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 348 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 27%). 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 Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 348 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1
- Graduation Rate: 65-69% (Btm 50% in IL)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: ≤5% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: ≤5% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: ≤10% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Richards Career Academy High School serves the south part of Chicago, IL, within an attendance zone that spans approximately 1.2 square miles. Most students live within a 5-10 minute drive of the school, with the furthest edge of the zone reaching about 1.8 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
School Overview
Richards Career Academy High School's student population of 348 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 31 teachers has grown by 40% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
348 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
31 teachers
Showing 2015–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Year Founded
1946
School Rankings
Richards Career Academy 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 Richards Career Academy High School is 0.47, 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
#3352 out of 3542 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤5%
27%
Showing 2012–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤5%
30%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤10%
50%
Student-Teacher Ratio
11:1
13:1
Showing 2015–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
American Indian
1%
n/a
Hispanic
68%
29%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Black
26%
16%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
5%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Graduation Rate
65-69%
87.6%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)81.3%
29.7%
Eligible for Free Lunch
65%
43%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 24-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (10-11)
2%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
White, Royal blue
School Mascot
Warriors
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Richards Career Academy High School's ranking?
Richards Career Academy High School is ranked #3352 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 ≤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 65-69%, which is lower than the Illinois state average of 87.6%.
How many students attend Richards Career Academy High School?
348 students attend Richards Career Academy High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
68% of Richards Career Academy High School students are Hispanic, 26% of students are Black, 5% 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.
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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