Ellen H. Richards Career Academy is a public four-year vocational high school located in the Back of the Yards neighborhood on the southwest side of Chicago, Illinois, United States.
Serving 315 students in grades 9-12, Richards Career Academy 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 ≤5% (which is lower than the Illinois state average of 28%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is ≤5% (which is lower than the Illinois state average of 30%).
The student:teacher ratio of 11:1 is lower than the Illinois state level of 13:1.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 315 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 11:1
- Graduation Rate: 55-59% (Btm 50% in IL)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: ≤5% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: ≤5% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: ≤10% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
School Overview
Richards Career Academy High School's student population of 315 students has grown by 45% over five school years.
The teacher population of 30 teachers has grown by 36% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
315 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
30 teachers
Year Founded
1946
Colors
White, Royal blue
School Rankings
Richards Career Academy High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 3,426 schools in Illinois (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Richards Career Academy High School is 0.50, 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
#3268 out of 3426 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)≤5%
28%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤5%
30%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤10%
50%
Student : Teacher Ratio
11:1
13:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
n/a
6%
Hispanic
63%
28%
Black
32%
16%
White
n/a
45%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
4%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
55-59%
87%
Eligible for Free Lunch
72%
43%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (11-12)
38%
27%
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 Richards Career Academy High School's ranking?
Richards Career Academy High School is ranked #3268 out of 3,426 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 28% IL state average), while ≤5% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 30% IL state average).
What is the graduation rate of Richards Career Academy High School?
The graduation rate of Richards Career Academy High School is 55-59%, which is lower than the Illinois state average of 87%.
How many students attend Richards Career Academy High School?
315 students attend Richards Career Academy High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
63% of Richards Career Academy High School students are Hispanic, 32% of students are Black, 4% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Richards Career Academy High School?
Richards Career Academy High School has a student ration of 11:1, which is lower than the Illinois state average of 13:1.
What grades does Richards Career Academy High School offer ?
Richards Career Academy High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12
What school district is Richards Career Academy High School part of?
Richards Career Academy High School is part of Chicago Public Schools Dist 299 School District.
In what neighborhood is Richards Career Academy High School located?
Richards Career Academy High School is located in the Back of the Yards neighborhood of Chicago, IL. There are 14 other public schools located in Back of the Yards.
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