Serving 500 students in grades Prekindergarten-8, Ward J Elementary School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in Illinois for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 30%, and reading proficiency is top 30%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 35% (which is higher than the Illinois state average of 27%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 25% (which is lower than the Illinois state average of 30%).
The student-teacher ratio of 15:1 is higher than the Illinois state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 96% of the student body (majority Asian), which is higher than the Illinois state average of 55% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 500 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 96%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in IL
- Math Proficiency: 35% (Top 30%)
- Reading Proficiency: 25% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 50-54% (Top 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Ward J Elementary School serves the eastern part of its school district in Chicago, IL, covering an area of approximately 0.4 square miles. Most families live within a 5-10 minute drive, with the furthest distance to the zone edge being about 0.9 miles.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
School Overview
Ward J Elementary School's student population of 500 students has declined by 13% over five school years.
The teacher population of 33 teachers has grown by 10% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
Total Students
500 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
33 teachers
Showing 2015–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
School Calendar
Average Class Size
20 students
School Rankings
Ward J Elementary School ranks within the top 50% of all 3,542 schools in Illinois (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Ward J Elementary School is 0.39, 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
#1374 out of 3542 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
35%
27%
Showing 2012–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
25%
30%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
50-54%
50%
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
13:1
Showing 2015–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
77%
6%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
10%
29%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Black
7%
16%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
White
4%
45%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
2%
4%
Showing 2014–2025. Full 15-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)8%
29.7%
Eligible for Free Lunch
92%
43%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 24-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (13-14)
8%
3%
Showing 2004–2014. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ward J Elementary School's ranking?
Ward J Elementary School is ranked #1374 out of 3,542 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Illinois.
What schools are Ward J Elementary School often compared to?
Ward J Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Healy Elementary School, Sheridan Elementary Math & Science Academy by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
35% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 27% IL state average), while 25% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 30% IL state average).
How many students attend Ward J Elementary School?
500 students attend Ward J Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
77% of Ward J Elementary School students are Asian, 10% of students are Hispanic, 7% of students are Black, 4% of students are White, and 2% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Ward J Elementary School?
Ward J Elementary School has a student ration of 15:1, which is higher than the Illinois state average of 13:1.
What grades does Ward J Elementary School offer ?
Ward J Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-8
What school district is Ward J Elementary School part of?
Ward J Elementary School is part of Chicago Public Schools Dist 299.
In what neighborhood is Ward J Elementary School located?
Ward J Elementary School is located in the Armour Square neighborhood of Chicago, IL. There are 2 other public schools located in Armour Square.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
Despite the school being the oldest educational facilty in Chicago, Ward carries a good reputation for limited crime, residing itself on the safe boundries of Chinatown. The population mostly consists of Asians, most repectively, Chinese. Most of the faculty offers an intense learning experience. The school is somewhat small compared to others (500+), but the school offers various opportunities and activities. It is how one considers his choices that stands in the matter of his success. Talented students in the academic or physical areas have their choices. Academic competitions (i.e. Academic Bowl, Math Team, etc.) have placed good marks in Area and City competitions, while the athletic teams have beaten down many of its stronger opponents. Level of parent involvement is pretty good, as there are Meet the Teachers Night's, Family Reading Night, etc.; however, there are still space for improvement on updating the school's website more often. Overall, I love this school. It has given me memories and nourishment of which I will never grow out. I now think of school as not only a development for life but life itself. I strongly recommend going to this school, especially because of the fact that it offers Spanish enrichment in its curriculum. I will never have any regret of choosing this school instead of Haines.
~ Yongming Deng, Class of 2010 :)
Review Ward J Elementary 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
When a Public School Cancels a Course Your Child Needs
Learn what parents can do when public schools cancel essential courses, including protecting graduation credits, finding approved alternatives, requesting substitutions, and preventing disruptions to college or career plans before deadlines.
Verify School Assignment Before Buying a House
Before buying a house, learn how to verify your child's assigned public school, check conflicting property listings, confirm enrollment eligibility, and avoid costly school assignment surprises before closing on a property.
School Bus Commute Times: What Parents Should Know
Discover how long school bus commutes really take, why routes vary, and what parents should ask about pickup times, student fatigue, transportation reliability, and daily schedules before choosing schools.
