Serving 725 students in grades Prekindergarten-8, Columbia Explorers 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 16% (which is lower than the Illinois state average of 28%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 25% (which is lower than the Illinois state average of 30%).
The student:teacher ratio of 14:1 is higher than the Illinois state level of 13:1.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 725 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in IL
- Math Proficiency: 16% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 25% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 50-54% (Top 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Columbia Explorers Elementary Academy ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Illinois for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Columbia Explorers Elementary Academy's student population of 725 students has declined by 26% over five school years.
The teacher population of 51 teachers has declined by 7% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
Total Students
725 students

Gender %

Total Classroom Teachers
51 teachers

Students by Grade

School Rankings
Columbia Explorers Elementary Academy ranks within the bottom 50% of all 3,426 schools in Illinois (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Columbia Explorers Elementary Academy is 0.04, 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
#1982 out of 3426 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)

Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)16%
28%

Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
25%
30%

Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
50-54%
50%
Student : Teacher Ratio
14:1
13:1

American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
1%
6%
Hispanic
98%
28%

Black
1%
16%

White
n/a
45%

Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
n/a
4%
All Ethnic Groups



Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
43%

Eligible for Reduced Lunch (12-13)
5%
5%

School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Columbia Explorers Elementary Academy's ranking?
Columbia Explorers Elementary Academy is ranked #1982 out of 3,426 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Illinois.
What schools are Columbia Explorers Elementary Academy often compared to?
Columbia Explorers Elementary Academyis often viewed alongside schools like Sawyer Elementary School, Hernandez Middle School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
16% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 28% IL state average), while 25% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 30% IL state average).
How many students attend Columbia Explorers Elementary Academy?
725 students attend Columbia Explorers Elementary Academy.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
98% of Columbia Explorers Elementary Academy students are Hispanic, 1% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Columbia Explorers Elementary Academy?
Columbia Explorers Elementary Academy has a student ration of 14:1, which is higher than the Illinois state average of 13:1.
What grades does Columbia Explorers Elementary Academy offer ?
Columbia Explorers Elementary Academy offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-8
What school district is Columbia Explorers Elementary Academy part of?
Columbia Explorers Elementary Academy is part of Chicago Public Schools Dist 299 School District.
In what neighborhood is Columbia Explorers Elementary Academy located?
Columbia Explorers Elementary Academy is located in the Brighton Park neighborhood of Chicago, IL. There are 13 other public schools located in Brighton Park.
School Calendar
View the Columbia Explorers Elementary Academy yearly calendar below. Note key dates such as:
Event
Date
Spring Break-School Closed
March 24, 2025 (Monday)
First Day of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
May 01, 2025 (Thursday)
Memorial Day-School Closed
May 26, 2025 (Monday)
Last Day of School
June 12, 2025 (Thursday)
School Reviews
Review Columbia Explorers Elementary Academy. 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

What Is A Charter School?
Explore the world of charter schools in this comprehensive guide. Learn about their history, how they operate, and the pros and cons of this educational innovation. Discover key facts about charter schools, including admission policies, demographics, and funding, as well as what to look for when considering a charter school for your child.

10 Reasons Why High School Sports Benefit Students
Discover the 10 compelling reasons why high school sports are beneficial for students. This comprehensive article explores how athletics enhance academic performance, foster personal growth, and develop crucial life skills. From improved fitness and time management to leadership development and community representation, learn why participating in high school sports can be a game-changer for students' overall success and well-being.

February 05, 2025
Understanding the U.S. Department of Education: Structure, Impact, and EvolutionWe explore how the Department of Education shapes American education, from its cabinet-level leadership to its impact on millions of students, written for general audiences seeking clarity on this vital institution.