Serving 375 students in grades Kindergarten-5, Bernard J Ward 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 10-14% (which is lower than the Illinois state average of 28%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 15-19% (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 94% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Illinois state average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: Kindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 375 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 11:1
- Minority Enrollment: 94%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in IL
- Math Proficiency: 10-14% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 15-19% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 30-34% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Bernard J Ward Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Illinois for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Bernard J Ward Elementary School's student population of 375 students has declined by 14% over five school years.
The teacher population of 34 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
Total Students
375 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
34 teachers
Students by Grade
School Rankings
Bernard J Ward Elementary School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 3,426 schools in Illinois (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Bernard J Ward Elementary School is 0.54, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.70. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#2353 out of 3426 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)10-14%
28%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
15-19%
30%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-34%
50%
Student : Teacher Ratio
11:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
4%
6%
Hispanic
64%
28%
Black
21%
16%
White
6%
45%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
5%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
99%
43%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
9%
4%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bernard J Ward Elementary School's ranking?
Bernard J Ward Elementary School is ranked #2353 out of 3,426 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?
10-14% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 28% IL state average), while 15-19% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 30% IL state average).
How many students attend Bernard J Ward Elementary School?
375 students attend Bernard J Ward Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
64% of Bernard J Ward Elementary School students are Hispanic, 21% of students are Black, 6% of students are White, 5% of students are Two or more races, and 4% of students are Asian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Bernard J Ward Elementary School?
Bernard J Ward Elementary School has a student ration of 11:1, which is lower than the Illinois state average of 13:1.
What grades does Bernard J Ward Elementary School offer ?
Bernard J Ward Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-5
What school district is Bernard J Ward Elementary School part of?
Bernard J Ward Elementary School is part of Valley View CUSD 365u School District.
School Reviews
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