For the 2026 school year, there are 2 public middle schools serving 1,177 students in the neighborhood of Near South Side, Chicago, IL.
The top-ranked public middle schools in Near South Side are South Loop Elementary School and Perspectives Chtr - Joslin Campus. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
The neighborhood of Near South Side, Chicago, IL public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 24% (versus the Illinois public middle school average of 24%), and reading proficiency score of 24% (versus the 29% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 81% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Illinois public middle school average of 61% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Middle Schools in the neighborhood of Near South Side, Chicago, IL (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
South Loop Elementary School
(Math: 45% | Reading: 44%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1601 S Dearborn St
Chicago, IL 60616
(773) 534-8690
Chicago, IL 60616
(773) 534-8690
Gr: PK-8 | 847 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 69%
Rank: #22.
Perspectives Chtr - Joslin Campus
Charter School
(Math: ≤5% | Reading: 6-9%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1930 S Archer Ave
Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 225-7400
Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 225-7400
Gr: 6-12 | 313 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public middle schools in the neighborhood of Near South Side, Chicago, IL?
The top-ranked public middle schools in the neighborhood of Near South Side, Chicago, IL include South Loop Elementary School and Perspectives Chtr - Joslin Campus.
How many public middle schools are located in the neighborhood of Near South Side, Chicago?
2 public middle schools are located in the neighborhood of Near South Side, Chicago.
What is the racial composition of students in the neighborhood of Near South Side, Chicago?
the neighborhood of Near South Side, Chicago public middle schools minority enrollment is 81% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Illinois public middle schools average of 61% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles
The First Six Weeks at a New Public School
The first six weeks reveal how children are adapting to a new public school. Learn which academic, social, emotional, attendance, and routine signals parents should monitor closely.
Will Your Child Receive Enough Individual Attention? Looking Beyond Student-Teacher Ratios
Student-teacher ratios reveal only part of a school’s story. Learn how families can evaluate class size, staffing, teacher access, tutoring, feedback, and personalized support for children today.
What Families Should Ask About AI Use in Public Schools
Families need clear answers about classroom AI. Learn what to ask public schools about teaching, academic integrity, privacy, teacher oversight, equity, and student learning before concerns arise.