Serving 205 students in grades Prekindergarten-8, Chalmers Steam Elementary School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Illinois for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is ≤5% (which is lower than the Illinois state average of 27%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is ≤5% (which is lower than the Illinois state average of 30%).
The student-teacher ratio of 9:1 is lower than the Illinois state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 98% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Illinois state average of 55% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 205 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 9:1
- Minority Enrollment: 98%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in IL
- Math Proficiency: ≤5% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: ≤5% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 11-19% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Chalmers Steam Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Illinois for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
Student Attention
School Overview
Chalmers Steam Elementary School's student population of 205 students has declined by 27% over five school years.
The teacher population of 23 teachers has declined by 11% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
Total Students
205 students
Total Classroom Teachers
23 teachers
Year Founded
1960
Colors
Blue and Gold
School Calendar
School Motto
Every child WILL receive a world-class education, WILL achieve their potential, WILL realize their dreams, and CREATE opportunities for future generations.
School Rankings
Chalmers Steam Elementary School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 3,542 schools in Illinois (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Chalmers Steam Elementary School is 0.19, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.69. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#3352 out of 3542 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤5%
27%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤5%
30%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
11-19%
50%
Student-Teacher Ratio
9:1
13:1
American Indian
1%
n/a
Hispanic
6%
29%
Black
90%
16%
White
2%
45%
Two or more races
1%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
43%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (11-12)
32%
27%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Cavaliers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chalmers Steam Elementary School's ranking?
Chalmers Steam Elementary School is ranked #3352 out of 3,542 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Illinois.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
≤5% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 27% IL state average), while ≤5% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 30% IL state average).
How many students attend Chalmers Steam Elementary School?
205 students attend Chalmers Steam Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
90% of Chalmers Steam Elementary School students are Black, 6% of students are Hispanic, 2% of students are White, 1% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Chalmers Steam Elementary School?
Chalmers Steam Elementary School has a student ration of 9:1, which is lower than the Illinois state average of 13:1.
What grades does Chalmers Steam Elementary School offer ?
Chalmers Steam Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-8
What school district is Chalmers Steam Elementary School part of?
Chalmers Steam Elementary School is part of Chicago Public Schools Dist 299.
In what neighborhood is Chalmers Steam Elementary School located?
Chalmers Steam Elementary School is located in the North Lawndale neighborhood of Chicago, IL. There are 18 other public schools located in North Lawndale.
School Reviews
Review Chalmers Steam Elementary School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
When “Free Public School” Still Isn’t Free
Discover the hidden costs of public school in 2026, from supplies and fees to transportation, technology, and extracurricular expenses.
What a District Budget Cut Means for Your Child's School Experience
Learn how district budget cuts can affect class sizes, programs, staffing, transportation, and your child's daily school experience in 2026.
School Closure Risk: What Parents Should Check Before Moving
Learn how parents can assess school closure risk before buying or renting in a district, using enrollment, funding, and boundary data.
