Stephen Tyng Mather High School is a public four-year high school located in the West Ridge neighborhood on the north side of Chicago, Illinois, United States. Opened in 1959, Mather is operated by the Chicago Public Schools district.
Serving 1,777 students in grades 9-12, Mather High School 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 14% (which is lower than the Illinois state average of 27%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 10% (which is lower than the Illinois state average of 30%).
The student:teacher ratio of 15:1 is higher than the Illinois state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 87% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Illinois state average of 55% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,777 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 87%
- Graduation Rate: 83% (Btm 50% in IL)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 14% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 10% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 19% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Mather High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Illinois for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
School Overview
Mather High School's student population of 1,777 students has grown by 19% over five school years.
The teacher population of 119 teachers has grown by 22% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
1,777 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
119 teachers
Year Founded
1959
Colors
White, Royal blue
School Calendar
Last Day of School
Tue. Jun 30, 2026
Campus Size
10
School Motto
Empowering Minds, Engaging Hearts
School Mascot
Ranger
School Rankings
Mather High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 3,542 schools in Illinois (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Mather High School is 0.68, 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.
Overall Testing Rank
#2754 out of 3542 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
14%
27%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
10%
30%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
19%
50%
Student : Teacher Ratio
15:1
13:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
20%
6%
Hispanic
50%
28%
Black
15%
16%
White
13%
45%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
1%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
83%
87%
Eligible for Free Lunch
72%
43%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (13-14)
9%
3%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Ranger
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mather High School's ranking?
Mather High School is ranked #2754 out of 3,542 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Illinois.
What schools are Mather High School often compared to?
Mather High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Northside College Preparatory High School, Roosevelt High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
14% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 27% IL state average), while 10% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 30% IL state average).
What is the graduation rate of Mather High School?
The graduation rate of Mather High School is 83%, which is lower than the Illinois state average of 87%.
How many students attend Mather High School?
1,777 students attend Mather High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
50% of Mather High School students are Hispanic, 20% of students are Asian, 15% of students are Black, 13% of students are White, 1% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Mather High School?
Mather High School has a student ration of 15:1, which is higher than the Illinois state average of 13:1.
What grades does Mather High School offer ?
Mather High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12
What school district is Mather High School part of?
Mather High School is part of Chicago Public Schools Dist 299 School District.
In what neighborhood is Mather High School located?
Mather High School is located in the West Ridge neighborhood of Chicago, IL. There are 9 other public schools located in West Ridge.
School Reviews
5 9/27/2011
Review Mather High School. 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
Opinion: Handcuffing in Public Schools is a Gateway to More Violence
Some districts are banning handcuffing, while others are cuffing kindergarteners simply throwing a temper tantrum. Read this editorial to see why this author believes slapping the cuffs on children’s wrists only leads to more behavior issues and violence in their adult lives.
Whooping Cough: Should Vaccinations be Required for Public School Enrollment?
Whopping cough is making a comeback, especially amongst children, prompting health officials to encourage pertussis vaccines and boosters. However, should the pertussis vaccine be required for public school enrollment? Learn about current proposed laws and its ramifications.
What are Common Core Standards and Why Do We Need Them?
With schools nationwide adopting common core standards, we’ll take a look at what they are, their benefits, and how they will change the face of public education.
