William H. Wells Community Academy High School is public four-year high school located in the West Town neighborhood on the Near Northwest Side of Chicago, Illinois, United States. Wells is a part of the Chicago Public Schools system. Wells serves grades 9 through 12.
Serving 380 students in grades 9-12, Wells Community Academy High 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 28%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is ≤5% (which is lower than the Illinois state average of 30%).
The student:teacher ratio of 12:1 is lower than the Illinois state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 85% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Illinois state average of 55% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 380 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 85%
- Graduation Rate: 70-74% (Btm 50% in IL)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: ≤5% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: ≤5% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: ≤5% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Wells Community Academy High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Illinois for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Wells Community Academy High School's student population of 380 students has grown by 6% over five school years.
The teacher population of 32 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
380 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
32 teachers
Year Founded
1935
Colors
Royal blue, Silver
School Rankings
Wells Community Academy High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 3,426 schools in Illinois (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Wells Community Academy High School is 0.65, 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
#3268 out of 3426 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)≤5%
28%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤5%
30%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤5%
50%
Student : Teacher Ratio
12:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
1%
6%
Hispanic
43%
28%
Black
39%
16%
White
15%
45%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
2%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
70-74%
87%
Eligible for Free Lunch
92%
43%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (11-12)
49%
27%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Wells Community Academy High School's ranking?
Wells Community Academy High School is ranked #3268 out of 3,426 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?
≤5% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 28% IL state average), while ≤5% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 30% IL state average).
What is the graduation rate of Wells Community Academy High School?
The graduation rate of Wells Community Academy High School is 70-74%, which is lower than the Illinois state average of 87%.
How many students attend Wells Community Academy High School?
380 students attend Wells Community Academy High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
43% of Wells Community Academy High School students are Hispanic, 39% of students are Black, 15% of students are White, 2% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Wells Community Academy High School?
Wells Community Academy High School has a student ration of 12:1, which is lower than the Illinois state average of 13:1.
What grades does Wells Community Academy High School offer ?
Wells Community Academy High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12
What school district is Wells Community Academy High School part of?
Wells Community Academy High School is part of Chicago Public Schools Dist 299 School District.
In what neighborhood is Wells Community Academy High School located?
Wells Community Academy High School is located in the West Town neighborhood of Chicago, IL. There are 22 other public schools located in West Town.
School Reviews
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