Serving 112 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Mcdowell Elementary School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in Illinois for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 30%, and reading proficiency is top 30%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 30-39% (which is higher than the Illinois state average of 27%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 20-29% (which is lower than the Illinois state average of 30%).
The student-teacher ratio of 14:1 is higher than the Illinois state level of 13:1.
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 112 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in IL
- Math Proficiency: 30-39% (Top 30%)
- Reading Proficiency: 20-29% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: <50% (Top 50%)
- Attendance Zone: McDowell Elementary School serves the southeast part of Chicago, IL, covering an area of approximately 0.4 square miles. Most students live within a 5-10 minute drive, with the furthest edge of the attendance zone reaching about 0.8 miles from the school.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
School Overview
Mcdowell Elementary School's student population of 112 students has declined by 24% over five school years.
The teacher population of 8 teachers has declined by 27% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
Total Students
112 students
Total Classroom Teachers
8 teachers
School Rankings
Mcdowell Elementary School ranks within the top 50% of all 3,542 schools in Illinois (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Mcdowell Elementary School is 0.10, 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
#1416 out of 3542 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-39%
27%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-29%
30%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
<50%
50%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
n/a
6%
Hispanic
2%
29%
Black
95%
16%
White
n/a
45%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
3%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)16.1%
29.7%
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
43%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (12-13)
8%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mcdowell Elementary School's ranking?
Mcdowell Elementary School is ranked #1416 out of 3,542 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Illinois.
What schools are Mcdowell Elementary School often compared to?
Mcdowell Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Earhart Elementary Opt For Knowl School, Turner-drew Elementary Language Academy, Mcdade Elementary Classical School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
30-39% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 27% IL state average), while 20-29% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 30% IL state average).
How many students attend Mcdowell Elementary School?
112 students attend Mcdowell Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
95% of Mcdowell Elementary School students are Black, 3% of students are Two or more races, and 2% of students are Hispanic.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Mcdowell Elementary School?
Mcdowell Elementary School has a student ration of 14:1, which is higher than the Illinois state average of 13:1.
What grades does Mcdowell Elementary School offer ?
Mcdowell Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5
What school district is Mcdowell Elementary School part of?
Mcdowell Elementary School is part of Chicago Public Schools Dist 299.
In what neighborhood is Mcdowell Elementary School located?
Mcdowell Elementary School is located in the Calumet Heights neighborhood of Chicago, IL. There are 5 other public schools located in Calumet Heights.
School Reviews
Review Mcdowell Elementary 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
How to Evaluate School Safety Beyond Headlines
Learn how to evaluate school safety beyond headlines by examining reliable data, school climate, emergency planning, bullying prevention, communication, student experiences, and everyday security practices before choosing a school.
Choosing a Public School for Executive Function Needs
Learn how to choose a public school for a child with executive function challenges by evaluating routines, classroom support, organization, accommodations, communication, transitions, and special education services before enrollment.
What School Climate Surveys Tell You Before Enrolling
Learn how school climate surveys reveal student safety, belonging, relationships, engagement, and support, and how families can interpret results carefully before choosing a public school for their child today.
