Serving 523 students in grades Kindergarten-5, Cortland 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 12% (which is lower than the Illinois state average of 27%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 9% (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 63% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Illinois state average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Kindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 523 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
- Minority Enrollment: 63%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in IL
- Math Proficiency: 12% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 9% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 30-34% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Cortland Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Illinois for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
School Overview
Cortland Elementary School's student population of 523 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 40 teachers has grown by 11% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
Total Students
523 students
Total Classroom Teachers
40 teachers
School Rankings
Cortland 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 Cortland Elementary School is 0.67, 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
#2828 out of 3542 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
12%
27%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
9%
30%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-34%
50%
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
13:1
Hispanic
42%
29%
Black
12%
16%
White
37%
45%
Two or more races
9%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
50%
43%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
9%
4%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cortland Elementary School's ranking?
Cortland Elementary School is ranked #2828 out of 3,542 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Illinois.
What schools are Cortland Elementary School often compared to?
Cortland Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Littlejohn Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
12% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 27% IL state average), while 9% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 30% IL state average).
How many students attend Cortland Elementary School?
523 students attend Cortland Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
42% of Cortland Elementary School students are Hispanic, 37% of students are White, 12% of students are Black, and 9% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Cortland Elementary School?
Cortland Elementary School has a student ration of 13:1, which is equal to the Illinois state average of 13:1.
What grades does Cortland Elementary School offer ?
Cortland Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-5
What school district is Cortland Elementary School part of?
Cortland Elementary School is part of Dekalb CUSD 428 School District.
School Reviews
2 10/10/2025
This school is a toxic/poisonous health hazard. No child should enter this building.It is a health hazard that staff knew about and did nothing to help students.Horrible place for children.
Review Cortland Elementary School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
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