Serving 330 students in grades 5-8, Shields Middle 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 7% (which is lower than the Illinois state average of 27%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 9% (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.
Minority enrollment is 99% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Illinois state average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 5-8
- Enrollment: 330 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1
- Minority Enrollment: 99%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in IL
- Math Proficiency: 7% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 9% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 29% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
School Overview
Shields Middle School's student population of 330 students has declined by 44% over five school years.
The teacher population of 31 teachers has declined by 16% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 5-8
Total Students
330 students
Total Classroom Teachers
31 teachers
Year Founded
1905
Campus Size
50 acres
School Motto
'Truth and Honor'
Average Class Size
15 students
School Rankings
Shields Middle 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 Shields Middle School is 0.06, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.69. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#3165 out of 3542 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
7%
27%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
9%
30%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
29%
50%
Student-Teacher Ratio
11:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
n/a
6%
Hispanic
97%
29%
Black
1%
16%
White
1%
45%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
1%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)54.6%
29.7%
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
43%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (12-13)
4%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Wild Boars
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Shields Middle School's ranking?
Shields Middle School is ranked #3165 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?
7% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 27% IL state average), while 9% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 30% IL state average).
How many students attend Shields Middle School?
330 students attend Shields Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
97% of Shields Middle School students are Hispanic, 1% of students are Black, 1% of students are White, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Shields Middle School?
Shields Middle School has a student ration of 11:1, which is lower than the Illinois state average of 13:1.
What grades does Shields Middle School offer ?
Shields Middle School offers enrollment in grades 5-8
What school district is Shields Middle School part of?
Shields Middle School is part of Chicago Public Schools Dist 299.
In what neighborhood is Shields Middle School located?
Shields Middle School is located in the Brighton Park neighborhood of Chicago, IL. There are 13 other public schools located in Brighton Park.
School Reviews
Review Shields Middle 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
Gifted, Honors, and Advanced Tracks: Are They Accessible or Just Advertised?
Learn how to evaluate gifted, honors, and advanced academic programs in public schools, including admission criteria, equity, and the questions every parent should ask.
Algebra Readiness: What Parents Should Ask Before Middle School
Discover how to determine if your child is ready for algebra before middle school, including the questions parents should ask and the skills students need to succeed.
How to Evaluate Reading Instruction in Your Zoned Elementary School
Learn how to evaluate reading instruction in your neighborhood elementary school by recognizing effective literacy practices, asking the right questions, and understanding what quality reading instruction looks like.
