Serving 330 students in grades Kindergarten-5, Nicholson Elementary 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 ≤5% (which is lower than the Illinois state average of 27%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 15-19% (which is lower than the Illinois state average of 30%).
The student-teacher ratio of 12:1 is lower than the Illinois state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 88% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Illinois state average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2025)
- Grades: Kindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 330 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 88%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in IL
- Math Proficiency: ≤5% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 15-19% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 30-39% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
School Overview
Nicholson Elementary School's student population of 330 students has grown by 15% over five school years.
The teacher population of 27 teachers has grown by 17% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
Total Students
330 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
27 teachers
Year Founded
1902
School Calendar
School Motto
Fostering an Environment of Equity and Opportunity
School Rankings
Nicholson Elementary 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 Nicholson Elementary School is 0.43, 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
#2844 out of 3542 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤5%
27%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
15-19%
30%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-39%
50%
Student-Teacher Ratio
12:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
n/a
6%
Hispanic
74%
28%
Black
10%
16%
White
12%
45%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
4%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
47%
43%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (13-14)
8%
3%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Nicholson Elementary School's ranking?
Nicholson Elementary School is ranked #2844 out of 3,542 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Illinois.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
≤5% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 27% IL state average), while 15-19% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 30% IL state average).
How many students attend Nicholson Elementary School?
330 students attend Nicholson Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
74% of Nicholson Elementary School students are Hispanic, 12% of students are White, 10% of students are Black, and 4% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Nicholson Elementary School?
Nicholson Elementary School has a student ration of 12:1, which is lower than the Illinois state average of 13:1.
What grades does Nicholson Elementary School offer ?
Nicholson Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-5
What school district is Nicholson Elementary School part of?
Nicholson Elementary School is part of Aurora West USD 129 School District.
School Reviews
1 1/20/2020
I attended as a child and I was bullied a lot. Great teachers though. They're amazing people. But they need to work on the bully problem much, much, much more.
Review Nicholson 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
Why Single-Sex Public Schools are Growing in Popularity
This article examines the growing trend of single-sex public schools in the United States. It explores the potential benefits, research findings, and controversies surrounding gender-specific education, as well as the factors driving its increasing popularity among parents and educators.
When Teachers Cheat: The Standardized Test Controversies
Teachers across the country are being accused of cheating on standardized tests, using erasers to conveniently change their students’ answers. However, are these teachers driven to cheat because the funding system is flawed?
When Field Trips Turn Deadly: Who is Responsible?
Recent deaths during field trips have parents and school officials questioning the safety of these excursions. Learn about these tragedies and what parameters should be in place to ensure a safe field trip.
