Below Average
#3311 of 3,813 schools in IL
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
4.7
Grades
Pre-K – 8th
Enrollment
495
Student-Teacher
16:1
Score
4.7
Grades
Pre-K – 8th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Chicago
#578 of 629
public schools
Illinois elementary schools
#1,970 of 2,326
In district
#570 of 621
Chicago Public Schools Dist 299
Academic performance
8.5 / 10
Exceptional
About Ward J Elem School
Ward J Elementary School is a regular public school located in Chicago, Illinois. Serving students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade, Ward J offers a diverse range of educational opportunities with an enrollment of 495 students and a student-teacher ratio of 16:1, ensuring that each child receives individualized attention. The school boasts 31 full-time equivalent teachers who are dedicated to supporting the academic and social development of their students.
According to MySchoolScout’s rating system, Ward J Elementary School has an overall score of 5.3 out of 10 and ranks 48th percentile among Illinois schools with a state ranking of #1986 out of 3819. In academic performance, the school scores a 7.0 out of 10, indicating areas for improvement but also potential for growth. Specifically, in ELA/Reading, 33% of students are proficient or above, while in Math, 46% meet proficiency standards.
Ward J Elementary School is situated in a large city setting within the Chicago neighborhood. Despite the challenges that come with urban environments, the school community works hard to provide quality education and support for its diverse student population.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
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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 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: 1.8/10.
How Ward J Elem School Compares
See how Ward J Elem School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 57% (2019) to 35% (2021). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 47% (2019) to 25% (2022).
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. Armour Elem School (rated 9.0/10, 1.0 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is National Teachers Elem Academy (rated 8.3/10, 0.7 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, ST JEROME SCHOOL (rated 7.9/10, 0.1 miles away), which scores notably higher. 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 | 7.8 |
| Drake Elem School Chicago | 0.3 mi | 7.8 |
| Haines Elem School Chicago | 0.4 mi | 6.1 |
| Healy Elem School Chicago | 0.4 mi | 5.7 |
| 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 | 7.8 |
| National Teachers Elem Academy Chicago | 0.7 mi | 8.3 |
| YCCS-Youth Connection Leadership Chicago | 0.9 mi | 5.5 |
| Minnie Minoso Academy Chicago | 1.0 mi | 6.3 |
| Perspectives Chtr - Joslin Campus Chicago | 1.0 mi | 5.4 |
| Air Force Acad High School Chicago | 1.1 mi | 8.7 |
| DE LA SALLE INSTITUTE - INSTITUTE CAMPUS Chicago | 1.0 mi | 6.3 |
| Dunbar Vocational Career Acad HS Chicago | 0.9 mi | 7.0 |
| Walsh Elem School Chicago | 1.0 mi | 5.5 |
| ST THERESE SCHOOL WEST Chicago | 0.9 mi | 7.7 |
| Armour Elem School Chicago | 1.0 mi | 9.0 |
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
Community Profile
The community surrounding Ward J Elem School has a median household income of $77,841. It is a well-educated community where 53% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $387,300, with a median rent of $1,329/month. The area has a poverty rate of 18.2%. The average commute for residents is 30 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 |
|---|---|
| Andrew Cooke Magnet Elem School Waukegan, IL | 4.7 |
| Argenta-Oreana Elementary School Oreana, IL | 4.7 |
| Brennemann Elem School Chicago, IL | 4.7 |
| C M Bardwell Elem School Aurora, IL | 4.7 |
| Calhoun Elementary/ Jr High Sch Hardin, IL | 4.7 |
| Central Elem School Rochelle, IL | 4.7 |
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 is ranked #3311 out of 3,813 schools in IL.
What is Ward J Elem School's MySchoolScout rating?
Ward J Elem School has a composite rating of 4.7 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 Ward J Elem School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Ward J Elem School has 46.0% math proficiency and 33.0% reading/ELA proficiency.
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
- 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
- 495
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 16:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 31
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 79.6%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large City
- County
- Cook County
- Phone
- (773) 534-9050
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Chicago Public Schools Dist 299- District Enrollment
- 322,809
- Schools in District
- 643
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $22,699
- District Rank
- #570 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 methodologyRelated reading
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