Serving 678 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Howard B Thomas Grade School ranks in the top 30% of all schools in Illinois for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 30%, and reading proficiency is top 30%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 32% (which is higher than the Illinois state average of 27%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 37% (which is higher than the Illinois state average of 30%).
The student-teacher ratio of 15:1 is higher than the Illinois state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 52% of the student body (majority Asian), which is lower than the Illinois state average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 678 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 52%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30% in IL
- Math Proficiency: 32% (Top 30%)
- Reading Proficiency: 37% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 65-69% (Top 20%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Howard B Thomas Grade School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Illinois for:
Category
Attribute
Science Proficiency
Diversity
School Overview
Howard B Thomas Grade School's student population of 678 students has grown by 14% over five school years.
The teacher population of 44 teachers has grown by 22% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
Total Students
678 students
Total Classroom Teachers
44 teachers
School Calendar
School Rankings
Howard B Thomas Grade School ranks within the top 30% of all 3,542 schools in Illinois (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Howard B Thomas Grade School is 0.67, 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
#975 out of 3542 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
32%
27%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
37%
30%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
65-69%
50%
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
13:1
American Indian
1%
n/a
Asian
25%
6%
Hispanic
20%
29%
Black
2%
16%
White
48%
45%
Two or more races
4%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
9%
43%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
3%
4%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Howard B Thomas Grade School's ranking?
Howard B Thomas Grade School is ranked #975 out of 3,542 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in Illinois.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
32% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 27% IL state average), while 37% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 30% IL state average).
How many students attend Howard B Thomas Grade School?
678 students attend Howard B Thomas Grade School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
48% of Howard B Thomas Grade School students are White, 25% of students are Asian, 20% of students are Hispanic, 4% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are Black, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Howard B Thomas Grade School?
Howard B Thomas Grade School has a student ration of 15:1, which is higher than the Illinois state average of 13:1.
What grades does Howard B Thomas Grade School offer ?
Howard B Thomas Grade School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5
What school district is Howard B Thomas Grade School part of?
Howard B Thomas Grade School is part of Central CUSD 301 School District.
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