Serving 115 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Mcdowell Elementary School ranks in the bottom 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 30-39% (which is higher than the Illinois state average of 27%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 20-29% (which is lower than the Illinois state average of 30%).
The student:teacher ratio of 12:1 is lower than the Illinois state level of 13:1.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 115 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in IL
- Math Proficiency: 30-39% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 20-29% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: <50% (Top 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Mcdowell Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Illinois for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
Community Size
Student Attention
School Overview
Mcdowell Elementary School's student population of 115 students has declined by 25% over five school years.
The teacher population of 10 teachers has declined by 9% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
Total Students
115 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
10 teachers
School Rankings
Mcdowell 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 Mcdowell Elementary School is 0.06, 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
#1779 out of 3426 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(22-23)30-39%
27%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-29%
30%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
<50%
50%
Student : Teacher Ratio
12:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
n/a
6%
Hispanic
3%
28%
Black
97%
16%
White
n/a
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)
8%
5%
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 Mcdowell Elementary School's ranking?
Mcdowell Elementary School is ranked #1779 out of 3,426 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Illinois.
What schools are Mcdowell Elementary School often compared to?
Mcdowell Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Earhart Elementary Opt For Knowl School, Mcdade Elementary Classical School, Turner-drew Elementary Language Academy by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
30-39% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 27% IL state average), while 20-29% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 30% IL state average).
How many students attend Mcdowell Elementary School?
115 students attend Mcdowell Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
97% of Mcdowell Elementary School students are Black, and 3% of students are Hispanic.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Mcdowell Elementary School?
Mcdowell Elementary School has a student ration of 12:1, which is lower than the Illinois state average of 13:1.
What grades does Mcdowell Elementary School offer ?
Mcdowell Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5
What school district is Mcdowell Elementary School part of?
Mcdowell Elementary School is part of Chicago Public Schools Dist 299 School District.
In what neighborhood is Mcdowell Elementary School located?
Mcdowell Elementary School is located in the Calumet Heights neighborhood of Chicago, IL. There are 5 other public schools located in Calumet Heights.
School Reviews
Review Mcdowell 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

The Link Between Education and Incarceration: The NAACP Report
Education and the rate of incarceration have been linked in a recent NAACP report. Learn about the report and the troubling findings.

The Debate Over Mandatory AP Exams: Balancing Academic Rigor and Student Well-being
Some public schools are forcing students in AP courses to take the AP exam. Here's a look at both sides of the debate and the potential benefits in store for both students and high schools.

The 15 Biggest Failures of the American Public Education System
The world is in a constant state of change and those who fail to adjust fall behind. Unfortunately, the American public education system has not kept up with the times and is currently facing a number of serious problems. Keep reading to learn about the biggest failures affecting the modern U.S. public education system as well as some of the trends that could spark change.