Serving 550 students in grades Prekindergarten-8, Powell Elementary Paideia Comm 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 5% (which is lower than the Illinois state average of 27%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 7% (which is lower than the Illinois state average of 30%).
The student-teacher ratio of 16:1 is higher than the Illinois state level of 13:1.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 550 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in IL
- Math Proficiency: 5% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 7% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 10-14% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
School Overview
Powell Elementary Paideia Comm Academy's student population of 550 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 34 teachers has grown by 41% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
Total Students
550 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
34 teachers
Year Founded
1975
School Calendar
Last Day of School
Fri. Jun 12, 2026
School Motto
Committed to Academic Excellence
School Rankings
Powell Elementary Paideia Comm 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 Powell Elementary Paideia Comm Academy is 0.10, 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
#3310 out of 3542 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
5%
27%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
7%
30%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
10-14%
50%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
n/a
6%
Hispanic
4%
28%
Black
95%
17%
White
n/a
45%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
1%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
98%
43%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (11-12)
41%
27%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Panther
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Powell Elementary Paideia Comm Academy's ranking?
Powell Elementary Paideia Comm Academy is ranked #3310 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?
5% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 27% IL state average), while 7% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 30% IL state average).
How many students attend Powell Elementary Paideia Comm Academy?
550 students attend Powell Elementary Paideia Comm Academy.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
95% of Powell Elementary Paideia Comm Academy students are Black, 4% of students are Hispanic, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Powell Elementary Paideia Comm Academy?
Powell Elementary Paideia Comm Academy has a student ration of 16:1, which is higher than the Illinois state average of 13:1.
What grades does Powell Elementary Paideia Comm Academy offer ?
Powell Elementary Paideia Comm Academy offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-8
What school district is Powell Elementary Paideia Comm Academy part of?
Powell Elementary Paideia Comm Academy is part of Chicago Public Schools District 299.
In what neighborhood is Powell Elementary Paideia Comm Academy located?
Powell Elementary Paideia Comm Academy is located in the South Shore neighborhood of Chicago, IL. There are 7 other public schools located in South Shore.
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