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 22%), 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 59% (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 | 283 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1
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 | 296 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
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 | 315 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
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 | 546 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 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 | 286 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1
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 59% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles
Gifted, Honors, and Advanced Tracks: Are They Accessible or Just Advertised?
Learn how to evaluate gifted, honors, and advanced academic programs in public schools, including admission criteria, equity, and the questions every parent should ask.
Algebra Readiness: What Parents Should Ask Before Middle School
Discover how to determine if your child is ready for algebra before middle school, including the questions parents should ask and the skills students need to succeed.
How to Evaluate Reading Instruction in Your Zoned Elementary School
Learn how to evaluate reading instruction in your neighborhood elementary school by recognizing effective literacy practices, asking the right questions, and understanding what quality reading instruction looks like.