Serving 384 students in grades 4-5, Gardner 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 42% (which is higher than the Illinois state average of 27%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 45% (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 7% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Illinois state average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2025-26)
- Grades: 4-5
- Enrollment: 384 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Minority Enrollment: 7%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 20% in IL
- Math Proficiency: 42% (Top 20%)
- Reading Proficiency: 45% (Top 20%)
- Science Proficiency: 65-69% (Top 20%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Gardner 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
Gardner Elementary School's student population of 384 students has declined by 10% over five school years.
The teacher population of 23 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 4-5
Total Students
384 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
23 teachers
Year Founded
1905
School Calendar
Last Day of School
Mon. May 25, 2026
School Rankings
Gardner 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 Gardner Elementary School is 0.13, 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
#618 out of 3542 schools
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
42%
27%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
45%
30%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
65-69%
50%
Student-Teacher Ratio
17:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
1%
6%
Hispanic
4%
28%
Black
n/a
17%
White
93%
45%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
2%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
17%
43%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
7%
4%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Gardner Elementary School's ranking?
Gardner Elementary School is ranked #618 out of 3,542 schools, which ranks it among the top 20% of public schools in Illinois.
What schools are Gardner Elementary School often compared to?
Gardner Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Rogers Elementary School, W J Zahnow Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
42% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 27% IL state average), while 45% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 30% IL state average).
How many students attend Gardner Elementary School?
384 students attend Gardner Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
93% of Gardner Elementary School students are White, 4% of students are Hispanic, 2% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Gardner Elementary School?
Gardner Elementary School has a student ration of 17:1, which is higher than the Illinois state average of 13:1.
What grades does Gardner Elementary School offer ?
Gardner Elementary School offers enrollment in grades 4-5
What school district is Gardner Elementary School part of?
Gardner Elementary School is part of Waterloo CUSD 5 School District.
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