Helen C. Peirce School of International Studies first opened its doors in September 1915. The school was named in honor of Helen Caroline Peirce; the founding president of the Lake View Women's Club.
Serving 1,116 students in grades Prekindergarten-8, Peirce Elementary Intl Studies School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in Illinois for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 29% (which is higher than the Illinois state average of 27%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 31% (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 51% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Illinois state average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 1,116 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 51%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in IL
- Math Proficiency: 29% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 31% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 40-44% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Peirce Elementary Intl Studies School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Illinois for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
School Overview
Peirce Elementary Intl Studies School's student population of 1,116 students has grown by 8% over five school years.
The teacher population of 76 teachers has grown by 18% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
Total Students
1,116 students
Total Classroom Teachers
76 teachers
Year Founded
1915
School Calendar
Last Day of School
Sun. Jun 14, 2026
School Rankings
Peirce Elementary Intl Studies School ranks within the top 50% of all 3,542 schools in Illinois (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Peirce Elementary Intl Studies 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
#1340 out of 3542 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
29%
27%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
31%
30%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
50%
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
13:1
American Indian
1%
n/a
Asian
5%
6%
Hispanic
29%
29%
Black
7%
16%
White
49%
45%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
9%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
60%
43%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (13-14)
5%
3%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Peirce Elementary Intl Studies School's ranking?
Peirce Elementary Intl Studies School is ranked #1340 out of 3,542 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Illinois.
What schools are Peirce Elementary Intl Studies School often compared to?
Peirce Elementary Intl Studies Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Hayt Elementary School, Swift Elementary Specialty School, Chappell Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
29% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 27% IL state average), while 31% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 30% IL state average).
How many students attend Peirce Elementary Intl Studies School?
1,116 students attend Peirce Elementary Intl Studies School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
49% of Peirce Elementary Intl Studies School students are White, 29% of students are Hispanic, 9% of students are Two or more races, 7% of students are Black, 5% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Peirce Elementary Intl Studies School?
Peirce Elementary Intl Studies School has a student ration of 15:1, which is higher than the Illinois state average of 13:1.
What grades does Peirce Elementary Intl Studies School offer ?
Peirce Elementary Intl Studies School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-8
What school district is Peirce Elementary Intl Studies School part of?
Peirce Elementary Intl Studies School is part of Chicago Public Schools Dist 299.
In what neighborhood is Peirce Elementary Intl Studies School located?
Peirce Elementary Intl Studies School is located in the Andersonville neighborhood of Chicago, IL. There are 1 other public schools located in Andersonville.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
This is our first year and Pierce where we have a child in Kindergarten. We have been quite happy. We are involved in both the Parent Teach Organization and the Local School Council. We live out of the neighborhood and applied to be admitted to Peirce.
Our daughter looks forward to attending class daily and the teachers we have interacted with have been helpful and show a great deal of concern for the children.
The school has been enjoying increasing test scores year to year, and in our opinion, is focused on maintaining that upward trend.
We have another child entering pre-school at Peirce next year and we plan to remain involved. We expect to see continued community involvement and look forward to seeing new parents join as well as the continued involvement of many long term parents.
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