Serving 520 students in grades Prekindergarten-8, Zapata Elementary Academy 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 28%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 26% (which is lower than the Illinois state average of 30%).
The student:teacher ratio of 13:1 is equal to the Illinois state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 99% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Illinois state average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 520 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 13:1
- Minority Enrollment: 99%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in IL
- Math Proficiency: 6-9% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 26% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 40-44% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Zapata Elementary Academy ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Illinois for:
Category
Attribute
Most improved public schools
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Zapata Elementary Academy's student population of 520 students has declined by 27% over five school years.
The teacher population of 41 teachers has declined by 16% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
Total Students
520 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
41 teachers
School Rankings
Zapata Elementary Academy 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 Zapata Elementary Academy is 0.02, 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
#2351 out of 3426 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)6-9%
28%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
26%
30%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
50%
Student : Teacher Ratio
13:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
n/a
6%
Hispanic
99%
28%
Black
n/a
16%
White
1%
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 (12-13)
3%
5%
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 Zapata Elementary Academy's ranking?
Zapata Elementary Academy is ranked #2351 out of 3,426 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Illinois.
What schools are Zapata Elementary Academy often compared to?
Zapata Elementary Academyis often viewed alongside schools like Corkery Elementary School 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 28% IL state average), while 26% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 30% IL state average).
How many students attend Zapata Elementary Academy?
520 students attend Zapata Elementary Academy.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
99% of Zapata Elementary Academy students are Hispanic, and 1% of students are White.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Zapata Elementary Academy?
Zapata Elementary Academy has a student ration of 13:1, which is equal to the Illinois state average of 13:1.
What grades does Zapata Elementary Academy offer ?
Zapata Elementary Academy offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-8
What school district is Zapata Elementary Academy part of?
Zapata Elementary Academy is part of Chicago Public Schools Dist 299 School District.
In what neighborhood is Zapata Elementary Academy located?
Zapata Elementary Academy is located in the South Lawndale neighborhood of Chicago, IL. There are 13 other public schools located in South Lawndale.
School Reviews
Review Zapata Elementary Academy. 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 Public School Understaffed? Why Schools are Instituting Hiring Freezes
Explore the trend of hiring freezes in public schools and their impact on education. Learn why schools are implementing these measures and what it means for students and staff.
43 Fantastic ESL Resources for Students
We've put together this ESL resource guide to help students, from teens to adults, get the help they need to achieve their goals with learning English
Segregation in K-12 Education: Colonial Era
Explore the origins of educational segregation during the colonial era and the differential treatment of Native American, African American, and white students. This article delves into the historical context, policies, and societal attitudes that shaped early education in colonial America, highlighting the disparities and injustices that persisted within the schooling systems of that time.
