Best South Chicago Public Elementary Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 8 public elementary schools serving 2,523 students in the neighborhood of South Chicago, Chicago, IL.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in South Chicago are Great Lakes Academy Charter Elementary School, Learn Chtr - South Chicago Campus and Camelot Safe Academy School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
The neighborhood of South Chicago, Chicago, IL public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 7% (versus the Illinois public elementary school average of 27%), and reading proficiency score of 9% (versus the 30% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 99% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Illinois public elementary school average of 56% (majority Hispanic).

Best Public Elementary Schools in the neighborhood of South Chicago, Chicago, IL (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Great Lakes Academy Charter Elementary School
Charter School
(Math: 20% | Reading: 24%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
8401 S Saginaw Ave
Chicago, IL 60617
(773) 503-3040
Gr: K-8 | 538 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1
Rank: #22.
Learn Chtr - South Chicago Campus
Charter School
(Math: 13% | Reading: 18%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
8914 S Buffalo Ave
Chicago, IL 60617
(773) 722-8577
Gr: K-8 | 390 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #33.
Camelot Safe Academy School
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20% )
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
7877 S Coles Ave
Chicago, IL 60649
(773) 902-2487
Gr: 6-12
Rank: #44.
Mann Elementary School
(Math: 8% | Reading: 10-14%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
8050 S Chappel Ave
Chicago, IL 60617
(773) 535-6640
Gr: PK-8 | 283 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1
Rank: #55.
Thorp J N Elementary School
(Math: 6-9% | Reading: 6-9%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
8914 S Buffalo Ave
Chicago, IL 60617
(773) 535-6250
Gr: PK-8 | 296 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #66.
Ninos Heroes Elementary Academic Center
(Math: ≤5% | Reading: 6-9%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
8344 S Commercial Ave
Chicago, IL 60617
(773) 535-6694
Gr: PK-8 | 315 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #77.
Mireles Elementary Academy
(Math: 5% | Reading: 7%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
9000 S Exchange Ave
Chicago, IL 60617
(773) 535-6360
Gr: PK-8 | 546 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #88.
Coles Elementary Language Academy
(Math: ≤5% | Reading: ≤5%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
8441 S Yates Blvd
Chicago, IL 60617
(773) 535-6550
Gr: PK-8 | 286 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in the neighborhood of South Chicago, Chicago, IL?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in the neighborhood of South Chicago, Chicago, IL include Great Lakes Academy Charter Elementary School, Learn Chtr - South Chicago Campus and Camelot Safe Academy School.
How many public elementary schools are located in the neighborhood of South Chicago, Chicago?
8 public elementary schools are located in the neighborhood of South Chicago, Chicago.
What is the racial composition of students in the neighborhood of South Chicago, Chicago?
the neighborhood of South Chicago, Chicago public elementary schools minority enrollment is 99% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Illinois public elementary schools average of 56% (majority Hispanic).

Recent Articles

AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.

Quick Links