Serving 524 students in grades Prekindergarten-8, Zapata Elementary Academy 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 20% (which is lower than the Illinois state average of 27%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 26% (which is lower than the Illinois state average of 30%).
The student-teacher ratio of 11:1 is lower than the Illinois state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 98% 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: 524 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1
- Minority Enrollment: 98%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in IL
- Math Proficiency: 20% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 26% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 40-44% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Zapata Elementary Academy ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Illinois for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Zapata Elementary Academy's student population of 524 students has declined by 17% over five school years.
The teacher population of 46 teachers has declined by 6% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
Total Students
524 students
Total Classroom Teachers
46 teachers
School Motto
Today we will succeed by using our brains, paying attention, making good choices, solving tough problems, helping others, never giving up, trying new things because we are intelligent and valuable.
School Rankings
Zapata Elementary Academy 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 Zapata Elementary Academy is 0.06, 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
#1880 out of 3542 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
20%
27%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
26%
30%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
50%
Student-Teacher Ratio
11:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
n/a
6%
Hispanic
97%
29%
Black
1%
16%
White
2%
45%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
n/a
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
43%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (12-13)
3%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zapata Elementary Academy's ranking?
Zapata Elementary Academy is ranked #1880 out of 3,542 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Illinois.
What schools are Zapata Elementary Academy often compared to?
Zapata Elementary Academyis often viewed alongside schools like Corkery Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
20% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 27% IL state average), while 26% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 30% IL state average).
How many students attend Zapata Elementary Academy?
524 students attend Zapata Elementary Academy.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
97% of Zapata Elementary Academy students are Hispanic, 2% of students are White, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Zapata Elementary Academy?
Zapata Elementary Academy has a student ration of 11:1, which is lower than the Illinois state average of 13:1.
What grades does Zapata Elementary Academy offer ?
Zapata Elementary Academy offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-8
What school district is Zapata Elementary Academy part of?
Zapata Elementary Academy is part of Chicago Public Schools Dist 299.
In what neighborhood is Zapata Elementary Academy located?
Zapata Elementary Academy is located in the South Lawndale neighborhood of Chicago, IL. There are 13 other public schools located in South Lawndale.
School Reviews
Review Zapata Elementary Academy. 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
Recent Articles
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
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
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.
