For the 2026 school year, there are 7 public middle schools serving 4,270 students in the neighborhood of South Lawndale, Chicago, IL.
The top-ranked public middle 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 middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 7% (versus the Illinois public middle school average of 24%), and reading proficiency score of 14% (versus the 29% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 99% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Illinois public middle school average of 61% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Middle 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.
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: #66.
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: #77.
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%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public middle schools in the neighborhood of South Lawndale, Chicago, IL?
The top-ranked public middle schools in the neighborhood of South Lawndale, Chicago, IL include Zapata Elementary Academy, Cardenas Elementary School and Gary Elementary School.
How many public middle schools are located in the neighborhood of South Lawndale, Chicago?
7 public middle 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 middle schools minority enrollment is 99% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Illinois public middle schools average of 61% (majority Hispanic).
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