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 Bell Elementary School (Ranked Top 10% for 2026) - Chicago, IL
Public School Review - Established 2003

Bell Elementary School

3730 N Oakley Ave
Chicago, IL 60618
(School attendance zone shown in map)
View full size Get directions
: 
10/
10
Top 10%
Tel: (773) 534-5150
bell.cps.edu
REQUEST INFO
SAVE SCHOOL
Alexander Graham Bell School, also known as Bell School is a public school located in the North Center neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois, United States; it is a part of the Chicago Public Schools. It offers grades kindergarten through grade eight.
Serving 902 students in grades Kindergarten-8, Bell Elementary School ranks in the top 10% of all schools in Illinois for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 5%, and reading proficiency is top 5%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 61% (which is higher than the Illinois state average of 27%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 55% (which is higher than the Illinois state average of 30%).
The student-teacher ratio of 15:1 is higher than the Illinois state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 44% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Illinois state average of 55% (majority Hispanic).

Quick Facts (2026)

  • Grades: Kindergarten-8
  • Enrollment: 902 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 44%
  • : Top 10% in IL
  • : 61% (Top 5%)
  • : 55% (Top 10%)
  • : 83% (Top 5%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education

Top Rankings

Bell Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Illinois for:

Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Highest overall rank (Top 10%)
Math Proficiency
Highest math proficiency (Top 5%)
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Highest reading/language arts proficiency (Top 10%)
Science Proficiency
Highest science proficiency (Top 5%)
Diversity
Most diverse schools (Top 20%)

School Overview

Bell Elementary School's student population of 902 students has declined by 5% over five school years.
The teacher population of 61 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-8

Distribution of Students By Grade Trends

GradeBell Elementary School
Pre-K4
Kind98
1103
2107
395
4100
5106
693
7104
892
Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON
Download Full School Data: Full School Dataset XML | Full School Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Total Students
902 students

Total Students Trends Over Years (1989-2025)

YearBell Elementary School
2025902
2024848
2023886
2022876
2021953
20201,005
20191,003
2018958
2017958
20161,007
20151,026
20141,045
2013978
2012988
2011951
2010921
2009877
2008909
2007862
2006832
2005788
2004787
2003743
2002718
2001716
2000718
1999728
1998696
1997712
1996744
1995724
1994764
1993714
1992690
1991685
1990656
1989649
Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON
Download Full School Data: Full School Dataset XML | Full School Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Total Classroom Teachers
61 teachers

Total Classroom Teachers Trends Over Years (1988-2025)

YearBell Elementary School
202561
202458
202359
202262
202060
201959
201852
201752
201655
201560
201458
201359
201253
201158
201065
200961
200846
200739
200660
200557
200452
200356
200254
200159
200060
199965
199865
199770
199669
199569
199469
199369
199271
199170
199075
198972
198873
Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON
Download Full School Data: Full School Dataset XML | Full School Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Year Founded
1917
Colors
White, Black, Red
School Calendar
View School Calendar
Last Day of School
Wed. Jun 17, 2026

School Rankings

Bell Elementary School ranks within the top 10% of all 3,542 schools in Illinois (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Bell Elementary School is 0.63, 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.
Definition of Terms
This School
State Level (IL)
#207 out of 3542 schools
(Top 10%)

Overall School Rank Trends Over Years (2012-2023)

YearBell Elementary School
2023#207
2022#173
2021#169
2019#270
2018#171
2017#156
2016#92
2015#104
2014#64
2013#63
2012#32
Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON
Download Full School Data: Full School Dataset XML | Full School Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

61%
27%

Math Proficiency Comparison Over Years (2011-2023)

YearBell Elementary SchoolIllinoisChicago Public Schools Dist 299
202361%27%20%
202157%28%17%
201962%33%24%
201864%32%22%
201762%32%24%
201667%31%23%
201563%29%21%
201490%59%50%
201389%58%48%
201298%80%73%
201197%80%72%
Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON
Download Full School Data: Full School Dataset XML | Full School Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

55%
30%

Reading and Language Arts Proficiency Comparison Over Years (2011-2022)

YearBell Elementary SchoolIllinoisChicago Public Schools Dist 299
202255%30%20%
202153%32%21%
201959%38%27%
201869%37%22%
201769%38%28%
201674%36%27%
201574%38%29%
201489%57%45%
201391%58%47%
201296%75%65%
201194%75%65%
Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON
Download Full School Data: Full School Dataset XML | Full School Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

83%
50%
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
13:1

Student-Teacher Ratio Comparison Over Years (1988-2025)

