Serving 480 students in grades Prekindergarten-8, The Joseph Sears School ranks in the top 1% of all schools in Illinois for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 1%, and reading proficiency is top 1%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 77% (which is higher than the Illinois state average of 28%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 70% (which is higher than the Illinois state average of 30%).
The student:teacher ratio of 9:1 is lower than the Illinois state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 17% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Asian), which is lower than the Illinois state average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 480 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 9:1
- Minority Enrollment: 17%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 1% in IL
- Math Proficiency: 77% (Top 1%)
- Reading Proficiency: 70% (Top 5%)
- Science Proficiency: 85-89% (Top 1%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
The Joseph Sears School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Illinois for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
Student Attention
School Overview
The Joseph Sears School's student population of 480 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 53 teachers has declined by 7% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
Total Students
480 students

Gender %

Total Classroom Teachers
53 teachers

Students by Grade

School Rankings
The Joseph Sears School ranks within the top 1% of all 3,426 schools in Illinois (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of The Joseph Sears School is 0.31, 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
#31 out of 3426 schools
(Top 1%)
(Top 1%)

Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)77%
28%

Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
70%
30%

Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
85-89%
50%
Student : Teacher Ratio
9:1
13:1

American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
5%
6%

Hispanic
5%
28%

Black
1%
16%

White
83%
45%

Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
6%
4%

All Ethnic Groups



School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
Profile last updated:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Joseph Sears School's ranking?
The Joseph Sears School is ranked #31 out of 3,426 schools, which ranks it among the top 1% of public schools in Illinois.
What schools are The Joseph Sears School often compared to?
The Joseph Sears Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Orrington Elementary School, Oakton Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
77% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 28% IL state average), while 70% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 30% IL state average).
How many students attend The Joseph Sears School?
480 students attend The Joseph Sears School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
83% of The Joseph Sears School students are White, 6% of students are Two or more races, 5% of students are Asian, 5% of students are Hispanic, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student:teacher ratio of The Joseph Sears School?
The Joseph Sears School has a student ration of 9:1, which is lower than the Illinois state average of 13:1.
What grades does The Joseph Sears School offer ?
The Joseph Sears School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-8
What school district is The Joseph Sears School part of?
The Joseph Sears School is part of Kenilworth SD 38 School District.
School Reviews
Review The Joseph Sears 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

Understanding the U.S. Department of Education: Structure, Impact, and Evolution
We 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.

Segregation in K-12 Education: Colonial Era
Explore the origins of educational segregation during the colonial era and the differential treatment of Native American, African American, and white students. This article delves into the historical context, policies, and societal attitudes that shaped early education in colonial America, highlighting the disparities and injustices that persisted within the schooling systems of that time.

December 16, 2024
Personalized Learning: Revolutionizing Education for the 21st CenturyExplore the revolutionary approach of Personalized Learning in K-12 education. This article discusses the benefits, challenges, and potential of tailoring education to individual student needs, incorporating technology and adaptive learning methods to prepare students for the 21st century.