Serving 718 students in grades Prekindergarten-8, Columbia Explorers Elementary Academy 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 20% (which is lower than the Illinois state average of 27%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 25% (which is lower than the Illinois state average of 30%).
The student-teacher ratio of 13:1 is equal to the Illinois state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 99% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Illinois state average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 718 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
- Minority Enrollment: 99%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in IL
- Math Proficiency: 20% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 25% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 50-54% (Top 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Columbia Explorers Elementary Academy ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Illinois for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Columbia Explorers Elementary Academy's student population of 718 students has declined by 14% over five school years.
The teacher population of 54 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
Total Students
718 students
Total Classroom Teachers
54 teachers
Year Founded
2010
Colors
Blue and Gold
School Motto
Collaborate Explore Aspire
School Rankings
Columbia Explorers Elementary Academy 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 Columbia Explorers Elementary Academy is 0.06, 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
#1884 out of 3542 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
20%
27%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
25%
30%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
50-54%
50%
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
13:1
Asian
1%
6%
Hispanic
97%
29%
Black
1%
16%
White
1%
45%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
43%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (12-13)
5%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Columbia Explorers Elementary Academy's ranking?
Columbia Explorers Elementary Academy is ranked #1884 out of 3,542 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Illinois.
What schools are Columbia Explorers Elementary Academy often compared to?
Columbia Explorers Elementary Academyis often viewed alongside schools like Sawyer Elementary School, Hernandez Middle School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
20% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 27% IL state average), while 25% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 30% IL state average).
How many students attend Columbia Explorers Elementary Academy?
718 students attend Columbia Explorers Elementary Academy.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
97% of Columbia Explorers Elementary Academy students are Hispanic, 1% of students are Asian, 1% of students are Black, and 1% of students are White.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Columbia Explorers Elementary Academy?
Columbia Explorers Elementary Academy has a student ration of 13:1, which is equal to the Illinois state average of 13:1.
What grades does Columbia Explorers Elementary Academy offer ?
Columbia Explorers Elementary Academy offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-8
What school district is Columbia Explorers Elementary Academy part of?
Columbia Explorers Elementary Academy is part of Chicago Public Schools Dist 299.
In what neighborhood is Columbia Explorers Elementary Academy located?
Columbia Explorers Elementary Academy is located in the Brighton Park neighborhood of Chicago, IL. There are 13 other public schools located in Brighton Park.
School Calendar
View the Columbia Explorers Elementary Academy yearly calendar below. Note key dates such as:
Event
Date
First Day of School K-8
August 24, 2026 (Monday)
First Day of School Pk
August 25, 2026 (Tuesday)
Labor Day School Closed
September 07, 2026 (Monday)
Indigenous Peoples' Day- School Closed
October 12, 2026 (Monday)
Thanksgiving Holiday - School Closed
November 23, 2026 (Monday)
School Reviews
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