El Sierra Elementary School

Summary:

El Sierra Elementary School is a public elementary school in Downers Grove, Illinois, serving 287 students in grades PK-6. The school is part of the Downers Grove GSD 58 district, which is ranked 95 out of 813 districts in Illinois and has a 4-star rating.

While El Sierra Elementary School has shown mixed academic performance, with proficiency rates in English Language Arts (43.1%) and Mathematics (40.1%) lower than the district and state averages, its performance on the Illinois Science Assessment (ISA) is stronger, with 72.2% of students proficient or better. The school's student subgroup performance varies, with Hispanic and Special Education students performing better than the state averages, but Low Socioeconomic Status (SES) students significantly underperforming. Additionally, the school has seen a steady increase in chronic absenteeism, reaching 17.9% in 2023-2024.

Compared to nearby Hillcrest, Kingsley, and Fairmount Elementary Schools, which are also part of the Downers Grove GSD 58 district, El Sierra's academic performance is generally lower. However, it outperforms some nearby schools outside the district, such as Prairieview Elementary and Maercker Elementary. The high chronic absenteeism rate and low performance of Low SES students suggest that socioeconomic factors may be playing a significant role in El Sierra's overall academic outcomes.


Detail:

Public PK, KG-6

 6835 Fairmount Ave
       Downers Grove, IL  60516-3633


(630) 719-5825

District: Downers Grove GSD 58

SchoolDigger Rank:
583rd of 2,067 Illinois Elementary Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $17,101 Help


Students who attend El Sierra Elementary School usually attend:

Middle:    O Neill Middle School
High:    Community H S District 99 - South High School

Student/teacher ratio:  11.8 Help
Number of students:  287

Racial breakdown:

White:
59.6%
Hispanic:
21.6%
Asian:
6.6%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  31.4% Help


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 Compare El Sierra Elementary School to nearby elementary schools!

Performance Trends
Help
Compare Details El Sierra Elementary School ranks better than 71.8% of elementary schools in Illinois. It also ranks last among 11 ranked elementary schools in the Downers Grove GSD 58 School District. (See more...)
Help
Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 68.35. (See more...)
Help
Chronic absenteeism in a high school refers to a situation where students repeatedly miss school, with the threshold often defined as missing 10% or more of school days for any reason, excused or unexcused.
Student Body
Help
Compare Details El Sierra Elementary School has the largest elementary school student body size in the Downers Grove GSD 58 School District.  (See more...)
Finance
Help
Compare Details The average total spent per student at El Sierra Elementary School is $17,101, which is the 5th highest among 11 elementary schools in the Downers Grove GSD 58 School District.
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

El Sierra Elementary School:

SchoolDigger ranks El Sierra Elementary School 583rd of 2067 Illinois public elementary schools. (See El Sierra Elementary School in the ranking list.)

Elementary School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Special Education students:
Low Socio Economic Status students:
Female students:
Disabled students:
Male students:
White students:


Downers Grove GSD 58:

SchoolDigger ranks Downers Grove GSD 58 95th of 813 Illinois school districts. (See district ranking list.)


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Your rating for El Sierra Elementary School?

Rank History for El Sierra Elementary School

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Compare

Rank History for all students at El Sierra Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools IL State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2003 81.94 285th 2020 85.9%
2004 78.08 401st 2030 80.2%
2005 68.59 726th 2022 64.1%
2006 83.45 157th 2086 92.5%
2007 84.37 123rd 2095 94.1%
2008 70.63 699th 2092 66.6%
2009 76.63 491st 2120 76.8%
2010 71.68 676th 2139 68.4%
2011 79.36 384th 2147 82.1%
2012 75.10 544th 2166 74.9%
2013 70.04 662nd 2167 69.5%
2014 71.70 590th 2093 71.8%
2015 26.98 1506th 2052 26.6%
2016 29.25 1448th 2046 29.2%
2017 30.97 1386th 2044 32.2%
2018 57.08 816th 2037 59.9%
2019 57.33 836th 2086 59.9%
2021 75.72 408th 1948 79.1%
2022 73.21 517th 2082 75.2%
2023 69.39 576th 2077 72.3%
2024 68.35 583rd 2067 71.8%
See the entire list of Illinois Elementary School Rankings!

