Serving 791 students in grades Prekindergarten-8, Tarkington Elementary 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 8% (which is lower than the Illinois state average of 27%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 11% (which is lower than the Illinois state average of 30%).
The student-teacher ratio of 14:1 is higher 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: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 791 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 99%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in IL
- Math Proficiency: 8% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 11% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 18% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Tarkington Elementary School serves the southern part of its school district in Chicago, IL, covering an area of approximately 0.6 square miles. Most families can expect a typical drive of 5-10 minutes to the school, with the furthest edge of the attendance zone located about 1 mile away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
School Overview
Tarkington Elementary School's student population of 791 students has declined by 16% over five school years.
The teacher population of 58 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
Total Students
791 students
Total Classroom Teachers
58 teachers
Year Founded
2005
School Calendar
School Rankings
Tarkington Elementary 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 Tarkington Elementary School is 0.29, 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
#3000 out of 3542 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
8%
27%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
11%
30%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
18%
50%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
n/a
6%
Hispanic
83%
29%
Black
16%
16%
White
1%
45%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
n/a
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)34.9%
29.7%
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
43%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (12-13)
6%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tarkington Elementary School's ranking?
Tarkington Elementary School is ranked #3000 out of 3,542 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Illinois.
What schools are Tarkington Elementary School often compared to?
Tarkington Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Mckay Elementary School, Ashburn Community Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
8% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 27% IL state average), while 11% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 30% IL state average).
How many students attend Tarkington Elementary School?
791 students attend Tarkington Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
83% of Tarkington Elementary School students are Hispanic, 16% of students are Black, and 1% of students are White.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Tarkington Elementary School?
Tarkington Elementary School has a student ration of 14:1, which is higher than the Illinois state average of 13:1.
What grades does Tarkington Elementary School offer ?
Tarkington Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-8
What school district is Tarkington Elementary School part of?
Tarkington Elementary School is part of Chicago Public Schools Dist 299.
In what neighborhood is Tarkington Elementary School located?
Tarkington Elementary School is located in the Chicago Lawn neighborhood of Chicago, IL. There are 10 other public schools located in Chicago Lawn.
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