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Whittier Elementary School

Summary:

Whittier Elementary School is a public elementary school located in Downers Grove, Illinois, serving grades PK-6 with a student population of 307. 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 from SchoolDigger.

Whittier Elementary School consistently performs well on state assessments, with a high percentage of students proficient or better in English Language Arts and Mathematics across all grade levels. In the 2023-2024 school year, Whittier's proficiency rates were 58.8% in ELA and 60.1% in Math, outperforming the state averages of 41.2% and 28.4%, respectively. The school has a strong statewide ranking, placing in the top 10% of Illinois elementary schools, and has demonstrated consistent high performance across different student subgroups, including male students, white students, and students with disabilities. Whittier Elementary School has also maintained relatively low chronic absenteeism rates, ranging from 2.0% in the 2019-2020 school year to 7.8% in the 2023-2024 school year, which is lower than the district and state averages.

While Whittier Elementary School's overall performance is strong, its proficiency rates for students with disabilities in the 2023-2024 school year (3 out of 5 stars) suggest an area for potential improvement, as this subgroup's performance lags behind the school's overall performance and the state average. However, Whittier's performance is generally on par with or exceeds that of the other nearby elementary schools in the Downers Grove GSD 58 district, and the school has maintained a high level of academic performance over the years, with a consistent 4- or 5-star rating from SchoolDigger and a statewide ranking in the top 20% of Illinois elementary schools for the past several years.


Detail:

Public PK, KG-6

 536 Hill St
       Downers Grove, IL  60515-5126

(630) 719-5865

District: Downers Grove GSD 58

SchoolDigger Rank:
205th of 2,067 Illinois Elementary Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $16,716 Help


Students who attend Whittier Elementary School usually attend:

Middle:    Herrick Middle School
High:    Community High School District 99 - North High School

Student/teacher ratio:  16.9 Help
Number of students:  307

Racial breakdown:

White:
85.0%
Hispanic:
6.5%
Asian:
5.2%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  11.4% Help


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Performance Trends
Help
Compare Details Whittier Elementary School ranks better than 90.1% of elementary schools in Illinois. It also ranks 6th 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 89.19. (See more...)
Help
Chronic absenteeism in a 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 Whittier Elementary School has the largest elementary school student body size in the Downers Grove GSD 58 School District.  (See more...)
Teachers
Finance
Help
Compare Details The average total spent per student at Whittier Elementary School is $16,716. 6 elementary schools in the Downers Grove GSD 58 School District spend more per student.
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Whittier Elementary School:

SchoolDigger ranks Whittier Elementary School 205th of 2067 Illinois public elementary schools. (See Whittier Elementary School in the ranking list.)

Elementary School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Special Education 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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Rank History for Whittier Elementary School

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Rank History for all students at Whittier Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools IL State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2003 86.15 143rd 2020 92.9%
2004 89.67 35th 2030 98.3%
2005 85.73 109th 2022 94.6%
2006 80.24 291st 2086 86.0%
2007 75.60 472nd 2095 77.5%
2008 76.97 454th 2092 78.3%
2009 79.59 358th 2120 83.1%
2010 81.53 279th 2139 87.0%
2011 79.06 398th 2147 81.5%
2012 82.54 253rd 2166 88.3%
2013 90.12 131st 2167 94.0%
2014 85.57 249th 2093 88.1%
2015 73.10 474th 2052 76.9%
2016 71.97 514th 2046 74.9%
2017 75.69 457th 2044 77.6%
2018 90.51 152nd 2037 92.5%
2019 89.57 168th 2086 91.9%
2021 91.41 138th 1948 92.9%
2022 89.81 175th 2082 91.6%
2023 86.74 242nd 2077 88.3%
2024 89.19 205th 2067 90.1%
See the entire list of Illinois Elementary School Rankings!

Rank History for Special Education students at Whittier Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools IL State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2022 81.61 110th 1113 90.1%
2023 75.00 191st 1156 83.5%
2024 59.61 364th 1195 69.5%
See the entire list of Best Illinois Elementary Schools for Special Education Students!

Rank History for Female students at Whittier Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools IL State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 91.28 116th 1964 94.1%
2019 85.69 211th 2019 89.5%
2021 80.55 255th 1680 84.8%
2022 81.84 313th 1970 84.1%
2023 73.69 442nd 1957 77.4%
2024 85.38 230th 1942 88.2%
See the entire list of Best Illinois Elementary Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Disabled students at Whittier Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools IL State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 79.82 101st 907 88.9%
2024 72.28 128th 886 85.6%
See the entire list of Best Illinois Elementary Schools for Disabled Students!