Rank History for Special Education students at El Sierra Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools IL State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 49.21 477th 1194 60.1%
2024 56.29 408th 1195 65.9%
See the entire list of Best Illinois Elementary Schools for Special Education Students!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at El Sierra Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools IL State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 65.82 425th 1765 75.9%
2021 44.37 755th 1514 50.1%
2022 61.77 502nd 1763 71.5%
2023 49.72 822nd 1808 54.5%
2024 16.46 1703rd 1793 5.0%
See the entire list of Best Illinois Elementary Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at El Sierra Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools IL State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 67.91 573rd 1964 70.8%
2019 61.42 715th 2019 64.6%
2021 68.42 449th 1680 73.3%
2022 83.94 270th 1970 86.3%
2023 69.33 518th 1957 73.5%
2024 67.28 553rd 1942 71.5%
See the entire list of Best Illinois Elementary Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Disabled students at El Sierra Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools IL State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2024 74.83 107th 886 87.9%
See the entire list of Best Illinois Elementary Schools for Disabled Students!

Rank History for Male students at El Sierra Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools IL State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 50.81 878th 1972 55.5%
2019 51.70 882nd 2019 56.3%
2021 69.84 429th 1707 74.9%
2022 58.04 728th 1977 63.2%
2023 65.00 582nd 1984 70.7%
2024 64.21 602nd 1959 69.3%
See the entire list of Best Illinois Elementary Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for Hispanic students at El Sierra Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools IL State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 25.30 771st 938 17.8%
2021 71.91 106th 742 85.7%
See the entire list of Best Illinois Elementary Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for White students at El Sierra Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools IL State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 57.76 581st 1463 60.3%
2019 58.30 590th 1462 59.6%
2021 74.36 247th 1308 81.1%
2022 63.57 462nd 1425 67.6%
2023 61.65 498th 1419 64.9%
2024 57.94 561st 1392 59.7%
See the entire list of Best Illinois Elementary Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: Illinois State Board of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

As you review the school rankings data, please be aware that some of the information from certain demographics is missing. The reason for this omission is that the data has been redacted from the source data itself due to low population samples in these specific demographic groups.

Redacting data from low population samples is a necessary step to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results, as small sample sizes may not be representative of the broader population. Additionally, this measure helps protect the privacy of individuals belonging to these demographic groups.

El Sierra Elementary School Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    
  
Subgroup: 







Data source: Illinois State Board of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 4.5)
50%

50%

0%

0%

0%

  

Reviews:
by a parent
Wednesday, March 8, 2017

Open Quote Great principal--engaged teachers. We moved in district for fifth grade and fell in love with the place Close Quote


by a parent
Saturday, December 10, 2016

Open Quote Wonderful staff and a super creative learning environment. Close Quote



Enrollment information for El Sierra Elementary School

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Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1988 319 24 41 5 n/a n/a n/a 0 389
1989 301 34 43 8 3 n/a n/a 0 389
1990 281 40 36 10 1 n/a n/a 0 368
1991 268 27 46 8 0 n/a n/a 0 349
1992 295 23 24 21 1 n/a n/a 0 364
1993 302 23 24 22 0 n/a n/a 0 371
1994 286 16 27 24 6 n/a n/a 0 359
1995 306 29 29 18 4 n/a n/a 0 386
1996 306 29 29 18 4 n/a n/a 0 386
1997 295 44 29 24 2 n/a n/a 0 394
1998 272 6 13 10 3 n/a n/a 0 304
1999 258 8 14 16 0 n/a n/a 0 296
2000 264 11 18 16 0 n/a n/a 0 309
2001 276 10 16 13 0 n/a n/a 0 315
2002 241 15 14 24 0 n/a n/a 0 294
2003 241 15 14 24 0 n/a n/a 0 294
2004 223 13 23 28 1 n/a n/a 0 288
2005 225 38 19 29 0 n/a n/a 3 314
2006 216 25 17 38 0 n/a n/a 6 302
2007 206 28 13 41 0 n/a n/a 11 299
2008 224 23 12 0 45 n/a n/a 10 314
2009 218 26 9 48 0 n/a n/a 10 311
2010 205 21 9 47 0 n/a n/a 15 297
2011 209 23 9 57 0 0 9 0 307
2012 201 22 9 67 0 0 8 0 307
2013 195 24 16 63 0 0 9 0 307
2014 201 27 16 61 0 0 10 0 315
2015 199 20 17 90 0 0 13 0 339
2016 170 18 17 63 0 0 13 0 281
2017 161 20 16 58 0 0 13 0 268
2018 142 27 14 51 1 0 12 0 247
2019 134 19 15 35 1 0 9 0 213
2020 146 21 18 32 1 0 10 0 228
2021 156 20 14 59 1 0 12 0 262
2022 162 19 22 58 1 0 12 0 274
2023 171 18 19 62 1 0 16 0 287

