Serving 941 students in grades 9, J Sterling Morton Freshman Center ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Illinois for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 18% (which is lower than the Illinois state average of 29%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 28% (which is lower than the Illinois state average of 38%).
The student-teacher ratio of 13:1 is equal to the Illinois state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 99% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Illinois state average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9
- Enrollment: 941 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
- Minority Enrollment: 99%
- Graduation Rate: ≤20%
- Math Proficiency: 18% (Top 1% in IL)
- Reading Proficiency: 28%
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
School Overview
J Sterling Morton Freshman Center's student population of 941 students has declined by 16% over five school years.
The teacher population of 75 teachers has grown by 17% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9
Total Students
941 students
Total Classroom Teachers
75 teachers
School Rankings
The diversity score of J Sterling Morton Freshman Center is 0.06, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.69. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(14-15)18%
29%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
(14-15)28%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
n/a
6%
Hispanic
97%
29%
Black
2%
16%
White
1%
45%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
n/a
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
(15-16)≤20%
85%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)41.6%
29.7%
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
43%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
13%
4%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
18% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 29% IL state average), while 28% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 38% IL state average).
What is the graduation rate of J Sterling Morton Freshman Center?
The graduation rate of J Sterling Morton Freshman Center is 20%, which is lower than the Illinois state average of 85%.
How many students attend J Sterling Morton Freshman Center?
941 students attend J Sterling Morton Freshman Center.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
97% of J Sterling Morton Freshman Center students are Hispanic, 2% of students are Black, and 1% of students are White.
What is the student-teacher ratio of J Sterling Morton Freshman Center?
J Sterling Morton Freshman Center has a student ration of 13:1, which is equal to the Illinois state average of 13:1.
What grades does J Sterling Morton Freshman Center offer ?
J Sterling Morton Freshman Center offers enrollment in grades 9
What school district is J Sterling Morton Freshman Center part of?
J Sterling Morton Freshman Center is part of J S Morton HSD 201 School District.
School Reviews
Review J Sterling Morton Freshman Center. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
What Rising E-Bike and Traffic Concerns Mean for School Commutes
Discover how rising e-bike use and increasing traffic are changing school commutes, and what parents should evaluate before choosing a public school.
School Safety Beyond Lockdowns: What Parents Should Review
Learn how to evaluate a public school's safety beyond lockdown drills, including school climate, emergency planning, mental health support, and communication.
How to Judge Special Education Capacity Before You Enroll
Learn how to evaluate a public school's special education capacity before enrolling your child, from staffing and IEP implementation to inclusion and support services.
