Serving 325 students in grades Prekindergarten-8, Cather 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 ≤10% (which is lower than the Illinois state average of 28%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 6% (which is lower than the Illinois state average of 30%).
The student:teacher ratio of 10:1 is lower than the Illinois state level of 13:1.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 325 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 10:1
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in IL
- Math Proficiency: ≤10% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 6% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 15-19% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Cather Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Illinois for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Cather Elementary School's student population of 325 students has declined by 11% over five school years.
The teacher population of 32 teachers has grown by 39% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
Total Students
325 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
32 teachers
School Rankings
Cather Elementary School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 3,426 schools in Illinois (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Cather Elementary School is 0.10, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.70. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#2988 out of 3426 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)≤10%
28%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
6%
30%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
15-19%
50%
Student : Teacher Ratio
10:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
n/a
6%
Hispanic
4%
28%
Black
95%
16%
White
n/a
45%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
1%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
43%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (11-12)
31%
27%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cather Elementary School's ranking?
Cather Elementary School is ranked #2988 out of 3,426 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?
≤10% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 28% IL state average), while 6% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 30% IL state average).
How many students attend Cather Elementary School?
325 students attend Cather Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
95% of Cather Elementary School students are Black, 4% of students are Hispanic, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Cather Elementary School?
Cather Elementary School has a student ration of 10:1, which is lower than the Illinois state average of 13:1.
What grades does Cather Elementary School offer ?
Cather Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-8
What school district is Cather Elementary School part of?
Cather Elementary School is part of Chicago Public Schools Dist 299 School District.
In what neighborhood is Cather Elementary School located?
Cather Elementary School is located in the Garfield Park neighborhood of Chicago, IL. There are 20 other public schools located in Garfield Park.
School Calendar
View the Cather Elementary School below.
School Reviews
Review Cather 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
Recent Articles
Parents’ Guide to Special Education
Special education law is not easy to decipher, with several regulations that govern special education services for disabled students. In this article, learn about the core components of the laws, rights, and individual education plans that can help create the best public school environment for your child.
Surveillance Cameras: Violation of Rights or Improved Security?
A school district in Virginia has given the green light to schools that want to install surveillance cameras in common areas like cafeterias and hallways. We’ll look at whether this is a violation of student privacy or the best way to keep order in schools.
Teachers in 19 States Allowed to Physically Punish Students
As of 2014, nineteen states still allow corporal punishment – spanking and paddling the most common choices – in their public schools. However, some argue that not only are these punishments physically harmful, they also are disproportionately administered to students of color. As a result, House democrats have taken up the issue in a new bill that would ban all forms of corporal punishment nationwide.
