Very Good
#598 of 3,813 schools in IL
Top 16% in state
Ward J Elem School
Elementary School · Chicago Public Schools Dist 299
2701 S Shields Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
Enrollment
495
Student-Teacher
16:1
Score
7.9
Grades
Pre-K – 8th
Enrollment
495
Student-Teacher
16:1
Score
7.9
Grades
Pre-K – 8th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Illinois schools
#598 of 3,813
In Chicago
#68 of 630
public schools
In district
#67 of 621
Chicago Public Schools Dist 299
School environment
8.6 / 10
Excellent
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Ward J Elem School
Elementary School in Chicago · grades Pre-K – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
St Jerome School
0.1 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Sheridan Elem Math & Science Acad
0.3 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Ward J Elem School
Ward J Elem School is a public elementary school in Chicago, IL, part of Chicago Public Schools Dist 299. Ward J Elem School serves approximately 495 students, and covers grades Pre-K-8th, and has a 16:1 student-teacher ratio. Ward J Elem School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.9 out of 10 and ranks #598 of 3,813 schools in IL.
Structured state assessment records for Ward J Elem School show 64% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2021) and 51% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
- This school 7.9 · Very Good
- District avg 5.9
- IL avg 6.2
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Ward J Elem School — Students at Ward J Elem School score 30% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 13%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
79.6%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores IL EDFACTS (2021-22)
Based on 27 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: 7.3/10.
How Ward J Elem School Compares
See how Ward J Elem School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Location
2701 S Shields Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Ward J Elem School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Haines Elem School (rated 8.8/10, 0.4 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Another option is Healy Elem School (rated 8.6/10, 0.4 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, ST JEROME SCHOOL (rated 7.9/10, 0.1 miles away), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Chicago, see our Chicago schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 1.0 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| ST JEROME SCHOOL Chicago | 0.1 mi | 7.9 |
| Sheridan Elem Math & Science Acad Chicago | 0.3 mi | 7.9 |
| Drake Elem School Chicago | 0.3 mi | 4.8 |
| Haines Elem School Chicago | 0.4 mi | 8.8 |
| Healy Elem School Chicago | 0.4 mi | 8.6 |
| ST THERESE CHINESE CATHOLIC SCHOOL Chicago | 0.5 mi | 6.2 |
| PUI TAK CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Chicago | 0.5 mi | 6.4 |
| PUI TAK CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Chicago | 0.5 mi | 6.2 |
| MCKINLEY LAKESIDE LEADERSHIP ACADEMY Chicago | 0.5 mi | 4.7 |
| YCCS-McKinley-Lakeside Leadership Chicago | 0.5 mi | 6.5 |
| National Teachers Elem Academy Chicago | 0.7 mi | 7.5 |
| YCCS-Youth Connection Leadership Chicago | 0.9 mi | 4.9 |
| Minnie Minoso Academy Chicago | 1.0 mi | 6.4 |
| Perspectives Chtr - Joslin Campus Chicago | 1.0 mi | 5.4 |
| Air Force Acad High School Chicago | 1.1 mi | 7.3 |
| DE LA SALLE INSTITUTE - INSTITUTE CAMPUS Chicago | 1.0 mi | 6.3 |
| Dunbar Vocational Career Acad HS Chicago | 0.9 mi | 7.2 |
| Walsh Elem School Chicago | 1.0 mi | 3.4 |
| ST THERESE SCHOOL WEST Chicago | 0.9 mi | 7.7 |
| Armour Elem School Chicago | 1.0 mi | 7.5 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 60616 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$77,841
Median Home Value
$387,300
Median Rent
$1,329/mo
Population
54,456
College Educated
52.9%
Homeownership
39.3%
Avg Commute
29.5 min
Poverty Rate
18.2%
Median Age
37.4
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Abraham Lincoln Elem School Glen Ellyn, IL | 7.9 |
| Abraham Lincoln Elem School Oak Park, IL | 7.9 |
| Arlene Welch Elementary School Naperville, IL | 7.9 |
| Aviston Elem School Aviston, IL | 7.9 |
| Clarence E Culver School Niles, IL | 7.9 |
| Clifford Johnson School Warrenville, IL | 7.9 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Ward J Elem School
What grades does Ward J Elem School serve?
Ward J Elem School serves students in grades Pre-K through 8th.
How many students attend Ward J Elem School?
Ward J Elem School has an enrollment of approximately 495 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Ward J Elem School?
The student-teacher ratio at Ward J Elem School is 16:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Ward J Elem School rank in IL?
Ward J Elem School ranks #598 of 3,813 schools in IL.
What is Ward J Elem School's MySchoolScout rating?
Ward J Elem School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.9 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Ward J Elem School?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Ward J Elem School has 64% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2021) and 51% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
Is Ward J Elem School a charter school?
No, Ward J Elem School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Ward J Elem School a Title I school?
No, Ward J Elem School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Ward J Elem School?
79.6% of students at Ward J Elem 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
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 8th
- Enrollment
- 495
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 16:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 31
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 79.6%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large City
- County
- Cook County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 8.1%
- Phone
- (773) 534-9050
Resources & Links
District
Chicago Public Schools Dist 299- District Enrollment
- 322,809
- Schools in District
- 643
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $22,699
- District Rank
- #67 of 621
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