For the 2026 school year, there are 14 public schools serving 7,072 students in the neighborhood of South Lawndale, Chicago, IL.
The top-ranked public schools in South Lawndale are Zapata Elementary Academy, Cardenas Elementary School and Gary Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
The neighborhood of South Lawndale, Chicago, IL public schools have an average math proficiency score of 7% (versus the Illinois public school average of 27%), and reading proficiency score of 13% (versus the 30% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 99% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Illinois public school average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in the neighborhood of South Lawndale, Chicago, IL (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Zapata Elementary Academy
(Math: 20% | Reading: 26%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
2728 S Kostner Ave
Chicago, IL 60623
(773) 534-1390
Chicago, IL 60623
(773) 534-1390
Gr: PK-8 | 524 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #22.
Cardenas Elementary School
(Math: 19% | Reading: 23%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
2345 S Millard Ave
Chicago, IL 60623
(773) 534-1465
Chicago, IL 60623
(773) 534-1465
Gr: PK-8 | 764 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Rank: #33.
Gary Elementary School
(Math: 10% | Reading: 17%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
3740 W 31st St
Chicago, IL 60623
(773) 534-1455
Chicago, IL 60623
(773) 534-1455
Gr: 3-8 | 711 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #44.
Whitney Elementary School
(Math: 13% | Reading: 12%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
2815 S Komensky Ave
Chicago, IL 60623
(773) 534-1560
Chicago, IL 60623
(773) 534-1560
Gr: PK-8 | 559 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #55.
Infinity Math Science & Tech High School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 6-9%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
3120 S Kostner Ave
Chicago, IL 60623
(773) 535-4225
Chicago, IL 60623
(773) 535-4225
Gr: 9-12 | 427 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #66.
Little Village Elementary School
(Math: 6% | Reading: 11%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
2620 S Lawndale Ave
Chicago, IL 60623
(773) 534-1880
Chicago, IL 60623
(773) 534-1880
Gr: PK-8 | 575 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1
Rank: #77.
World Language High School
(Math: 6-9% | Reading: 6-9%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
3120 S Kostner Ave
Chicago, IL 60623
(773) 535-4334
Chicago, IL 60623
(773) 535-4334
Gr: 9-12 | 389 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #88.
Madero Middle School
(Math: 6% | Reading: 10%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
3202 W 28th St
Chicago, IL 60623
(773) 535-4466
Chicago, IL 60623
(773) 535-4466
Gr: 6-8 | 231 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #99.
Multicultural Arts High School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: ≤5%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
3120 S Kostner Ave
Chicago, IL 60623
(773) 535-4242
Chicago, IL 60623
(773) 535-4242
Gr: 9-12 | 283 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #1010.
Corkery Elementary School
(Math: 6% | Reading: 8%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
2510 S Kildare Ave
Chicago, IL 60623
(773) 534-1650
Chicago, IL 60623
(773) 534-1650
Gr: PK-8 | 442 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #1111.
Mccormick Elementary School
(Math: ≤5% | Reading: 5%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
2712 S Sawyer Ave
Chicago, IL 60623
(773) 535-7252
Chicago, IL 60623
(773) 535-7252
Gr: PK-5 | 502 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #12 - 1312. - 13.
Farragut Career Academy High School
(Math: ≤5% | Reading: ≤5%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
2345 S Christiana Ave
Chicago, IL 60623
(773) 534-1300
Chicago, IL 60623
(773) 534-1300
Gr: 9-12 | 490 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #12 - 1312. - 13.
School Of Social Justice High School
(Math: ≤5% | Reading: ≤5%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
3120 S Kostner Ave
Chicago, IL 60623
(773) 535-4300
Chicago, IL 60623
(773) 535-4300
Gr: 9-12 | 269 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1
Rank: n/an/a
3000 S Lawndale Ave
Chicago, IL 60623
(773) 534-1600
Chicago, IL 60623
(773) 534-1600
Gr: PK-2 | 404 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in the neighborhood of South Lawndale, Chicago, IL?
The top-ranked public schools in the neighborhood of South Lawndale, Chicago, IL include Zapata Elementary Academy, Cardenas Elementary School and Gary Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in the neighborhood of South Lawndale, Chicago?
14 public schools are located in the neighborhood of South Lawndale, Chicago.
What is the racial composition of students in the neighborhood of South Lawndale, Chicago?
the neighborhood of South Lawndale, Chicago public schools minority enrollment is 99% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Illinois public schools average of 55% (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.
