Serving 646 students in grades 5-8, Columbia Central 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 7% (which is lower than the Illinois state average of 27%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 15% (which is lower than the Illinois state average of 30%).
The student-teacher ratio of 17:1 is higher than the Illinois state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 82% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Illinois state average of 55% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 5-8
- Enrollment: 646 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Minority Enrollment: 82%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in IL
- Math Proficiency: 7% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 15% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 23% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Columbia Central School's attendance zone encompasses the entire school district of Steger, IL, covering approximately 8 square miles. The zone is designed for easy access, with typical drive times to the school ranging from 5 to 10 minutes and an average distance of 1.9 miles to its edge, reaching up to 3.8 miles at its furthest point.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
School Overview
Columbia Central School's student population of 646 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 39 teachers has declined by 23% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 5-8
Total Students
646 students
Showing 2016–2025. View full 39-year historical data
Total Classroom Teachers
39 teachers
Showing 2015–2025. View full 39-year historical data
School Calendar
School Rankings
Columbia Central 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 Columbia Central School is 0.70, which is equal to the diversity score at state average of 0.70. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#2940 out of 3542 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2012–2023. View full 14-year historical data
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
7%
27%
Showing 2012–2023. View full 14-year historical data
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
15%
30%
Showing 2011–2022. View full 13-year historical data
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
23%
50%
Student-Teacher Ratio
17:1
13:1
Showing 2015–2025. View full 39-year historical data
Hispanic
40%
29%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data
Black
32%
16%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data
White
18%
45%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data
Two or more races
10%
4%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 15-year historical data
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)32.5%
29.7%
Eligible for Free Lunch
59%
43%
Showing 2015–2025. View full 24-year historical data
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
9%
4%
Showing 2009–2025. View full 24-year historical data
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Columbia Central School's ranking?
Columbia Central School is ranked #2940 out of 3,542 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?
7% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 27% IL state average), while 15% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 30% IL state average).
How many students attend Columbia Central School?
646 students attend Columbia Central School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
40% of Columbia Central School students are Hispanic, 32% of students are Black, 18% of students are White, and 10% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Columbia Central School?
Columbia Central School has a student ration of 17:1, which is higher than the Illinois state average of 13:1.
What grades does Columbia Central School offer ?
Columbia Central School offers enrollment in grades 5-8
What school district is Columbia Central School part of?
Columbia Central School is part of Steger SD 194 School District.
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