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at El Sierra Elementary School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 389 17.0 22.8 n/a
1989 389 15.0 25.9 n/a
1990 368 16.0 23.0 n/a
1991 349 16.0 21.8 n/a
1992 364 17.0 21.4 n/a
1993 371 18.0 20.6 n/a
1994 359 17.2 20.9 n/a
1995 386 17.0 22.7 n/a
1996 386 17.0 22.7 n/a
1997 394 18.8 21.0 n/a
1998 304 15.8 19.2 n/a
1999 296 14.8 20.0 n/a
2000 309 15.0 20.6 n/a
2001 315 15.5 20.3 n/a
2002 294 14.6 20.1 0
2003 294 14.6 20.1 0
2004 288 13.6 21.2 0
2005 314 16.6 18.9 0
2006 302 16.5 18.3 0
2007 299 16.0 18.7 0
2008 314 13.0 24.2 0
2009 311 14.8 21.0 0
2010 297 12.7 23.3 0
2011 307 13.7 22.4 0
2012 307 14.7 20.8 22.1
2013 307 19.8 15.4 17.9
2014 315 16.0 19.6 31.1
2015 339 17.0 19.9 28.6
2016 281 16.0 17.5 23.5
2017 268 16.2 16.5 31.7
2018 247 14.0 17.6 25.5
2019 213 15.0 14.2 14.6
2020 228 15.8 14.4 22.4
2021 262 n/a n/a n/a
2022 274 19.8 13.8 31.4
2023 287 24.2 11.8 n/a

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio El Sierra Elementary School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 389 17.0 22.8 n/a
1989 389 15.0 25.9 n/a
1990 368 16.0 23.0 n/a
1991 349 16.0 21.8 n/a
1992 364 17.0 21.4 n/a
1993 371 18.0 20.6 n/a
1994 359 17.2 20.9 n/a
1995 386 17.0 22.7 n/a
1996 386 17.0 22.7 n/a
1997 394 18.8 21.0 n/a
1998 304 15.8 19.2 n/a
1999 296 14.8 20.0 n/a
2000 309 15.0 20.6 n/a
2001 315 15.5 20.3 n/a
2002 294 14.6 20.1 0
2003 294 14.6 20.1 0
2004 288 13.6 21.2 0
2005 314 16.6 18.9 0
2006 302 16.5 18.3 0
2007 299 16.0 18.7 0
2008 314 13.0 24.2 0
2009 311 14.8 21.0 0
2010 297 12.7 23.3 0
2011 307 13.7 22.4 0
2012 307 14.7 20.8 22.1
2013 307 19.8 15.4 17.9
2014 315 16.0 19.6 31.1
2015 339 17.0 19.9 28.6
2016 281 16.0 17.5 23.5
2017 268 16.2 16.5 31.7
2018 247 14.0 17.6 25.5
2019 213 15.0 14.2 14.6
2020 228 15.8 14.4 22.4
2021 262 n/a n/a n/a
2022 274 19.8 13.8 31.4
2023 287 24.2 11.8 n/a

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.

