For the 2026 school year, there are 11 public middle schools serving 5,017 students in the neighborhood of South Side, Chicago, IL.
The top-ranked public middle schools in South Side are Lenart Elementary Regional Gifted Center, Dixon Elementary School and Burnside Elementary Scholastic Academy. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
The neighborhood of South Side, Chicago, IL public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 12% (versus the Illinois public middle school average of 24%), and reading proficiency score of 15% (versus the 29% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 95% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Illinois public middle school average of 61% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Middle Schools in the neighborhood of South Side, Chicago, IL (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Lenart Elementary Regional Gifted Center
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
8101 S La Salle St
Chicago, IL 60620
(773) 535-0040
Chicago, IL 60620
(773) 535-0040
Gr: PK-8 | 300 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 87%
Rank: #22.
Dixon Elementary School
(Math: 14% | Reading: 25%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
8306 S Saint Lawrence Ave
Chicago, IL 60619
(773) 535-3834
Chicago, IL 60619
(773) 535-3834
Gr: PK-8 | 412 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #33.
Burnside Elementary Scholastic Academy
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
650 E 91st Pl
Chicago, IL 60619
(773) 535-3300
Chicago, IL 60619
(773) 535-3300
Gr: PK-8 | 264 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1
Rank: #44.
Clissold Elementary School
(Math: 10% | Reading: 17%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
2350 W 110th Pl
Chicago, IL 60643
(773) 535-2560
Chicago, IL 60643
(773) 535-2560
Gr: PK-8 | 508 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 84%
Rank: #5 - 65. - 6.
Esmond Elementary School
(Math: ≤5% | Reading: 6-9%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1865 W Montvale Ave
Chicago, IL 60643
(773) 535-2650
Chicago, IL 60643
(773) 535-2650
Gr: PK-8 | 221 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1
Rank: #5 - 65. - 6.
Neil Elementary School
(Math: ≤5% | Reading: 6-9%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
8555 S Michigan Ave
Chicago, IL 60619
(773) 535-3000
Chicago, IL 60619
(773) 535-3000
Gr: PK-8 | 258 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1
Rank: #77.
Morgan Park High School
(Math: 3% | Reading: 9%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1744 W Pryor Ave
Chicago, IL 60643
(773) 535-2550
Chicago, IL 60643
(773) 535-2550
Gr: 7-12 | 1,349 student Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #88.
Perspectives Chtr - Leadership Ac
Charter School
(Math: 2% | Reading: 9%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
8522 S Lafayette Ave
Chicago, IL 60620
(773) 358-6100
Chicago, IL 60620
(773) 358-6100
Gr: 6-12 | 838 students
Rank: #99.
Westcott Elementary School
(Math: 2% | Reading: 8%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
409 W 80th St
Chicago, IL 60620
(773) 535-3090
Chicago, IL 60620
(773) 535-3090
Gr: PK-8 | 387 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1
Rank: #1010.
Shoop Math-sci Tech Elementary Academy
(Math: 4% | Reading: 7%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
11140 S Bishop St
Chicago, IL 60643
(773) 535-2715
Chicago, IL 60643
(773) 535-2715
Gr: PK-8 | 515 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #1111.
Bass Elementary School
(Math: ≤5% | Reading: 4%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1140 W 66th St
Chicago, IL 60621
(773) 535-3275
Chicago, IL 60621
(773) 535-3275
Gr: PK-8 | 313 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public middle schools in the neighborhood of South Side, Chicago, IL?
The top-ranked public middle schools in the neighborhood of South Side, Chicago, IL include Lenart Elementary Regional Gifted Center, Dixon Elementary School and Burnside Elementary Scholastic Academy.
How many public middle schools are located in the neighborhood of South Side, Chicago?
11 public middle schools are located in the neighborhood of South Side, Chicago.
What is the racial composition of students in the neighborhood of South Side, Chicago?
the neighborhood of South Side, Chicago public middle schools minority enrollment is 95% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Illinois public middle schools average of 61% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.