Serving 378 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Walt Whitman Elementary School 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 6-9% (which is lower than the Illinois state average of 27%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 6-9% (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 87% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Illinois state average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 378 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1
- Minority Enrollment: 87%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in IL
- Math Proficiency: 6-9% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 6-9% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 30-34% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Walt Whitman Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Illinois for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Walt Whitman Elementary School's student population of 378 students has declined by 15% over five school years.
The teacher population of 33 teachers has grown by 10% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
Total Students
378 students
Total Classroom Teachers
33 teachers
Year Founded
1925
School Motto
Be a Bulldog!
School Rankings
Walt Whitman Elementary School 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 Walt Whitman Elementary School is 0.41, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.69. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#3087 out of 3542 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
6-9%
27%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
6-9%
30%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-34%
50%
Student-Teacher Ratio
11:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
4%
6%
Hispanic
76%
29%
Black
4%
16%
White
13%
45%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
3%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
43%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
16%
4%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Wheeling CCSD 21 School District
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Walt Whitman Elementary School's ranking?
Walt Whitman Elementary School is ranked #3087 out of 3,542 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Illinois.
What schools are Walt Whitman Elementary School often compared to?
Walt Whitman Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Mark Twain Elementary School, Nathaniel Hawthorne Ec School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
6-9% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 27% IL state average), while 6-9% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 30% IL state average).
How many students attend Walt Whitman Elementary School?
378 students attend Walt Whitman Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
76% of Walt Whitman Elementary School students are Hispanic, 13% of students are White, 4% of students are Asian, 4% of students are Black, and 3% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Walt Whitman Elementary School?
Walt Whitman Elementary School has a student ration of 11:1, which is lower than the Illinois state average of 13:1.
What grades does Walt Whitman Elementary School offer ?
Walt Whitman Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5
What school district is Walt Whitman Elementary School part of?
Walt Whitman Elementary School is part of Wheeling CCSD 21 School District.
School Reviews
Review Walt Whitman 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
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.
