Serving 316 students in grades Kindergarten-3, Taft Primary 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 ≤20% (which is lower than the Illinois state average of 27%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is ≤20% (which is lower than the Illinois state average of 30%).
The student-teacher ratio of 16:1 is higher than the Illinois state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 83% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Illinois state average of 55% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Kindergarten-3
- Enrollment: 316 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 83%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in IL
- Math Proficiency: ≤20% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: ≤20% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Taft Primary School serves the western part of Kankakee, IL, encompassing an area of approximately 12.2 square miles. Most families can expect a typical drive of 5 to 10 minutes to the school, with an average distance of 2.1 miles to the edge of the zone and a maximum distance of 4.8 miles.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
School Overview
Taft Primary School's student population of 316 students has declined by 9% over five school years.
The teacher population of 20 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-3
Total Students
316 students
Total Classroom Teachers
20 teachers
School Rankings
Taft Primary 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 Taft Primary School is 0.64, 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
#2164 out of 3542 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤20%
27%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤20%
30%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
1%
6%
Hispanic
17%
29%
Black
55%
16%
White
17%
45%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
10%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)65.2%
29.7%
Eligible for Free Lunch
80%
43%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (13-14)
1%
3%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Taft Primary School's ranking?
Taft Primary School is ranked #2164 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?
≤20% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 27% IL state average), while ≤20% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 30% IL state average).
How many students attend Taft Primary School?
316 students attend Taft Primary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
55% of Taft Primary School students are Black, 17% of students are Hispanic, 17% of students are White, 10% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Taft Primary School?
Taft Primary School has a student ration of 16:1, which is higher than the Illinois state average of 13:1.
What grades does Taft Primary School offer ?
Taft Primary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-3
What school district is Taft Primary School part of?
Taft Primary School is part of Kankakee SD 111 School District.
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