Best South Side Public Preschools

For the 2026-27 school year, there are 10 public preschools serving 3,471 students in the neighborhood of South Side, Chicago, IL.
The top-ranked public preschools in South Side are Lenart Elementary Regional Gifted Center, Dixon Elementary School and Burnside Elementary Scholastic Academy. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
The neighborhood of South Side, Chicago, IL public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 17% (versus the Illinois public pre school average of 22%), and reading proficiency score of 19% (versus the 25% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 96% 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 Side, Chicago, IL (2026-27)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Lenart Elementary Regional Gifted Center
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 5%
8101 S La Salle St
Chicago, IL 60620
(773) 535-0040
Gr: PK-8 | 300 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 87%
Rank: #22.
Dixon Elementary School
(Math: 14% | Reading: 25%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
8306 S Saint Lawrence Ave
Chicago, IL 60619
(773) 535-3834
Gr: PK-8 | 412 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #33.
Burnside Elementary Scholastic Academy
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
650 E 91st Pl
Chicago, IL 60619
(773) 535-3300
Gr: PK-8 | 264 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1
Rank: #44.
Clissold Elementary School
(Math: 10% | Reading: 17%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
2350 W 110th Pl
Chicago, IL 60643
(773) 535-2560
Gr: PK-8 | 508 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 84%
Rank: #55.
Pirie Elementary Fine Arts & Academic C
(Math: 6-9% | Reading: 10-14%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
650 E 85th St
Chicago, IL 60619
(773) 535-3435
Gr: PK-6 | 216 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1
Rank: #6 - 76. - 7.
Esmond Elementary School
(Math: ≤5% | Reading: 6-9%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
1865 W Montvale Ave
Chicago, IL 60643
(773) 535-2650
Gr: PK-8 | 221 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1
Rank: #6 - 76. - 7.
Neil Elementary School
(Math: ≤5% | Reading: 6-9%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
8555 S Michigan Ave
Chicago, IL 60619
(773) 535-3000
Gr: PK-8 | 258 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1
Rank: #88.
Westcott Elementary School
(Math: 2% | Reading: 8%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
409 W 80th St
Chicago, IL 60620
(773) 535-3090
Gr: PK-8 | 387 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1
Rank: #99.
Shoop Math-sci Tech Elementary Academy
(Math: 4% | Reading: 7%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
11140 S Bishop St
Chicago, IL 60643
(773) 535-2715
Gr: PK-8 | 515 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #1010.
Bass Elementary School
(Math: ≤5% | Reading: 4%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
1140 W 66th St
Chicago, IL 60621
(773) 535-3275
Gr: PK-8 | 313 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public preschools in the neighborhood of South Side, Chicago, IL?
The top-ranked public preschools in the neighborhood of South Side, Chicago, IL include Lenart Elementary Regional Gifted Center, Dixon Elementary School and Burnside Elementary Scholastic Academy.
How many public preschools are located in the neighborhood of South Side, Chicago?
10 public preschools are located in the neighborhood of South Side, Chicago.
What is the racial composition of students in the neighborhood of South Side, Chicago?
the neighborhood of South Side, Chicago public preschools minority enrollment is 96% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Illinois public preschools average of 59% (majority Hispanic).

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