Serving 353 students in grades Prekindergarten-8, Bret Harte 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 6-9% (which is lower than the Illinois state average of 27%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 10-14% (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 98% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Illinois state average of 55% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (2025)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 353 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 98%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in IL
- Math Proficiency: 6-9% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 10-14% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 25-29% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
School Overview
Bret Harte Elementary School's student population of 353 students has grown by 7% over five school years.
The teacher population of 25 teachers has grown by 31% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
Total Students
353 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
25 teachers
Year Founded
1905
School Calendar
First Day of School
Mon. Sep 1, 2025
Last Day of School
Mon. May 25, 2026
School Motto
Engage, Educate, & Empower Every Child, Everyday
School Rankings
Bret Harte 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 Bret Harte Elementary School is 0.34, 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
#2897 out of 3542 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
6-9%
27%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
10-14%
30%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
25-29%
50%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
1%
6%
Hispanic
13%
28%
Black
80%
16%
White
2%
45%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
4%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
73%
43%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (13-14)
10%
3%
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 Bret Harte Elementary School's ranking?
Bret Harte Elementary School is ranked #2897 out of 3,542 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Illinois.
What schools are Bret Harte Elementary School often compared to?
Bret Harte Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Black Magnet Elementary School, Carnegie Elementary School 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 10-14% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 30% IL state average).
How many students attend Bret Harte Elementary School?
353 students attend Bret Harte Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
80% of Bret Harte Elementary School students are Black, 13% of students are Hispanic, 4% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are White, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Bret Harte Elementary School?
Bret Harte Elementary School has a student ration of 14:1, which is higher than the Illinois state average of 13:1.
What grades does Bret Harte Elementary School offer ?
Bret Harte Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-8
What school district is Bret Harte Elementary School part of?
Bret Harte Elementary School is part of Chicago Public Schools Dist 299 School District.
In what neighborhood is Bret Harte Elementary School located?
Bret Harte Elementary School is located in the East Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago, IL.
School Reviews
2 9/1/2010
After one year, my child is transferring. The academic programs are mediocre at best. Some of the teachers lack professionalism and are not committed to the students academic progress. The environment was challenging as well. Many students were rowdy and profanity and threats are an everyday occurrence. My child was extremely uncomfortable with most of the students and I as well. While I did voice my concerns over and over again, my family determined that it was best to move and enroll my child in another school that would be better suited. My child's new school has better academic scores and a great reputation.
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