Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::offsetGet($offset) should either be compatible with ArrayAccess::offsetGet(mixed $offset): mixed, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 106

Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::offsetSet($offset, $value) should either be compatible with ArrayAccess::offsetSet(mixed $offset, mixed $value): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 115

Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::offsetUnset($offset) should either be compatible with ArrayAccess::offsetUnset(mixed $offset): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 130

Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::current() should either be compatible with Iterator::current(): mixed, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 48

Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::next() should either be compatible with Iterator::next(): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 56

Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::rewind() should either be compatible with Iterator::rewind(): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 80

Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Drivers\Memcached\Item::jsonSerialize() should either be compatible with JsonSerializable::jsonSerialize(): mixed, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Core/Item/ItemExtendedTrait.php on line 438
Best Public Middle Schools in 60653 (Chicago, IL) (2026)

Best 60653 Illinois Public Middle Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 6 public middle schools serving 1,941 students in 60653, IL.
The top-ranked public middle schools in 60653, IL are Wells Preparatory Elementary Academy, Woodson South Elementary School and James Farmer Jr. Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public middle schools in zipcode 60653 have an average math proficiency score of 6% (versus the Illinois public middle school average of 24%), and reading proficiency score of 8% (versus the 29% statewide average). Middle schools in 60653, IL have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Illinois public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 100% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Illinois public middle school average of 61% (majority Hispanic).

Best 60653, IL Public Middle Schools (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #1 - 21. - 2.
Wells Preparatory Elementary Academy
(Math: 6-9% | Reading: 6-9%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
249 E 37th St
Chicago, IL 60653
(773) 535-1204
Gr: PK-8 | 308 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #1 - 21. - 2.
Woodson South Elementary School
(Math: 6-9% | Reading: 6-9%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
4414 S Evans Ave
Chicago, IL 60653
(773) 535-1280
Gr: PK-8 | 298 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1
Rank: #33.
James Farmer Jr. Elementary School
(Math: 5% | Reading: 8%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
4214 S Saint Lawrence Ave
Chicago, IL 60653
(773) 535-1687
Gr: PK-8 | 321 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1
Rank: #44.
Ariel Elementary Community Academy
(Math: 7% | Reading: 7%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
1119 E 46th St
Chicago, IL 60653
(773) 535-1996
Gr: PK-8 | 364 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1
Rank: #5 - 65. - 6.
Mollison Elementary School
(Math: ≤5% | Reading: 6-9%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
4415 S Dr Martin L King Jr Dr
Chicago, IL 60653
(773) 535-1804
Gr: PK-8 | 237 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1
Rank: #5 - 65. - 6.
Perspectives Chtr - Iit Campus
Charter School
(Math: ≤5% | Reading: 6-9%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
3663 S Wabash Ave
Chicago, IL 60653
(773) 358-6800
Gr: 6-12 | 413 students

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public middle schools in 60653, IL?
How many public middle schools are located in 60653?
6 public middle schools are located in 60653.
What is the racial composition of students in 60653?
60653 public middle schools minority enrollment is 100% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Illinois public middle schools average of 61% (majority Hispanic).

Recent Articles

Media Literacy as a Core Skill: How to Tell if a School Teaches It Well
Media Literacy as a Core Skill: How to Tell if a School Teaches It Well
Learn how to evaluate whether a public school teaches media literacy effectively, from fact-checking and source evaluation to digital citizenship and critical thinking.
Screen Time, Paper Learning, and the New Back-to-Basics Debate
Screen Time, Paper Learning, and the New Back-to-Basics Debate
Explore why some public schools are reducing screen time, bringing back paper learning, and rethinking the balance between technology and traditional instruction.
Student Data, AI Tools, and Privacy: Questions to Ask Your District
Student Data, AI Tools, and Privacy: Questions to Ask Your District
Learn how public schools use AI, protect student data, and the key privacy questions every parent should ask their school district in 2026.

Quick Links