Rank History for Male students at Whittier Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools IL State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 87.96 175th 1972 91.1%
2019 91.58 119th 2019 94.1%
2021 93.50 86th 1707 95.0%
2022 91.82 124th 1977 93.7%
2023 87.76 195th 1984 90.2%
2024 86.99 218th 1959 88.9%
See the entire list of Best Illinois Elementary Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for White students at Whittier Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools IL State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 82.44 193rd 1463 86.8%
2019 78.96 226th 1462 84.5%
2021 82.39 153rd 1308 88.3%
2022 76.48 251st 1425 82.4%
2023 76.04 264th 1419 81.4%
2024 80.84 204th 1392 85.3%
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.

Whittier Elementary School Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    
  
Subgroup: 
Help







Data source: Illinois State Board of Education

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Enrollment information for Whittier Elementary School

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Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1988 257 2 14 7 n/a n/a n/a 0 280
1989 203 n/a 2 4 n/a n/a n/a 0 209
1990 219 n/a 5 2 n/a n/a n/a 0 226
1991 209 0 4 9 0 n/a n/a 0 222
1992 227 0 9 7 0 n/a n/a 0 243
1993 222 4 9 6 0 n/a n/a 0 241
1994 242 3 13 11 0 n/a n/a 0 269
1995 251 4 8 7 0 n/a n/a 0 270
1996 251 4 8 7 0 n/a n/a 0 270
1997 240 2 9 7 0 n/a n/a 0 258
1998 234 3 11 6 0 n/a n/a 0 254
1999 233 5 16 2 0 n/a n/a 0 256
2000 238 5 8 2 0 n/a n/a 0 253
2001 229 3 7 5 0 n/a n/a 0 244
2002 209 4 6 8 0 n/a n/a 0 227
2003 209 4 6 8 0 n/a n/a 0 227
2004 212 2 6 8 0 n/a n/a 0 228
2005 202 4 3 11 0 n/a n/a 4 224
2006 224 4 5 21 0 n/a n/a 1 255
2007 241 7 9 20 0 n/a n/a 3 280
2008 247 9 10 17 0 n/a n/a 6 289
2009 260 6 11 17 0 n/a n/a 6 300
2010 264 4 10 8 0 n/a n/a 10 296
2011 259 2 10 21 0 0 8 0 300
2012 255 3 10 24 0 0 8 0 300
2013 251 2 7 17 0 0 10 0 287
2014 269 3 8 15 0 0 14 0 309
2015 276 8 12 20 0 0 15 0 331
2016 256 2 8 21 0 0 15 0 302
2017 250 9 8 21 1 0 14 0 303
2018 250 4 7 20 1 0 21 0 303
2019 266 1 8 24 0 0 21 0 320
2020 268 2 12 28 0 1 17 0 328
2021 257 1 15 29 0 1 12 0 315
2022 254 2 15 24 0 0 11 0 306
2023 261 1 16 20 0 0 9 0 307

