Best Near West Side Public Middle Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 8 public middle schools serving 890 students in the neighborhood of Near West Side, Chicago, IL.
The top-ranked public middle schools in Near West Side are Cook Co Juvenile-jefferson Alt High School, Rudolph Elementary Learning Center and Simpson Academy High School For Young Women. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
The neighborhood of Near West Side, Chicago, IL public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 9% (versus the Illinois public middle school average of 24%), and reading proficiency score of 12% (versus the 29% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 89% 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 West Side, Chicago, IL (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #1 - 31. - 3.
Cook Co Juvenile-jefferson Alt High School
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
1100 S Hamilton Ave
Chicago, IL 60612
(312) 433-7110
Gr: 6-12
Rank: #1 - 31. - 3.
Rudolph Elementary Learning Center
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
1628 W Washington Blvd
Chicago, IL 60612
(773) 534-7460
Gr: PK-8 | 22 students Student-teacher ratio: 2:1
Rank: #1 - 31. - 3.
Simpson Academy High School For Young Women
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
1321 S Paulina St
Chicago, IL 60608
(773) 534-7812
Gr: 6-12
Rank: #44.
Iyc Chicago
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
136 N Western Ave
Chicago, IL 60612
(312) 633-5219
Gr: 6-12 | 37 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1
Rank: #55.
Suder Montessori Elementary Magnet School
Magnet School
(Math: 14% | Reading: 10-14%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
2022 W Washington Blvd
Chicago, IL 60612
(773) 534-7685
Gr: PK-8 | 423 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 80%
Rank: #66.
William Brown Magnet Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: ≤5% | Reading: 6-9%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
54 N Hermitage Ave
Chicago, IL 60612
(773) 534-7250
Gr: PK-8 | 232 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1
Rank: #77.
Dett Elementary School
(Math: ≤5% | Reading: ≤5%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
2131 W Monroe St
Chicago, IL 60612
(773) 534-7160
Gr: PK-8 | 326 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1
Rank: n/an/a
Il Center For Rehab & Educ-r
Special Education School
1950 W Roosevelt Rd
Chicago, IL 60608
(312) 433-3181
Gr: 4-12

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public middle schools in the neighborhood of Near West Side, Chicago, IL?
The top-ranked public middle schools in the neighborhood of Near West Side, Chicago, IL include Cook Co Juvenile-jefferson Alt High School, Rudolph Elementary Learning Center and Simpson Academy High School For Young Women.
How many public middle schools are located in the neighborhood of Near West Side, Chicago?
8 public middle schools are located in the neighborhood of Near West Side, Chicago.
What is the racial composition of students in the neighborhood of Near West Side, Chicago?
the neighborhood of Near West Side, Chicago public middle schools minority enrollment is 89% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Illinois public middle schools average of 61% (majority Hispanic).

Recent Articles

When Absenteeism Signals a School Fit Problem
When Absenteeism Signals a School Fit Problem
Learn when student absenteeism may point to a school fit problem and how parents can respond constructively.
The Middle School Transition: Questions Parents Should Ask Before Sixth or Seventh Grade
The Middle School Transition: Questions Parents Should Ask Before Sixth or Seventh Grade
Help your child succeed in middle school by asking the right questions before sixth or seventh grade. Learn what to ask about academics, safety, and student support.
How to Spot a School Climate Problem Before Enrolling
How to Spot a School Climate Problem Before Enrolling
Learn how to identify school climate problems before enrolling in a public school, including warning signs, key questions, and reliable data sources.

Quick Links