For the 2026 school year, there are 2 public middle schools serving 1,168 students in the neighborhood of Near South Side, Chicago, IL.
The top-ranked public middle schools in Near South Side are South Loop Elementary School and Perspectives Chtr - Joslin Campus. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
The neighborhood of Near South Side, Chicago, IL public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 24% (versus the Illinois public middle school average of 24%), and reading proficiency score of 24% (versus the 29% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 82% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Illinois public middle school average of 61% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Middle Schools in the neighborhood of Near South Side, Chicago, IL (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
South Loop Elementary School
(Math: 45% | Reading: 44%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1601 S Dearborn St
Chicago, IL 60616
(773) 534-8690
Chicago, IL 60616
(773) 534-8690
Gr: PK-8 | 847 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 69%
Rank: #22.
Perspectives Chtr - Joslin Campus
Charter School
(Math: ≤5% | Reading: 6-9%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1930 S Archer Ave
Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 225-7400
Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 225-7400
Gr: 6-12 | 313 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public middle schools in the neighborhood of Near South Side, Chicago, IL?
The top-ranked public middle schools in the neighborhood of Near South Side, Chicago, IL include South Loop Elementary School and Perspectives Chtr - Joslin Campus.
How many public middle schools are located in the neighborhood of Near South Side, Chicago?
2 public middle schools are located in the neighborhood of Near South Side, Chicago.
What is the racial composition of students in the neighborhood of Near South Side, Chicago?
the neighborhood of Near South Side, Chicago public middle schools minority enrollment is 82% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Illinois public middle schools average of 61% (majority Hispanic).
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.