For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public schools serving 3,151 students in Harwood Heights, IL (there are , serving 281 private students). 92% of all K-12 students in Harwood Heights, IL are educated in public schools (compared to the IL state average of 88%).
The top-ranked public schools in Harwood Heights, IL are Union Ridge Elementary School, J Giles Elementary School and J Leigh Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Harwood Heights, IL public schools have an average math proficiency score of 28% (versus the Illinois public school average of 27%), and reading proficiency score of 46% (versus the 30% statewide average). Schools in Harwood Heights have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of Illinois public schools.
Minority enrollment is 34% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Illinois public school average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Harwood Heights, IL (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Union Ridge Elementary School
(Math: 36% | Reading: 53%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
4600 N Oak Park Ave
Harwood Heights, IL 60706
(708) 867-5822
Harwood Heights, IL 60706
(708) 867-5822
Gr: PK-8 | 647 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 36%
Rank: #22.
J Giles Elementary School
(Math: 25% | Reading: 55%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
4251 N Oriole Ave
Harwood Heights, IL 60706
(708) 453-4847
Harwood Heights, IL 60706
(708) 453-4847
Gr: 5-8 | 504 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 28%
Rank: #33.
J Leigh Elementary School
(Math: 34% | Reading: 40%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
8151 W Lawrence Ave
Harwood Heights, IL 60706
(708) 583-2068
Harwood Heights, IL 60706
(708) 583-2068
Gr: PK-4 | 622 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 31%
Rank: #44.
Pennoyer Elementary School
(Math: 24% | Reading: 37%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
5200 N Cumberland Ave
Harwood Heights, IL 60706
(708) 456-9094
Harwood Heights, IL 60706
(708) 456-9094
Gr: PK-8 | 435 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 30%
Rank: #55.
Ridgewood Comm High School
(Math: 22% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
7500 W Montrose Ave
Harwood Heights, IL 60706
(708) 456-4242
Harwood Heights, IL 60706
(708) 456-4242
Gr: 9-12 | 943 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 39%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Harwood Heights, IL?
The top-ranked public schools in Harwood Heights, IL include Union Ridge Elementary School, J Giles Elementary School and J Leigh Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Harwood Heights?
5 public schools are located in Harwood Heights.
What percentage of students in Harwood Heights go to public school?
92% of all K-12 students in Harwood Heights are educated in public schools (compared to the IL state average of 88%).
What is the racial composition of students in Harwood Heights?
Harwood Heights public schools minority enrollment is 34% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Illinois public schools average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Harwood Heights are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Harwood Heights include: Union Ridge Elementary School vs. Pennoyer Elementary School, Pennoyer Elementary School vs. Union Ridge Elementary School, J Leigh Elementary School vs. Pennoyer Elementary School
Recent Articles
Year-Round Schooling in 2026: Updated Parent Guide
Explore the latest 2026 data, trends, costs, and parent planning tips in the ongoing debate over year-round schooling vs the traditional calendar.
No Child Left Behind: Past, Present, and Future of U.S. School Policy
Explore how No Child Left Behind evolved into ESSA, what it means for 2025‑26 schooling, and what parents need to know about testing, admissions planning, and funding.
Understanding Public School Fees & Optional Costs Guide
Discover what public school fees are required versus optional, with 2026 updates for parents, students, and educators on budgeting and planning.
