Serving 298 students in grades Prekindergarten-8, Woodson South 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 6-9% (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 12:1 is lower than the Illinois state level of 13:1.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 298 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in IL
- Math Proficiency: 6-9% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 6-9% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 6-9% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Woodson South Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Illinois for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Woodson South Elementary School's student population of 298 students has declined by 10% over five school years.
The teacher population of 25 teachers has grown by 31% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
Total Students
298 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
25 teachers
Year Founded
1905
School Calendar
First Day of School
Mon. Aug 18, 2025
Last Day of School
Sat. May 30, 2026
School Motto
S.T.A.R.S Scholarship - Teamwork - Accountability - Respect - Success
School Rankings
Woodson South 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 Woodson South Elementary School is 0.12, 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
#3087 out of 3542 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
6-9%
27%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
6-9%
30%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
6-9%
50%
Student : Teacher Ratio
12:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
n/a
6%
Hispanic
4%
28%
Black
94%
16%
White
n/a
45%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
2%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
43%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (11-12)
32%
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 Woodson South Elementary School's ranking?
Woodson South Elementary School is ranked #3087 out of 3,542 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Illinois.
What schools are Woodson South Elementary School often compared to?
Woodson South Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Ariel Elementary Community Academy, Minnie Minoso Academy by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
6-9% 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 Woodson South Elementary School?
298 students attend Woodson South Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
94% of Woodson South Elementary School students are Black, 4% of students are Hispanic, and 2% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Woodson South Elementary School?
Woodson South Elementary School has a student ration of 12:1, which is lower than the Illinois state average of 13:1.
What grades does Woodson South Elementary School offer ?
Woodson South Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-8
What school district is Woodson South Elementary School part of?
Woodson South Elementary School is part of Chicago Public Schools Dist 299 School District.
In what neighborhood is Woodson South Elementary School located?
Woodson South Elementary School is located in the Bronzeville neighborhood of Chicago, IL. There are 5 other public schools located in Bronzeville.
School Reviews
5 7/24/2014
Seems like a good school to enroll my son who has ADHD.......
Review Woodson South 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

Opinion: Handcuffing in Public Schools is a Gateway to More Violence
Some districts are banning handcuffing, while others are cuffing kindergarteners simply throwing a temper tantrum. Read this editorial to see why this author believes slapping the cuffs on children’s wrists only leads to more behavior issues and violence in their adult lives.

Whooping Cough: Should Vaccinations be Required for Public School Enrollment?
Whopping cough is making a comeback, especially amongst children, prompting health officials to encourage pertussis vaccines and boosters. However, should the pertussis vaccine be required for public school enrollment? Learn about current proposed laws and its ramifications.

What are Common Core Standards and Why Do We Need Them?
With schools nationwide adopting common core standards, we’ll take a look at what they are, their benefits, and how they will change the face of public education.