Immunization Rates

El Sierra Elementary School

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Compare
YearPolioMeaslesMumpsRubellaHepatitis BVaricellaDTPPneumococcal Meningococcal
201598.6%98.4%98.4%98.4%19.6%98.9%98.6%4.4%
201698.0%98.4%98.4%98.4%20.7%98.4%82.6%5.3%14.8%
201797.9%98.6%98.6%98.6%22.4%98.3%97.9%4.8%16.9%
201898.9%99.3%99.3%99.3%21.0%98.9%98.5%5.6%14.6%
201998.2%98.6%98.6%98.6%23.6%97.7%98.2%7.4%15.3%
202198.2%98.5%98.5%98.5%98.2%98.2%98.2%4.4%15.2%
202298.5%98.2%98.2%98.2%14.8%97.8%98.2%4.8%10.3%
202398.7%98.7%98.7%98.7%35.1%98.7%98.7%5.8%13.2%
202498.4%98.4%98.4%98.4%12.2%98.1%98.4%4.4%6.9%

Data source: Illinois State Board of Education
Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for El Sierra Elementary School

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YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019 $528 (3.5%) $14,701 (96.5%) $15,229
2020 $463 (3.0%) $14,849 (97.0%) $15,312
2021 $616 (4.0%) $14,771 (96.0%) $15,387
2022 $616 (4.0%) $14,771 (96.0%) $15,387
2023 $1,175 (6.3%) $17,576 (93.7%) $18,751
2024 $1,015 (5.9%) $16,086 (94.1%) $17,101

Data source: Illinois Department of Education
Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on El Sierra Elementary School

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Rank
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Ranks 836th of 2086 Elementary schoolsRanks 576th of 2077 Elementary schools
 12.3%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
3rd Grade English Language Arts (El Sierra Elementary School)3033.3
 3.3%
   3rd Grade English Language Arts (Downers Grove GSD 58)44.554
 9.5%
   3rd Grade English Language Arts (Illinois)36.428.8
 7.6%
3rd Grade Mathematics (El Sierra Elementary School)33.430.3
 3.1%
   3rd Grade Mathematics (Downers Grove GSD 58)55.364.1
 8.8%
   3rd Grade Mathematics (Illinois)40.633
 7.6%
4th Grade English Language Arts (El Sierra Elementary School)52.552.7
 0.2%
   4th Grade English Language Arts (Downers Grove GSD 58)5661.6
 5.6%
   4th Grade English Language Arts (Illinois)36.735.4
 1.3%
4th Grade Mathematics (El Sierra Elementary School)4550
 5%
   4th Grade Mathematics (Downers Grove GSD 58)46.760.1
 13.4%
   4th Grade Mathematics (Illinois)33.527.7
 5.8%
5th Grade English Language Arts (El Sierra Elementary School)21.439.1
 17.7%
   5th Grade English Language Arts (Downers Grove GSD 58)56.353.4
 2.9%
   5th Grade English Language Arts (Illinois)37.935.2
 2.7%
5th Grade Mathematics (El Sierra Elementary School)2547.8
 22.8%
   5th Grade Mathematics (Downers Grove GSD 58)46.753.9
 7.2%
   5th Grade Mathematics (Illinois)29.825.6
 4.2%
5th Grade Science (El Sierra Elementary School)53.856.5
 2.7%
   5th Grade Science (Downers Grove GSD 58)71.677
 5.4%
   5th Grade Science (Illinois)54.452.4
 2%
6th Grade English Language Arts (El Sierra Elementary School)41.640.5
 1.1%
   6th Grade English Language Arts (Downers Grove GSD 58)55.256.6
 1.4%
   6th Grade English Language Arts (Illinois)3534.2
 0.8%
6th Grade Mathematics (El Sierra Elementary School)47.124.3
 22.8%
   6th Grade Mathematics (Downers Grove GSD 58)48.852.5
 3.7%
   6th Grade Mathematics (Illinois)25.323.4
 1.9%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students213287
 34.7%
African American1918
 5.3%
American Indian11
Asian1519
 26.7%
Hispanic3562
 77.1%
Pacific Islander00
White134171
 27.6%
Two or More Races916
 77.8%


Schools Near El Sierra Elementary School









Frequently Asked Questions about El Sierra Elementary School

Students at El Sierra Elementary School are 60% White, 22% Hispanic, 7% Asian, 6% African American, 6% Two or more races.

El Sierra Elementary School ranks 583rd of 2067 Illinois elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 4 stars out of 5.

In the 2022-23 school year, 287 students attended El Sierra Elementary School.

Students who attend El Sierra Elementary School usually go on to attend:

Middle : O Neill Middle School
High : Community H S District 99 - South High School


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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau, the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Illinois State Board of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.





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