Best Lower West Side Public Preschools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 9 public preschools serving 2,604 students in the neighborhood of Lower West Side, Chicago, IL.
The top-ranked public preschools in Lower West Side are Orozco Elementary Fine Arts & Sciences, Pickard Elementary School and Joseph Jungman Magnet Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
The neighborhood of Lower West Side, Chicago, IL public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 14% (versus the Illinois public pre school average of 22%), and reading proficiency score of 19% (versus the 25% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 98% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Illinois public preschool average of 59% (majority Hispanic).

Best Public Preschools in the neighborhood of Lower West Side, Chicago, IL (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Orozco Elementary Fine Arts & Sciences
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
1940 W 18th St
Chicago, IL 60608
(773) 534-7215
Gr: PK-8 | 280 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
Rank: #22.
Pickard Elementary School
(Math: 20% | Reading: 25%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
2301 W 21st Pl
Chicago, IL 60608
(773) 535-7280
Gr: PK-8 | 319 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Rank: #33.
Joseph Jungman Magnet Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
1746 S Miller St
Chicago, IL 60608
(773) 534-7375
Gr: PK-8 | 301 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 92%
Rank: #44.
Perez Elementary School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 10-14%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
1241 W 19th St
Chicago, IL 60608
(773) 534-7650
Gr: PK-8 | 291 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #55.
Ruiz Elementary School
(Math: 10% | Reading: 14%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
2410 S Leavitt St
Chicago, IL 60608
(773) 535-4825
Gr: PK-8 | 467 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #66.
Walsh Elementary School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 6-9%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
2015 S Peoria St
Chicago, IL 60608
(773) 534-7950
Gr: PK-8 | 245 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
Rank: #77.
Cooper Elementary Dual Language Academy
(Math: 8% | Reading: 12%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
1624 W 19th St
Chicago, IL 60608
(773) 534-7205
Gr: PK-8 | 428 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #88.
Pilsen Elementary Community Academy
(Math: 6-9% | Reading: 6-9%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
1420 W 17th St
Chicago, IL 60608
(773) 534-7675
Gr: PK-8 | 217 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #99.
Whittier Elementary School
(Math: ≤5% | Reading: ≤5%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
1900 W 23rd St
Chicago, IL 60608
(773) 535-4590
Gr: PK-8 | 221 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 97%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public preschools in the neighborhood of Lower West Side, Chicago, IL?
The top-ranked public preschools in the neighborhood of Lower West Side, Chicago, IL include Orozco Elementary Fine Arts & Sciences, Pickard Elementary School and Joseph Jungman Magnet Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in the neighborhood of Lower West Side, Chicago?
9 public preschools are located in the neighborhood of Lower West Side, Chicago.
What is the racial composition of students in the neighborhood of Lower West Side, Chicago?
the neighborhood of Lower West Side, Chicago public preschools minority enrollment is 98% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Illinois public preschools average of 59% (majority Hispanic).

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