YearBell Elementary SchoolIllinoisChicago Public Schools Dist 299
202515:113:1
202415:114:115:1
202315:114:115:1
202214:114:116:1
202017:115:118:1
201917:115:118:1
201818:116:120:1
201718:116:120:1
201618:116:119:1
201517:116:117:1
201418:116:118:1
201317:113:115:1
201219:116:118:1
201116:116:118:1
201014:116:118:1
200914:116:120:1
200820:118:120:1
200722:117:122:1
200614:116:117:1
200514:117:118:1
200415:117:120:1
200313:117:119:1
200213:117:119:1
200112:117:119:1
200012:117:118:1
199911:117:118:1
199811:117:118:1
199710:117:118:1
199611:117:118:1
199510:118:118:1
199411:118:118:1
199310:117:117:1
199210:117:118:1
199110:117:118:1
19909:118:118:1
19899:118:119:1
19889:118:119:1
Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON
Download Full School Data: Full School Dataset XML | Full School Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
12%
6%

Asian Student Percentage Comparison Over Years (1988-2024)

YearBell Elementary SchoolIllinoisChicago Public Schools Dist 299
202412%6%4%
202313%6%4%
202213%5%4%
202113%5%5%
202012%5%5%
201911%5%5%
201810%5%4%
201710%5%4%
20167%5%4%
20157%6%5%
20146%5%4%
20136%5%4%
20125%4%4%
20116%5%3%
201012%5%4%
200913%5%4%
200811%5%5%
200711%5%5%
200610%5%4%
200514%5%3%
200414%4%4%
200310%4%3%
200212%4%4%
200111%4%4%
200011%3%3%
19999%3%3%
19989%3%3%
199711%3%3%
199611%3%3%
199512%3%3%
199411%3%3%
199310%3%3%
199211%3%3%
199110%3%3%
199010%3%3%
198911%3%3%
198812%2%3%
Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON
Download Full School Data: Full School Dataset XML | Full School Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Hispanic
17%
29%

Hispanic Student Percentage Comparison Over Years (1988-2024)

YearBell Elementary SchoolIllinoisChicago Public Schools Dist 299
202417%28%44%
202318%27%44%
202214%27%44%
202115%27%44%
202017%26%44%
201917%26%44%
201819%26%45%
201719%26%45%
201619%26%44%
201520%25%41%
201422%25%46%
201324%24%46%
201224%24%44%
201126%23%44%
201025%22%42%
200924%22%41%
200819%21%40%
200722%20%39%
200622%19%39%
200528%18%38%
200429%18%37%
200331%17%37%
200231%16%36%
200132%15%35%
200029%15%35%
199930%14%35%
199829%13%34%
199729%13%33%
199629%12%32%
199528%12%31%
199429%11%31%
199329%11%30%
199228%10%29%
199127%10%28%
199027%9%27%
198926%9%26%
198825%9%25%
Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON
Download Full School Data: Full School Dataset XML | Full School Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Black
2%
16%

Black Student Percentage Comparison Over Years (1988-2024)

YearBell Elementary SchoolIllinoisChicago Public Schools Dist 299
20242%16%41%
20232%17%41%
20221%17%41%
20211%17%41%
20202%17%41%
20192%17%41%
20182%17%41%
20172%17%41%
20162%17%42%
20152%17%38%
20142%17%40%
20132%18%40%
20123%18%42%
20113%18%43%
20104%20%45%
20096%20%47%
20088%20%47%
200711%20%48%
200611%20%49%
200510%20%50%
200411%21%50%
200311%21%51%
200212%21%51%
200112%21%52%
200013%21%52%
199914%21%53%
199814%21%54%
199714%20%54%
199615%21%54%
199516%20%55%
199418%21%55%
199315%21%56%
199215%21%57%
199115%21%58%
199014%22%59%
198912%22%59%
198812%22%60%
Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON
Download Full School Data: Full School Dataset XML | Full School Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

White
56%
45%

White Student Percentage Comparison Over Years (1988-2024)

YearBell Elementary SchoolIllinoisChicago Public Schools Dist 299
202457%45%9%
202355%45%9%
202259%47%9%
202160%47%9%
202059%48%9%
201960%48%9%
201861%49%9%
201761%49%9%
201663%49%9%
201563%49%11%
201462%50%9%
201359%50%9%
201259%51%9%
201157%51%9%
201058%53%9%
200956%53%8%
200853%54%8%
200749%55%8%
200647%56%8%
200547%57%9%
200446%57%9%
200347%58%9%
200245%59%9%
200144%60%9%
200046%61%10%
199946%62%9%
199846%63%9%
199744%64%10%
199644%64%11%
199544%65%11%
199441%65%11%
199346%65%11%
199246%66%11%
199148%66%11%
199048%66%11%
198950%66%12%
198850%67%12%
Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON
Download Full School Data: Full School Dataset XML | Full School Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
13%
4%

Two or More Races Student Percentage Comparison Over Years (2012-2024)

