Serving 298 students in grades Prekindergarten-8, Fort Dearborn 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 7% (which is lower than the Illinois state average of 30%).
The student-teacher ratio of 10:1 is lower than the Illinois state level of 13:1.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 298 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 10:1
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in IL
- Math Proficiency: 6-9% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 7% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 15-19% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Fort Dearborn Elementary School serves the southern part of its school district in Chicago, IL, covering an area of approximately 0.5 square miles. Most families live within a 5-10 minute drive, with the farthest edge of the attendance zone located about 0.7 miles from the school.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
School Overview
Fort Dearborn Elementary School's student population of 298 students has declined by 18% over five school years.
The teacher population of 30 teachers has grown by 30% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
Total Students
298 students
Total Classroom Teachers
30 teachers
School Rankings
Fort Dearborn 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 Fort Dearborn Elementary School is 0.11, 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
#3189 out of 3542 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
6-9%
27%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
7%
30%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
15-19%
50%
Student-Teacher Ratio
10:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
n/a
6%
Hispanic
5%
29%
Black
94%
16%
White
n/a
45%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
1%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)44.6%
29.7%
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
43%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (10-11)
2%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Owls
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Fort Dearborn Elementary School's ranking?
Fort Dearborn Elementary School is ranked #3189 out of 3,542 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Illinois.
What schools are Fort Dearborn Elementary School often compared to?
Fort Dearborn Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Foster Park Elementary School, Gresham 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 7% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 30% IL state average).
How many students attend Fort Dearborn Elementary School?
298 students attend Fort Dearborn Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
94% of Fort Dearborn Elementary School students are Black, 5% of students are Hispanic, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Fort Dearborn Elementary School?
Fort Dearborn Elementary School has a student ration of 10:1, which is lower than the Illinois state average of 13:1.
What grades does Fort Dearborn Elementary School offer ?
Fort Dearborn Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-8
What school district is Fort Dearborn Elementary School part of?
Fort Dearborn Elementary School is part of Chicago Public Schools Dist 299.
In what neighborhood is Fort Dearborn Elementary School located?
Fort Dearborn Elementary School is located in the Washington Heights neighborhood of Chicago, IL. There are 10 other public schools located in Washington Heights.
School Calendar
View the Fort Dearborn Elementary School yearly calendar below.
School Reviews
Review Fort Dearborn Elementary School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
How to Evaluate School Safety Beyond Headlines
Learn how to evaluate school safety beyond headlines by examining reliable data, school climate, emergency planning, bullying prevention, communication, student experiences, and everyday security practices before choosing a school.
Choosing a Public School for Executive Function Needs
Learn how to choose a public school for a child with executive function challenges by evaluating routines, classroom support, organization, accommodations, communication, transitions, and special education services before enrollment.
What School Climate Surveys Tell You Before Enrolling
Learn how school climate surveys reveal student safety, belonging, relationships, engagement, and support, and how families can interpret results carefully before choosing a public school for their child today.
