Best Public Schools in Zip Code 60609

The 60609 zip code of Chicago, Illinois is home to 27 schools, including 20 elementary schools, 1 middle school, 4 high schools, and 2 alternative schools. This area faces significant socioeconomic challenges, with high rates of poverty and low academic performance across many of the schools. However, the data also reveals standout schools that are able to overcome these obstacles and provide a high-quality education to their students.

Bronzeville Classical Elementary School is a standout, ranking 112th out of 2,077 Illinois elementary schools and earning a 5-star rating from SchoolDigger. It boasts exceptional test scores, with over 70% of students proficient or better in English Language Arts and math. In contrast, the average proficiency rates across the 60609 schools are just 15.6% in 3rd grade ELA and 14.6% in 3rd grade math, well below the state averages. Another high-performing school is Horizon Science Academy-McKinley Pk, a public charter school with strong test scores, a 90% graduation rate, and a low 0.7% dropout rate.

The data reveals concerning trends across many of the 60609 schools, including an average chronic absenteeism rate of 35.9% and a staggering 89.6% free and reduced lunch rate. Graduation rates vary widely, from a low of 57.6% at Tilden Career Communty Academy High School to a high of 94.1% at Back of The Yards IB High School. While the challenges are significant, the data also highlights the potential for schools in this area to make a meaningful difference, as demonstrated by the success of Bronzeville Classical Elementary and Horizon Science Academy-McKinley Pk.