commute in the area is 38 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
Eisenhower High School Decatur, IL 5.8
Freeport High School Freeport, IL 5.8
Lanphier High School Springfield, IL 5.8
Noble St Chtr - Mansueto Chicago, IL 5.8
Proviso Math and Science Academy Forest Park, IL 5.8
Elmwood Park High School Elmwood Park, IL 5.7

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Simeon Career Academy High School

What grades does Simeon Career Academy High School serve?

Simeon Career Academy High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend Simeon Career Academy High School?

Simeon Career Academy High School has an enrollment of approximately 1,138 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Simeon Career Academy High School?

The student-teacher ratio at Simeon Career Academy High School is 13.9:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Simeon Career Academy High School rank in IL?

Simeon Career Academy High School is ranked #2341 out of 3,813 schools in IL.

What is Simeon Career Academy High School's MySchoolScout rating?

Simeon Career Academy High School 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 Simeon Career Academy High School?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Simeon Career Academy High School has 1.8% math proficiency and 2.2% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Simeon Career Academy High School a charter school?

No, Simeon Career Academy High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Simeon Career Academy High School a Title I school?

No, Simeon Career Academy High School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Simeon Career Academy High School?

90.8% of students at Simeon Career Academy 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.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
69 Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
68 Good Transit
Bike Score
67 Bikeable
City Safety
High (4,030/100K)

Powered by Walk Score

FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Chicago). Data >1 year old.

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
1,138
Student-Teacher Ratio
13.9:1
Teachers (FTE)
82
Free/Reduced Lunch
90.8%
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
#418 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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