Serving 337 students in grades Prekindergarten-8, Lara 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 4% (which is lower than the Illinois state average of 27%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 10-14% (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 99% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Illinois state average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2025)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 337 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1
- Minority Enrollment: 99%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in IL
- Math Proficiency: 4% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 10-14% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 30-34% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Lara Elementary Academy ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Illinois for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
Student Attention
School Overview
Lara Elementary Academy's student population of 337 students has declined by 17% over five school years.
The teacher population of 31 teachers has grown by 10% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
Total Students
337 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
31 teachers
School Motto
Lara Academy is a nurturing community that empowers students to face challenges.
School Mascot
Panthers
School Rankings
Lara 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 Lara Elementary Academy is 0.17, 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
#3170 out of 3542 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
4%
27%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
10-14%
30%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-34%
50%
Student-Teacher Ratio
11:1
13:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
n/a
6%
Hispanic
91%
28%
Black
6%
16%
White
1%
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)
43%
27%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Panthers
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lara Elementary Academy's ranking?
Lara Elementary Academy is ranked #3170 out of 3,542 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?
4% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 27% IL state average), while 10-14% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 30% IL state average).
How many students attend Lara Elementary Academy?
337 students attend Lara Elementary Academy.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
91% of Lara Elementary Academy students are Hispanic, 6% of students are Black, 1% of students are American Indian, 1% of students are White, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Lara Elementary Academy?
Lara Elementary Academy has a student ration of 11:1, which is lower than the Illinois state average of 13:1.
What grades does Lara Elementary Academy offer ?
Lara Elementary Academy offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-8
What school district is Lara Elementary Academy part of?
Lara Elementary Academy is part of Chicago 51±¬ÁÏs Dist 299 School District.
In what neighborhood is Lara Elementary Academy located?
Lara Elementary Academy is located in the Back of the Yards neighborhood of Chicago, IL. There are 14 other public schools located in Back of the Yards.
School Calendar
View the Lara Elementary Academy below. Note key dates such as:
Event
Date
Thanksgiving Break - No Classes
November 24, 2025 (Monday)
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