Lester Elementary School

236 Indianapolis Ave
Downers Grove, IL 60515
(School attendance zone shown in map)
: 
10/
10
Top 10%
Serving 531 students in grades Prekindergarten-6, Lester Elementary School ranks in the top 10% of all schools in Illinois for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 5%, and reading proficiency is top 5%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 59% (which is higher than the Illinois state average of 27%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 56% (which is higher than the Illinois state average of 30%).
The student-teacher ratio of 18:1 is higher than the Illinois state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 22% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Illinois state average of 55% (majority Hispanic).

Quick Facts (26-27)

  • Grades: Prekindergarten-6
  • Enrollment: 531 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 22%
  • : Top 10% in IL
  • : 59% (Top 5%)
  • : 56% (Top 10%)
  • : 80-84% (Top 5%)
  • : Lester Elementary School serves the eastern part of Downers Grove, IL, covering an area of approximately 1.2 square miles. Most students live within a 5-10 minute drive from the school, with the furthest edge of the attendance zone located about 1.1 miles away.
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education

Top Rankings

Lester Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Illinois for:

Category
Attribute
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency

School Overview

Lester Elementary School's student population of 531 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 30 teachers has grown by 7% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-6
Total Students
531 students

Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓

Total Classroom Teachers
30 teachers

Showing 2015–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓

Year Founded
1902
School Calendar
School Motto
We Envision. We Seek. We Believe.

School Rankings

Lester Elementary School ranks within the top 10% of all 3,542 schools in Illinois (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Lester Elementary School is 0.38, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.70. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
This School
State Level (IL)
#204 out of 3542 schools
(Top 10%)

Showing 2011–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓

59%
27%

Showing 2011–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓

56%
30%

Showing 2011–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓

80-84%
50%
Student-Teacher Ratio
18:1
13:1

Showing 2015–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓

Asian
3%
6%

Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓

Hispanic
11%
29%

Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓

Black
2%
16%

Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓

White
78%
45%

Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓

Two or more races
6%
4%

Showing 2016–2025. Full 15-year historical data available below ↓

All Ethnic Groups
22%
0.38

Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓

(22-23)
13.6%
29.7%
Eligible for Free Lunch
6%
43%

Showing 2015–2025. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓

School Statewide Testing
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lester Elementary School's ranking?
Lester Elementary School is ranked #204 out of 3,542 schools, which ranks it among the top 10% of public schools in Illinois.
What schools are Lester Elementary School often compared to?
Lester Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like C E Miller Elementary School, J T Manning Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
59% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 27% IL state average), while 56% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 30% IL state average).
How many students attend Lester Elementary School?
531 students attend Lester Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
78% of Lester Elementary School students are White, 11% of students are Hispanic, 6% of students are Two or more races, 3% of students are Asian, and 2% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Lester Elementary School?
Lester Elementary School has a student ration of 18:1, which is higher than the Illinois state average of 13:1.
What grades does Lester Elementary School offer ?
Lester Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-6
What school district is Lester Elementary School part of?
Lester Elementary School is part of Downers Grove Gsd 58 School District.

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Quick Facts (26-27)

  • Grades: Prekindergarten-6
  • Enrollment: 531 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 22%
  • : Top 10%
  • : 59% (Top 5%)
  • : 56% (Top 10%)
  • : 80-84% (Top 5%)
  • : Lester Elementary School serves the eastern part of Downers Grove, IL, covering an area of approximately 1.2 square miles. Most students live within a 5-10 minute drive from the school, with the furthest edge of the attendance zone located about 1.1 miles away.
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education

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