Serving 259 students in grades Prekindergarten-8, Ward L 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 ≤5% (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 11:1 is lower than the Illinois state level of 13:1.
Quick Facts (2025)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 259 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in IL
- Math Proficiency: ≤5% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 6-9% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: ≤10% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Ward L Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Illinois for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
Student Attention
School Overview
Ward L Elementary School's student population of 259 students has declined by 31% over five school years.
The teacher population of 23 teachers has declined by 17% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
Total Students
259 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
23 teachers
School Calendar
Last Day of School
Fri. Jun 12, 2026
School Motto
At Laura Ward STEM School we are working to develop emerging professionals who are confident well-rounded, tech-savvy, creative, critical thinkers, and responsible citizens in order to be productive members of society.
School Rankings
Ward L 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 Ward L Elementary School is 0.36, 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
#3239 out of 3542 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤5%
27%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
6-9%
30%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤10%
50%
Student-Teacher Ratio
11:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
n/a
6%
Hispanic
23%
28%
Black
77%
17%
White
n/a
45%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
n/a
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
43%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (11-12)
31%
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 Ward L Elementary School's ranking?
Ward L Elementary School is ranked #3239 out of 3,542 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 27% IL state average), while 6-9% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 30% IL state average).
How many students attend Ward L Elementary School?
259 students attend Ward L Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
77% of Ward L Elementary School students are Black, and 23% of students are Hispanic.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Ward L Elementary School?
Ward L Elementary School has a student ration of 11:1, which is lower than the Illinois state average of 13:1.
What grades does Ward L Elementary School offer ?
Ward L Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-8
What school district is Ward L Elementary School part of?
Ward L Elementary School is part of Chicago Public Schools Dist 299 School District.
In what neighborhood is Ward L Elementary School located?
Ward L Elementary School is located in the Humboldt Park neighborhood of Chicago, IL. There are 16 other public schools located in Humboldt Park.
School Reviews
Review Ward L 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
If Your Child Misses First-Choice Public School
Help your child thrive鈥攍earn next steps when first-choice public school enrollment fails, including waitlists, appeals, and smart backup plans.
A Parent鈥檚 Guide to Public School Enrollment: Deadlines, Paperwork, and Common Pitfalls
Everything parents need: enrollment deadlines, paperwork essentials, common pitfalls, and up-to-date school stats for smooth public school admission.
Why Single-Sex Public Schools are Growing in Popularity
This article examines the growing trend of single-sex public schools in the United States. It explores the potential benefits, research findings, and controversies surrounding gender-specific education, as well as the factors driving its increasing popularity among parents and educators.
