Serving 301 students in grades Kindergarten-3, Taft Primary School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Illinois for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is ≤20% (which is lower than the Illinois state average of 28%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is ≤20% (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.
Minority enrollment is 82% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Illinois state average of 55% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: Kindergarten-3
- Enrollment: 301 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 82%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in IL
- Math Proficiency: ≤20% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: ≤20% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
School Overview
Taft Primary School's student population of 301 students has declined by 25% over five school years.
The teacher population of 22 teachers has grown by 10% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-3
Total Students
301 students

Gender %

Total Classroom Teachers
22 teachers

Students by Grade

School Rankings
Taft Primary School 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 Taft Primary School is 0.60, 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
#2001 out of 3426 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)

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

Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤20%
30%

Student : Teacher Ratio
14:1
13:1

American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
2%
6%

Hispanic
16%
28%

Black
59%
16%

White
18%
45%

Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
5%
4%

All Ethnic Groups



Eligible for Free Lunch
84%
43%

Eligible for Reduced Lunch (13-14)
1%
3%

School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Taft Primary School's ranking?
Taft Primary School is ranked #2001 out of 3,426 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?
≤20% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 28% IL state average), while ≤20% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 30% IL state average).
How many students attend Taft Primary School?
301 students attend Taft Primary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
59% of Taft Primary School students are Black, 18% of students are White, 16% of students are Hispanic, 5% of students are Two or more races, and 2% of students are Asian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Taft Primary School?
Taft Primary School has a student ration of 14:1, which is higher than the Illinois state average of 13:1.
What grades does Taft Primary School offer ?
Taft Primary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-3
What school district is Taft Primary School part of?
Taft Primary School is part of Kankakee SD 111 School District.
School Reviews
Review Taft Primary 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

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.