Serving 307 students in grades Prekindergarten-6, Whittier Elementary School ranks in the top 10% of all schools in Illinois for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 5%, and reading proficiency is top 5%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 60-64% (which is higher than the Illinois state average of 27%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 50-54% (which is higher than the Illinois state average of 30%).
The student-teacher ratio of 17:1 is higher than the Illinois state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 18% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Illinois state average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-6
- Enrollment: 307 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Minority Enrollment: 18%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 10% in IL
- Math Proficiency: 60-64% (Top 5%)
- Reading Proficiency: 50-54% (Top 10%)
- Science Proficiency: 70-79% (Top 10%)
- Attendance Zone: Whittier Elementary School serves the southeastern part of Downers Grove, IL, covering an area of approximately 0.7 square miles. Most families reside within a 5-10 minute drive to the school, with the furthest edge of the attendance zone located about 0.7 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Whittier Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Illinois for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
School Overview
Whittier Elementary School's student population of 307 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 18 teachers has declined by 5% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-6
Total Students
307 students
Showing 2016–2025. View full 39-year historical data
Total Classroom Teachers
18 teachers
Showing 2015–2025. View full 39-year historical data
School Calendar
School Rankings
Whittier Elementary School ranks within the top 10% of all 3,542 schools in Illinois (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Whittier Elementary School is 0.32, 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
#221 out of 3542 schools
(Top 10%)
(Top 10%)
Showing 2011–2023. View full 14-year historical data
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-64%
27%
Showing 2011–2023. View full 14-year historical data
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
50-54%
30%
Showing 2011–2022. View full 13-year historical data
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
70-79%
50%
Student-Teacher Ratio
17:1
13:1
Showing 2015–2025. View full 39-year historical data
Asian
3%
6%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data
Hispanic
11%
29%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data
White
82%
45%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data
Two or more races
4%
4%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 15-year historical data
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)13.4%
29.7%
Eligible for Free Lunch
8%
43%
Showing 2015–2025. View full 13-year historical data
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Whittier Elementary School's ranking?
Whittier Elementary School is ranked #221 out of 3,542 schools, which ranks it among the top 10% of public schools in Illinois.
What schools are Whittier Elementary School often compared to?
Whittier Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like El Sierra Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
60-64% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 27% IL state average), while 50-54% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 30% IL state average).
How many students attend Whittier Elementary School?
307 students attend Whittier Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
82% of Whittier Elementary School students are White, 11% of students are Hispanic, 4% of students are Two or more races, and 3% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Whittier Elementary School?
Whittier Elementary School has a student ration of 17:1, which is higher than the Illinois state average of 13:1.
What grades does Whittier Elementary School offer ?
Whittier Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-6
What school district is Whittier Elementary School part of?
Whittier Elementary School is part of Downers Grove Gsd 58 School District.
School Reviews
Review Whittier 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
Is Your Child's School Day Too Structured?
Discover where free time disappears during your child's school day, how to evaluate lunch, recess, and classroom schedules, and what parents can do when breaks become structured activities.
When Your Child's Best Friend Is in Another Class
Discover how to help your child when their best friend is assigned to another classroom, including school placement policies, maintaining friendships, building connections, and knowing when to request help.
Should Your Child Repeat a Grade or Move Ahead?
Before agreeing to grade retention, learn what evidence to request, how to review school policies, explore alternatives, understand parental rights, and secure an effective academic support plan for your child.
