Serving 764 students in grades Prekindergarten-8, Cardenas 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 19% (which is lower than the Illinois state average of 27%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 23% (which is lower than the Illinois state average of 30%).
The student-teacher ratio of 14:1 is higher than the Illinois state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 96% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Illinois state average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 764 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 96%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in IL
- Math Proficiency: 19% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 23% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 35-39% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
School Overview
Cardenas Elementary School's student population of 764 students has declined by 24% over five school years.
The teacher population of 56 teachers has declined by 21% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
Total Students
764 students
Total Classroom Teachers
56 teachers
School Calendar
School Rankings
Cardenas 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 Cardenas Elementary School is 0.13, 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
#1989 out of 3542 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
19%
27%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
23%
30%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
35-39%
50%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
n/a
6%
Hispanic
93%
29%
Black
3%
16%
White
4%
45%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
n/a
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
78%
43%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (11-12)
44%
27%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cardenas Elementary School's ranking?
Cardenas Elementary School is ranked #1989 out of 3,542 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Illinois.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
19% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 27% IL state average), while 23% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 30% IL state average).
How many students attend Cardenas Elementary School?
764 students attend Cardenas Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
93% of Cardenas Elementary School students are Hispanic, 4% of students are White, and 3% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Cardenas Elementary School?
Cardenas Elementary School has a student ration of 14:1, which is higher than the Illinois state average of 13:1.
What grades does Cardenas Elementary School offer ?
Cardenas Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-8
What school district is Cardenas Elementary School part of?
Cardenas Elementary School is part of Chicago Public Schools Dist 299.
In what neighborhood is Cardenas Elementary School located?
Cardenas Elementary School is located in the South Lawndale neighborhood of Chicago, IL. There are 13 other public schools located in South Lawndale.
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