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 (2026-27)
- 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%)
- Attendance Zone: Shields Middle School serves the south part of Chicago, IL, within an attendance zone that covers approximately 0.8 square miles. Most students live within a 5-10 minute drive of the school, with an average distance of 0.6 miles to the zone's edge and a maximum distance of 1.2 miles to the furthest point.
- 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
Average Class Size
15 students
School Motto
'Truth and Honor'
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 0.70. 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
Sports
School Mascot
Wild Boars
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
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
What Makes an Elementary School Feel Supportive?
Discover what makes one elementary school more supportive than another, from teacher relationships and family communication to classroom attention, belonging, student services, leadership, routines, and responsive academic support systems.
Second School Tour: Questions Parents Forget to Ask
A second school tour can reveal what families miss initially. Learn which questions to ask about teachers, support, schedules, safety, communication, programs, and everyday student life before enrolling.
Attendance Policies Are Changing: Parent Guide 2026
Attendance policies are changing across public schools. Learn what parents should examine about absences, tardiness, interventions, flexibility, communication, and student support before choosing a school for their child today.
