Serving 702 students in grades Prekindergarten-8, Waters 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 47% (which is higher than the Illinois state average of 27%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 44% (which is higher 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 40% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Illinois state average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 702 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 40%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 20% in IL
- Math Proficiency: 47% (Top 20%)
- Reading Proficiency: 44% (Top 20%)
- Science Proficiency: 75-79% (Top 10%)
- Attendance Zone: Waters Elementary School serves the north part of its school district in Chicago, IL, covering an area of approximately 0.5 square miles. Families within this zone can typically expect a drive of 5-10 minutes to reach the school, with the average distance to the zone's edge being 0.4 miles and the furthest edge located about 0.7 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Waters 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
Science Proficiency
School Overview
Waters Elementary School's student population of 702 students has grown by 6% over five school years.
The teacher population of 46 teachers has grown by 39% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
Total Students
702 students
Total Classroom Teachers
46 teachers
Year Founded
1905
School Calendar
School Rankings
Waters 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 Waters Elementary School is 0.58, 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
#550 out of 3542 schools
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
47%
27%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
44%
30%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
75-79%
50%
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
5%
6%
Hispanic
24%
29%
Black
1%
16%
White
60%
45%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
10%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)16.8%
29.7%
Eligible for Free Lunch
37%
43%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (13-14)
9%
3%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
School Mascot
Wildcats
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Waters Elementary School's ranking?
Waters Elementary School is ranked #550 out of 3,542 schools, which ranks it among the top 20% of public schools in Illinois.
What schools are Waters Elementary School often compared to?
Waters Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Coonley Elementary School, Greeley Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
47% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 27% IL state average), while 44% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 30% IL state average).
How many students attend Waters Elementary School?
702 students attend Waters Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
60% of Waters Elementary School students are White, 24% of students are Hispanic, 10% of students are Two or more races, 5% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Waters Elementary School?
Waters Elementary School has a student ration of 15:1, which is higher than the Illinois state average of 13:1.
What grades does Waters Elementary School offer ?
Waters Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-8
What school district is Waters Elementary School part of?
Waters Elementary School is part of Chicago Public Schools Dist 299.
In what neighborhood is Waters Elementary School located?
Waters Elementary School is located in the Ravenswood Gardens neighborhood of Chicago, IL.
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