The Chicago World Language Academy was opened in 1894 to serve children from the crowded tenement community surrounding the Polk Street Station port of entry for immigrants. That year was started one of the first public schools kindergartens in Chicago, Illinois.
Serving 449 students in grades Kindergarten-8, Chicago World Language Academy ranks in the top 20% of all schools in Illinois for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 30%, and reading proficiency is top 30%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 40% (which is higher than the Illinois state average of 27%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 51% (which is higher 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 90% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is higher than the Illinois state average of 55% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: Kindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 449 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 90%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 20% in IL
- Math Proficiency: 40% (Top 30%)
- Reading Proficiency: 51% (Top 20%)
- Science Proficiency: 60-64% (Top 30%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Chicago World Language Academy ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Illinois for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
School Overview
Chicago World Language Academy's student population of 449 students has declined by 11% over five school years.
The teacher population of 31 teachers has declined by 11% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-8
Total Students
449 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
31 teachers
Showing 2015–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
School Calendar
School Rankings
Chicago World Language Academy ranks within the top 20% of all 3,542 schools in Illinois (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Chicago World Language Academy is 0.74, which is more 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
#553 out of 3542 schools
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
40%
27%
Showing 2012–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
51%
30%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-64%
50%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
13:1
Showing 2015–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
18%
6%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
28%
29%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Black
38%
16%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
White
10%
45%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
6%
4%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 15-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)13.1%
29.7%
Eligible for Free Lunch
53%
43%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 24-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (13-14)
10%
3%
Showing 2004–2014. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chicago World Language Academy's ranking?
Chicago World Language Academy is ranked #553 out of 3,542 schools, which ranks it among the top 20% of public schools in Illinois.
What schools are Chicago World Language Academy often compared to?
Chicago World Language Academyis often viewed alongside schools like Galileo Elementary Math & Sci Schol Acd, Skinner Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
40% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 27% IL state average), while 51% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 30% IL state average).
How many students attend Chicago World Language Academy?
449 students attend Chicago World Language Academy.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
38% of Chicago World Language Academy students are Black, 28% of students are Hispanic, 18% of students are Asian, 10% of students are White, and 6% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Chicago World Language Academy?
Chicago World Language Academy has a student ration of 14:1, which is higher than the Illinois state average of 13:1.
What grades does Chicago World Language Academy offer ?
Chicago World Language Academy offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-8
What school district is Chicago World Language Academy part of?
Chicago World Language Academy is part of Chicago Public Schools Dist 299.
In what neighborhood is Chicago World Language Academy located?
Chicago World Language Academy is located in the Little Italy neighborhood of Chicago, IL. There are 4 other public schools located in Little Italy.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
great school
5 10/10/2025
My son had an outstanding foundation here with creme of the crop teachers. In First grade, he had Ms. Ragsdale,2nd Ms. Gil 3rd, and 4th Ms. Gray...Without a good foundation, a child will be lost as they continue to upper grades...The principal at the new school was Dr. Gunther who was great...I could go to the classroom at any time and observe...Plus it was very convenient because I live in the neighborhood.....It's a great school as I understand it until this day.....Excellent school...All the teachers were great...I recommend this school however if I didn't like it I would have transferred him...He was with the first group of children that went to the school when first built.......Thank You to all the teachers.
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