For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public preschools serving 1,682 students in the neighborhood of South Chicago, Chicago, IL.
The top-ranked public preschools in South Chicago are Mann Elementary School, Thorp J N Elementary School and Ninos Heroes Elementary Academic Center. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
The neighborhood of South Chicago, Chicago, IL public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 6% (versus the Illinois public pre school average of 23%), and reading proficiency score of 9% (versus the 25% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 99% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Illinois public preschool average of 58% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Preschools in the neighborhood of South Chicago, Chicago, IL (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Mann Elementary School
(Math: 8% | Reading: 10-14%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
8050 S Chappel Ave
Chicago, IL 60617
(773) 535-6640
Chicago, IL 60617
(773) 535-6640
Gr: PK-8 | 276 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #22.
Thorp J N Elementary School
(Math: 6-9% | Reading: 6-9%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
8914 S Buffalo Ave
Chicago, IL 60617
(773) 535-6250
Chicago, IL 60617
(773) 535-6250
Gr: PK-8 | 319 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1
Rank: #33.
Ninos Heroes Elementary Academic Center
(Math: ≤5% | Reading: 6-9%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
8344 S Commercial Ave
Chicago, IL 60617
(773) 535-6694
Chicago, IL 60617
(773) 535-6694
Gr: PK-8 | 278 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1
Rank: #44.
Mireles Elementary Academy
(Math: 5% | Reading: 7%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
9000 S Exchange Ave
Chicago, IL 60617
(773) 535-6360
Chicago, IL 60617
(773) 535-6360
Gr: PK-8 | 452 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #55.
Coles Elementary Language Academy
(Math: ≤5% | Reading: ≤5%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
8441 S Yates Blvd
Chicago, IL 60617
(773) 535-6550
Chicago, IL 60617
(773) 535-6550
Gr: PK-8 | 251 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public preschools in the neighborhood of South Chicago, Chicago, IL?
The top-ranked public preschools in the neighborhood of South Chicago, Chicago, IL include Mann Elementary School, Thorp J N Elementary School and Ninos Heroes Elementary Academic Center.
How many public preschools are located in the neighborhood of South Chicago, Chicago?
5 public preschools are located in the neighborhood of South Chicago, Chicago.
What is the racial composition of students in the neighborhood of South Chicago, Chicago?
the neighborhood of South Chicago, Chicago public preschools minority enrollment is 99% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Illinois public preschools average of 58% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles
The Experience of Being a New Student Mid-Year
Learn what students experience when transferring to a public school mid-year and how schools help new students adjust socially and academically.
How Public Schools Structure Free Periods or Study Time
Learn how public schools structure free periods or study time to support homework, tutoring, enrichment, and student independence.
The Role of Hallways, Common Areas, and Shared Spaces in Public Schools
Discover how hallways, cafeterias, libraries, and shared spaces shape student learning, safety, and school culture in public schools.
