James H. Bowen High School is a public four-year high school located in the South Chicago neighborhood on the south side of Chicago, Illinois, United States. Bowen is operated by the Chicago Public Schools district. From 1993 until 2011, Bowen was divided into four smaller schools.
Serving 278 students in grades 9-12, Bowen High 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% (which is lower than the Illinois state average of 27%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is ≤5% (which is lower than the Illinois state average of 30%).
The student-teacher ratio of 13:1 is equal to the Illinois state level of 13:1.
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 278 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
- Graduation Rate: 55-59% (Btm 50% in IL)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: ≤10% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: ≤5% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: ≤5% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Bowen High School serves the southeast part of Chicago, IL, covering an area of approximately 7.2 square miles. Families within this zone can typically expect a drive of 5 to 10 minutes to reach the school, with the farthest edge being about 3.8 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
School Overview
Bowen High School's student population of 278 students has declined by 19% over five school years.
The teacher population of 21 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
278 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 21-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
21 teachers
Showing 2015–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
Year Founded
1900
School Calendar
School Motto
Our mission at James H. Bowen High School is to expose students to various post secondary options.
School Rankings
Bowen High 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 Bowen High School is 0.44, 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
#3156 out of 3542 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤10%
27%
Showing 2012–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤5%
30%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤5%
50%
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
13:1
Showing 2015–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
30%
29%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 21-year historical data available below ↓
Black
69%
16%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 21-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
1%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 21-year historical data available below ↓
Graduation Rate
55-59%
87.6%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)74.8%
29.7%
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
43%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
Purple, Gold
School Mascot
Boilermakers
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bowen High School's ranking?
Bowen High School is ranked #3156 out of 3,542 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Illinois.
What schools are Bowen High School often compared to?
Bowen High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Bogan High School, Bremen High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
≤10% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 27% IL state average), while ≤5% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 30% IL state average).
What is the graduation rate of Bowen High School?
The graduation rate of Bowen High School is 55-59%, which is lower than the Illinois state average of 87.6%.
How many students attend Bowen High School?
278 students attend Bowen High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
69% of Bowen High School students are Black, 30% of students are Hispanic, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Bowen High School?
Bowen High School has a student ration of 13:1, which is equal to the Illinois state average of 13:1.
What grades does Bowen High School offer ?
Bowen High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12
What school district is Bowen High School part of?
Bowen High School is part of Chicago Public Schools Dist 299.
In what neighborhood is Bowen High School located?
Bowen High School is located in the South Chicago neighborhood of Chicago, IL. There are 10 other public schools located in South Chicago.
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