YearBell Elementary SchoolIllinoisChicago Public Schools Dist 299
202412%4%2%
202312%4%2%
202213%4%2%
202111%4%1%
202010%4%1%
20199%4%1%
20188%3%1%
20178%3%1%
20169%3%1%
20158%3%3%
20148%3%1%
20138%3%1%
20128%3%1%
Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON
Download Full School Data: Full School Dataset XML | Full School Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

All Ethnic Groups
0.63
0.69

Diversity Score Comparison Over Years (1989-2025)

YearBell Elementary SchoolIllinoisChicago Public Schools Dist 299
20250.630.69
20240.620.700.63
20230.640.700.63
20220.600.680.63
20210.590.680.63
20200.600.680.63
20190.600.680.63
20180.580.670.62
20170.580.670.62
20160.560.670.62
20150.560.670.59
20140.560.660.63
20130.590.660.63
20120.590.650.63
20110.600.660.62
20100.590.640.62
20090.610.640.61
20080.680.640.61
20070.710.630.61
20060.720.610.60
20050.680.610.60
20040.680.600.61
20030.670.590.61
20020.680.590.60
20010.680.580.60
20000.690.570.61
19990.690.560.61
19980.700.560.60
19970.710.540.60
19960.710.530.60
19950.720.530.60
19940.710.520.60
19930.710.520.60
19920.710.520.59
19910.680.520.59
19900.690.510.58
19890.670.510.58
Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON
Download Full School Data: Full School Dataset XML | Full School Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Eligible for Free Lunch
16%
43%

Free Lunch Eligibility Comparison Over Years (2005-2025)

YearBell Elementary SchoolIllinoisChicago Public Schools Dist 299
202516%43%
202417%43%74%
202316%43%74%
202216%43%74%
202115%44%74%
202013%47%80%
201912%47%80%
201814%46%83%
201714%46%83%
201615%47%83%
201520%52%86%
201412%47%83%
201314%45%81%
20127%21%41%
201116%39%70%
201017%37%70%
200918%33%66%
200815%32%68%
200717%32%68%
200618%32%67%
200519%32%70%
Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON
Download Full School Data: Full School Dataset XML | Full School Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Eligible for Reduced Lunch (13-14)
3%
3%

Reduced-Price Lunch Eligibility Comparison Over Years (2004-2014)

YearBell Elementary SchoolIllinoisChicago Public Schools Dist 299
20143%3%3%
20131%5%4%
201212%27%46%
20114%5%6%
20104%6%7%
20096%6%8%
20085%6%8%
20075%6%8%
20067%6%8%
20058%5%8%
20049%5%9%
Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON
Download Full School Data: Full School Dataset XML | Full School Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

School Statewide Testing
View Education Department Test Scores
School District Name
Chicago Public Schools Dist 299
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education

School Notes

  • School Mascot: Eagles
REQUEST FREE INFORMATION

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bell Elementary School's ranking?
Bell Elementary School is ranked #207 out of 3,542 schools, which ranks it among the top 10% of public schools in Illinois.
What schools are Bell Elementary School often compared to?
Bell Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Coonley Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
61% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 27% IL state average), while 55% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 30% IL state average).
How many students attend Bell Elementary School?
902 students attend Bell Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
56% of Bell Elementary School students are White, 17% of students are Hispanic, 13% of students are Two or more races, 12% of students are Asian, and 2% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Bell Elementary School?
Bell Elementary School has a student ration of 15:1, which is higher than the Illinois state average of 13:1.
What grades does Bell Elementary School offer ?
Bell Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-8
What school district is Bell Elementary School part of?
Bell Elementary School is part of Chicago Public Schools Dist 299.
In what neighborhood is Bell Elementary School located?
Bell Elementary School is located in the North Center neighborhood of Chicago, IL. There are 1 other public schools located in North Center.

School Reviews

Review Bell 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
Rate this school:

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 Facts (2026)

  • Grades: Kindergarten-8
  • Enrollment: 902 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 44%
  • : Top 10%
  • : 61% (Top 5%)
  • : 55% (Top 10%)
  • : 83% (Top 5%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education

Request Information

Most Popular Articles

10 Major Challenges Facing Public Schools
10 Major Challenges Facing Public Schools
 School Rankings by Category
School Rankings by Category
School Uniforms Debate in 2026: Evidence, Costs, Outcomes
School Uniforms Debate in 2026: Evidence, Costs, Outcomes
 Changing Demographics Will Alter the Diversity of Public Schools
Changing Demographics Will Alter the Diversity of Public Schools
 15 Failures of U.S. Public Education in 2025
15 Failures of U.S. Public Education in 2025

More Articles

Public School Jobs
Opinion
About Public Schools
Local School Topics
Parenting and Learning Issues

Quick Links

School Search Tools:
School by Type (IL):
Private & Boarding Schools:
State Links: