Excellent
#21 of 3,813 schools in IL
Top 1% in state
The Joseph Sears School
Elementary School · Kenilworth SD 38
542 Abbotsford Rd, Kenilworth, IL 60043
Enrollment
480
Student-Teacher
9.1:1
Score
9.6
Grades
Pre-K – 8th
Enrollment
480
Student-Teacher
9.1:1
Score
9.6
Grades
Pre-K – 8th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
Illinois elementary schools
#19 of 2,326
Academic performance
9.9 / 10
Exceptional
About The Joseph Sears School
The Joseph Sears School is a public elementary school in Kenilworth, Illinois, serving students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. With 480 students and a student-teacher ratio of 9.1:1, classes stay small and faculty attention stays high. Academically, Sears stands apart.
It earns a composite score of 9.6 out of 10 — rated Exceptional — with a near-perfect academic score of 9.9 and a growth score of 9.4. It ranks 21st out of 3,813 public schools across Illinois and 19th out of 2,326 Illinois elementary schools, placing it among a very small group of top-performing schools in the state. That performance is consistent, not selective.
The school outperforms 100% of Illinois public schools on composite measures, meaning no public school in the state scores higher. For families weighing elementary options in the Chicago metro area, these numbers cut through the noise quickly. A sub-10 student-teacher ratio combined with rankings at this level is rare.
Parents comparing schools across districts will find it difficult to locate a public elementary school in Illinois that matches Sears across academic achievement, student growth, and school size simultaneously.
What Parents Should Know
With a student-teacher ratio of 9.1:1, The Joseph Sears School offers a notably low ratio compared to the national average. This typically means smaller class sizes and more opportunities for one-on-one interaction between students and teachers.
Score Breakdown
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The Joseph Sears School — Students at The Joseph Sears School score 74% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 49%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
0%
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: 9.4/10.
How The Joseph Sears School Compares
See how The Joseph Sears School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has improved from 74% (2019) to 77% (2021). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 73% (2019) to 70% (2022).
Location
542 Abbotsford Rd, Kenilworth, IL 60043
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering The Joseph Sears School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Harper Elem School (rated 9.8/10, 1.0 miles away, in nearby Wilmette), with a very similar rating. Another option is Central Elem School (rated 8.9/10, 1.2 miles away, in nearby Wilmette), with a comparable rating. Additionally, Lincolnwood Elem School (rated 8.7/10, 2.1 miles away, in nearby Evanston), with a comparable rating. For more schools in Kenilworth, see our Kenilworth schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 2.2 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| New Trier Township H S Winnetka Winnetka | 0.3 mi | 9.1 |
| Greeley Elem School Winnetka | 0.6 mi | 7.5 |
| RONALD KNOX MONTESSORI SCHOOL Wilmette | 0.7 mi | — |
| NORTH SHORE COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL Winnetka | 0.8 mi | 7.3 |
| THE SCHOOL OF SAINTS FAITH, HOPE & CHARITY Winnetka | 0.9 mi | 6.8 |
| McKenzie Elem School Wilmette | 1.1 mi | 8.1 |
| Harper Elem School Wilmette | 1.0 mi | 9.8 |
| Central Elem School Wilmette | 1.2 mi | 8.9 |
| Highcrest Middle School Wilmette | 1.3 mi | 9.6 |
| Willard Elem School Evanston | 1.6 mi | 5.7 |
| ST FRANCIS XAVIER SCHOOL Wilmette | 1.4 mi | 7.2 |
| Wilmette Junior High School Wilmette | 1.6 mi | 9.0 |
| THE BARBEREUX SCHOOL Evanston | 1.9 mi | — |
| Crow Island Elem School Winnetka | 1.6 mi | 7.7 |
| Marie Murphy School Wilmette | 1.6 mi | 7.9 |
| Lincolnwood Elem School Evanston | 2.1 mi | 8.7 |
| Romona Elem School Wilmette | 1.8 mi | 8.4 |
| The Skokie School Winnetka | 1.8 mi | 9.0 |
| Highland Elementary School Skokie | 2.3 mi | 5.8 |
| Haven Middle School Evanston | 2.2 mi | 6.2 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 60043 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$250,001
Median Home Value
$1,409,800
Median Rent
$3,501/mo
Population
2,543
College Educated
91.9%
Homeownership
96.1%
Avg Commute
34.1 min
Poverty Rate
1.1%
Median Age
41.3
Community Profile
The community surrounding The Joseph Sears School has a median household income of $250,001. It is a well-educated community where 92% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $1,409,800, with a median rent of $3,501/month. The local poverty rate of 1.1% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 34 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 |
|---|---|
| Arnett C Lines Elem School Barrington, IL | 9.6 |
| Barbara B Rose Elem School South Barrington, IL | 9.6 |
| Lincoln Elem School River Forest, IL | 9.6 |
| Madison Elem School Hinsdale, IL | 9.6 |
| Wayne Thomas Elem School Highland Park, IL | 9.6 |
| Greenbriar Elem School Northbrook, IL | 9.7 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about The Joseph Sears School
What grades does The Joseph Sears School serve?
The Joseph Sears School serves students in grades Pre-K through 8th.
How many students attend The Joseph Sears School?
The Joseph Sears School has an enrollment of approximately 480 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at The Joseph Sears School?
The student-teacher ratio at The Joseph Sears School is 9.1:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does The Joseph Sears School rank in IL?
The Joseph Sears School is ranked #21 out of 3,813 schools in IL.
What is The Joseph Sears School's MySchoolScout rating?
The Joseph Sears School has a composite rating of 9.6 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 The Joseph Sears School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, The Joseph Sears School has 75.5% math proficiency and 73.0% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is The Joseph Sears School a charter school?
No, The Joseph Sears School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is The Joseph Sears School a Title I school?
No, The Joseph Sears School is not currently a Title I school.
Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Kenilworth). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 8th
- Enrollment
- 480
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 9.1:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 53
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large Suburb
- County
- Cook County
- Phone
- (847) 853-3803
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Kenilworth SD 38- District Enrollment
- 480
- Schools in District
- 1
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $32,163
- District Rank
- #1 of 1
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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