Serving 253 students in grades Kindergarten-5, South Elementary School ranks in the top 20% of all schools in Illinois for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 20%, and reading proficiency is top 20%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 40-44% (which is higher than the Illinois state average of 27%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 50-54% (which is higher than the Illinois state average of 30%).
The student-teacher ratio of 9:1 is lower than the Illinois state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 72% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Illinois state average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: Kindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 253 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 9:1
- Minority Enrollment: 72%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 20% in IL
- Math Proficiency: 40-44% (Top 20%)
- Reading Proficiency: 50-54% (Top 10%)
- Science Proficiency: 50-59% (Top 50%)
- Attendance Zone: South Elementary School serves the southeast part of Des Plaines, IL, covering an area of approximately 1 square mile. Most students live within a 5-10 minute drive, with an average distance of 0.7 miles to the school's edges and a maximum distance of 1.1 miles from the furthest boundary.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
South Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Illinois for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Most improved public schools
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
School Overview
South Elementary School's student population of 253 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 27 teachers has grown by 35% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
Total Students
253 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
27 teachers
Showing 2015–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Year Founded
1893
School Calendar
Average Class Size
25 students
School Rankings
South Elementary School ranks within the top 20% of all 3,542 schools in Illinois (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of South Elementary School is 0.57, 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
#463 out of 3542 schools
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
27%
Showing 2012–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
50-54%
30%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
50-59%
50%
Student-Teacher Ratio
9:1
13:1
Showing 2015–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
9%
6%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
59%
29%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Black
1%
16%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
White
28%
45%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
3%
4%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)19.4%
29.7%
Eligible for Free Lunch
39%
43%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 24-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
15%
4%
Showing 2010–2025. Full 24-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
Profile last updated:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is South Elementary School's ranking?
South Elementary School is ranked #463 out of 3,542 schools, which ranks it among the top 20% of public schools in Illinois.
What schools are South Elementary School often compared to?
South Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Iroquois Community School, North Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
40-44% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 27% IL state average), while 50-54% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 30% IL state average).
How many students attend South Elementary School?
253 students attend South Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
59% of South Elementary School students are Hispanic, 28% of students are White, 9% of students are Asian, 3% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of South Elementary School?
South Elementary School has a student ration of 9:1, which is lower than the Illinois state average of 13:1.
What grades does South Elementary School offer ?
South Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-5
What school district is South Elementary School part of?
South Elementary School is part of CCSD 62 School District.
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