Serving 279 students in grades Prekindergarten-8, Ward L 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 6-9% (which is lower than the Illinois state average of 30%).
The student-teacher ratio of 11:1 is lower than the Illinois state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 99% 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: 279 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1
- Minority Enrollment: 99%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in IL
- Math Proficiency: ≤5% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 6-9% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: ≤10% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Ward L Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Illinois for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
Student Attention
School Overview
Ward L Elementary School's student population of 279 students has declined by 17% over five school years.
The teacher population of 25 teachers has declined by 10% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
Total Students
279 students
Total Classroom Teachers
25 teachers
Colors
Blue and Gold
School Calendar
School Motto
At Laura Ward STEM School we are working to develop emerging professionals who are confident well-rounded, tech-savvy, creative, critical thinkers, and responsible citizens in order to be productive members of society.
School Rankings
Ward L 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 Ward L Elementary School is 0.46, 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
#3239 out of 3542 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤5%
27%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
6-9%
30%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤10%
50%
Student-Teacher Ratio
11:1
13:1
Hispanic
33%
29%
Black
66%
16%
White
1%
45%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
43%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (11-12)
31%
27%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ward L Elementary School's ranking?
Ward L Elementary School is ranked #3239 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 6-9% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 30% IL state average).
How many students attend Ward L Elementary School?
279 students attend Ward L Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
66% of Ward L Elementary School students are Black, 33% of students are Hispanic, and 1% of students are White.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Ward L Elementary School?
Ward L Elementary School has a student ration of 11:1, which is lower than the Illinois state average of 13:1.
What grades does Ward L Elementary School offer ?
Ward L Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-8
What school district is Ward L Elementary School part of?
Ward L Elementary School is part of Chicago Public Schools Dist 299.
In what neighborhood is Ward L Elementary School located?
Ward L Elementary School is located in the Humboldt Park neighborhood of Chicago, IL. There are 16 other public schools located in Humboldt Park.
School Reviews
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