Serving 279 students in grades Prekindergarten-8, Ward L 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 ≤5% (which is lower than the Illinois state average of 27%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 6-9% (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 Black), which is higher than the Illinois state average of 55% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 279 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1
- Minority Enrollment: 99%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in IL
- Math Proficiency: ≤5% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 6-9% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: ≤10% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
School Overview
Ward L Elementary School's student population of 279 students has declined by 17% over five school years.
The teacher population of 25 teachers has declined by 10% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
Total Students
279 students
Total Classroom Teachers
25 teachers
School Calendar
School Motto
At Laura Ward STEM School we are working to develop emerging professionals who are confident well-rounded, tech-savvy, creative, critical thinkers, and responsible citizens in order to be productive members of society.
School Rankings
Ward L 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 Ward L Elementary School is 0.46, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.69. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#3239 out of 3542 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤5%
27%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
6-9%
30%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤10%
50%
Student-Teacher Ratio
11:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
n/a
6%
Hispanic
33%
29%
Black
66%
16%
White
1%
45%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
n/a
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)49.8%
29.7%
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
43%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (11-12)
31%
27%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ward L Elementary School's ranking?
Ward L Elementary School is ranked #3239 out of 3,542 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Illinois.
What schools are Ward L Elementary School often compared to?
Ward L Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Tilton Elementary School, Sumner Elementary Math & Sci Comm Academy by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
≤5% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 27% IL state average), while 6-9% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 30% IL state average).
How many students attend Ward L Elementary School?
279 students attend Ward L Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
66% of Ward L Elementary School students are Black, 33% of students are Hispanic, and 1% of students are White.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Ward L Elementary School?
Ward L Elementary School has a student ration of 11:1, which is lower than the Illinois state average of 13:1.
What grades does Ward L Elementary School offer ?
Ward L Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-8
What school district is Ward L Elementary School part of?
Ward L Elementary School is part of Chicago Public Schools Dist 299.
In what neighborhood is Ward L Elementary School located?
Ward L Elementary School is located in the Humboldt Park neighborhood of Chicago, IL. There are 16 other public schools located in Humboldt Park.
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