Serving 331 students in grades 5-8, Harold B Dawson Middle 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 ≤1% (which is lower than the Illinois state average of 27%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 3% (which is lower than the Illinois state average of 30%).
The student-teacher ratio of 16:1 is higher than the Illinois state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 89% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Illinois state average of 55% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: 5-8
- Enrollment: 331 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 89%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in IL
- Math Proficiency: ≤1% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 3% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 10-14% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Calvin Coolidge Middle School serves the southern part of Peoria, IL, covering an area of approximately 3.1 square miles. Families within this zone typically have a drive time of 5-10 minutes to the school, with the furthest edge being about 2.7 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
School Overview
Harold B Dawson Middle School's student population of 331 students has declined by 5% over five school years.
The teacher population of 21 teachers has declined by 16% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 5-8
Total Students
331 students
Total Classroom Teachers
21 teachers
School Calendar
School Rankings
Harold B Dawson Middle 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 Harold B Dawson Middle School is 0.52, 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
#3530 out of 3542 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤1%
27%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
3%
30%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
10-14%
50%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
13:1
American Indian
1%
n/a
Asian
n/a
6%
Hispanic
7%
29%
Black
67%
16%
White
11%
45%
Hawaiian
1%
n/a
Two or more races
13%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)43.8%
29.7%
Eligible for Free Lunch
95%
43%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (10-11)
6%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Harold B Dawson Middle School's ranking?
Harold B Dawson Middle School is ranked #3530 out of 3,542 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Illinois.
What schools are Harold B Dawson Middle School often compared to?
Harold B Dawson Middle Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Liberty Leadership Middle School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
≤1% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 27% IL state average), while 3% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 30% IL state average).
How many students attend Harold B Dawson Middle School?
331 students attend Harold B Dawson Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
67% of Harold B Dawson Middle School students are Black, 13% of students are Two or more races, 11% of students are White, 7% of students are Hispanic, 1% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Harold B Dawson Middle School?
Harold B Dawson Middle School has a student ration of 16:1, which is higher than the Illinois state average of 13:1.
What grades does Harold B Dawson Middle School offer ?
Harold B Dawson Middle School offers enrollment in grades 5-8
What school district is Harold B Dawson Middle School part of?
Harold B Dawson Middle School is part of Peoria SD 150 School District.
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