Excel Academy - Southwest High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Illinois for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is ≤20% (which is lower than the Illinois state average of 28%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is ≤20% (which is lower than the Illinois state average of 32%).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- School Type: Alternative school
- Grades: 9-12
- Graduation Rate: 45-49%
- Math Proficiency: ≤20%
- Reading Proficiency: ≤20%
- Attendance Zone: Excel Academy's attendance zone encompasses the entire school district in Chicago, IL, covering approximately 233.8 square miles. The average distance from the school to the edge of the zone is 11.4 miles, with the furthest edge being 20.6 miles away, making for a typical drive of 20 to 30 minutes.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
School Overview
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students (19-20)
89 students
Total Classroom Teachers (23-24)
9 teachers
School Motto
Every student has the potential to shine.
School Rankings
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)≤20%
28%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)≤20%
32%
Student-Teacher Ratio
n/a
13:1
American Indian
(19-20)n/a
n/a
Asian
(19-20)n/a
5%
Hispanic
(19-20)16%
26%
Black
(19-20)83%
17%
White
(19-20)1%
48%
Hawaiian
(19-20)n/a
n/a
Two or more races
(19-20)n/a
4%
Graduation Rate
(17-18)45-49%
87%
Eligible for Free Lunch (19-20)
85%
47%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What schools are Excel Academy - Southwest High School often compared to?
Excel Academy - Southwest High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Farragut Career Academy High School, Excel Academy Of South Shore by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
≤20% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 28% IL state average), while ≤20% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 32% IL state average).
What is the graduation rate of Excel Academy - Southwest High School?
The graduation rate of Excel Academy - Southwest High School is 45-49%, which is lower than the Illinois state average of 87%.
How many students attend Excel Academy - Southwest High School?
89 students attend Excel Academy - Southwest High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
83% of Excel Academy - Southwest High School students are Black, 16% of students are Hispanic, and 1% of students are White.
What grades does Excel Academy - Southwest High School offer ?
Excel Academy - Southwest High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12
What school district is Excel Academy - Southwest High School part of?
Excel Academy - Southwest High School is part of Chicago Public Schools Dist 299.
In what neighborhood is Excel Academy - Southwest High School located?
Excel Academy - Southwest High School is located in the Chicago Lawn neighborhood of Chicago, IL. There are 10 other public schools located in Chicago Lawn.
School Reviews
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