Wells Preparatory Elementary Academy

249 E 37th St
Chicago, IL 60653
(School attendance zone shown in map)
2/
10
Bottom 50%
Serving 308 students in grades Prekindergarten-8, Wells Preparatory 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 6-9% (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 14:1 is higher 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: 308 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 99%
  • : Bottom 50% in IL
  • : 6-9% (Btm 50%)
  • : 6-9% (Btm 50%)
  • : 20-24% (Btm 50%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education

Top Rankings

Wells Preparatory Elementary Academy ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Illinois for:

Category
Attribute

School Overview

Wells Preparatory Elementary Academy's student population of 308 students has declined by 13% over five school years.
The teacher population of 22 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
Total Students
308 students
Total Classroom Teachers
22 teachers
Year Founded
1905
Colors
Blue and Gold
School Calendar
School Motto
Excellence is our goal.

School Rankings

Wells Preparatory 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 Wells Preparatory Elementary Academy is 0.08, 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.
This School
State Level (IL)
#3087 out of 3542 schools
(Bottom 50%)
6-9%
27%
6-9%
30%
20-24%
50%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
13:1
Hispanic
2%
29%
Black
96%
16%
White
1%
45%
Two or more races
1%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
0.08
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
43%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (11-12)
42%
27%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Wells Preparatory Elementary Academy's ranking?
Wells Preparatory Elementary Academy is ranked #3087 out of 3,542 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Illinois.
What schools are Wells Preparatory Elementary Academy often compared to?
Wells Preparatory Elementary Academyis often viewed alongside schools like Woodson South Elementary School, Ariel Elementary Community Academy by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
6-9% 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 Wells Preparatory Elementary Academy?
308 students attend Wells Preparatory Elementary Academy.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
96% of Wells Preparatory Elementary Academy students are Black, 2% of students are Hispanic, 1% of students are White, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Wells Preparatory Elementary Academy?
Wells Preparatory Elementary Academy has a student ration of 14:1, which is higher than the Illinois state average of 13:1.
What grades does Wells Preparatory Elementary Academy offer ?
Wells Preparatory Elementary Academy offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-8
What school district is Wells Preparatory Elementary Academy part of?
Wells Preparatory Elementary Academy is part of Chicago Public Schools Dist 299.
In what neighborhood is Wells Preparatory Elementary Academy located?
Wells Preparatory Elementary Academy is located in the Douglas neighborhood of Chicago, IL. There are 8 other public schools located in Douglas.

School Reviews

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Quick Facts (2026)

  • Grades: Prekindergarten-8
  • Enrollment: 308 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 99%
  • : Bottom 50%
  • : 6-9% (Btm 50%)
  • : 6-9% (Btm 50%)
  • : 20-24% (Btm 50%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education

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