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 Whittier Elementary School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 280 12.0 23.3 n/a
1989 209 12.3 16.9 n/a
1990 226 11.3 20.0 n/a
1991 222 11.5 19.3 n/a
1992 243 12.0 20.2 n/a
1993 241 13.0 18.5 n/a
1994 269 13.9 19.4 n/a
1995 270 14.5 18.6 n/a
1996 270 14.5 18.6 n/a
1997 258 15.6 16.5 n/a
1998 254 15.9 16.0 n/a
1999 256 15.5 16.5 n/a
2000 253 16.4 15.4 n/a
2001 244 15.4 15.8 n/a
2002 227 15.3 14.8 0
2003 227 15.3 14.8 0
2004 228 15.2 15.0 0
2005 224 14.4 15.6 0
2006 255 14.2 18.0 0
2007 280 15.0 18.7 0
2008 289 15.0 19.3 0
2009 300 15.7 19.1 0
2010 296 15.7 18.8 0
2011 300 13.1 22.7 0
2012 300 13.3 22.4 5.7
2013 287 19.8 14.4 4.5
2014 309 14.5 21.3 6.5
2015 331 17.0 19.4 12.4
2016 302 18.0 16.7 5
2017 303 20.5 14.7 8.3
2018 303 15.7 19.2 6.3
2019 320 19.0 16.8 5.3
2020 328 18.2 18.0 9.1
2021 315 n/a n/a n/a
2022 306 19.2 15.9 11.4
2023 307 18.1 16.9 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 Whittier Elementary School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 280 12.0 23.3 n/a
1989 209 12.3 16.9 n/a
1990 226 11.3 20.0 n/a
1991 222 11.5 19.3 n/a
1992 243 12.0 20.2 n/a
1993 241 13.0 18.5 n/a
1994 269 13.9 19.4 n/a
1995 270 14.5 18.6 n/a
1996 270 14.5 18.6 n/a
1997 258 15.6 16.5 n/a
1998 254 15.9 16.0 n/a
1999 256 15.5 16.5 n/a
2000 253 16.4 15.4 n/a
2001 244 15.4 15.8 n/a
2002 227 15.3 14.8 0
2003 227 15.3 14.8 0
2004 228 15.2 15.0 0
2005 224 14.4 15.6 0
2006 255 14.2 18.0 0
2007 280 15.0 18.7 0
2008 289 15.0 19.3 0
2009 300 15.7 19.1 0
2010 296 15.7 18.8 0
2011 300 13.1 22.7 0
2012 300 13.3 22.4 5.7
2013 287 19.8 14.4 4.5
2014 309 14.5 21.3 6.5
2015 331 17.0 19.4 12.4
2016 302 18.0 16.7 5
2017 303 20.5 14.7 8.3
2018 303 15.7 19.2 6.3
2019 320 19.0 16.8 5.3
2020 328 18.2 18.0 9.1
2021 315 n/a n/a n/a
2022 306 19.2 15.9 11.4
2023 307 18.1 16.9 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

Whittier Elementary School

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Compare
YearPolioMeaslesMumpsRubellaHepatitis BVaricellaDTPPneumococcal Meningococcal
201596.2%95.9%95.9%95.9%16.4%96.2%96.2%2.1%
201698.1%98.1%98.1%98.1%14.8%98.1%84.5%1.3%13.6%
201798.7%98.7%98.7%98.7%16.5%98.7%98.7%1.9%14.2%
201897.8%97.8%97.8%97.8%15.2%97.8%97.8%2.5%12.7%
201997.6%97.6%97.6%97.6%16.5%97.6%97.6%3.0%13.5%
202196.7%96.7%96.7%96.7%96.0%96.7%96.7%14.9%
202298.3%98.6%98.6%98.6%16.0%98.6%98.6%14.0%
202398.4%99.0%99.0%99.0%14.8%99.0%98.7%3.6%10.8%
202498.0%99.3%99.3%99.3%17.5%99.3%98.7%15.2%

Data source: Illinois State Board of Education
Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Whittier Elementary School

Help

YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019 $528 (4.0%) $12,771 (96.0%) $13,299
2020 $463 (3.4%) $13,013 (96.6%) $13,476
2021 $616 (4.1%) $14,540 (95.9%) $15,157
2022 $616 (4.1%) $14,540 (95.9%) $15,157
2023 $950 (5.5%) $16,349 (94.5%) $17,298
2024 $516 (3.1%) $16,200 (96.9%) $16,716

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

Impact of COVID-19 on Whittier 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 168th of 2086 Elementary schoolsRanks 242nd of 2077 Elementary schools
 3.6%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)		 % proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)		 Change (%)
3rd Grade English Language Arts (Whittier Elementary School)51.339.5
 11.8%
   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 (Whittier Elementary School)63.471
 7.6%
   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 (Whittier Elementary School)8062
 18%
   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 (Whittier Elementary School)7656.8
 19.2%
   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 (Whittier Elementary School)51.942.2
 9.7%
   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 (Whittier Elementary School)57.745.6
 12.1%
   5th Grade Mathematics (Downers Grove GSD 58)46.753.9
 7.2%
   5th Grade Mathematics (Illinois)29.825.6
 4.2%
5th Grade Science (Whittier Elementary School)67.968.1
 0.2%
   5th Grade Science (Downers Grove GSD 58)71.677
 5.4%
   5th Grade Science (Illinois)54.452.4
 2%
6th Grade English Language Arts (Whittier Elementary School)65.257.1
 8.1%
   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 (Whittier Elementary School)6368.5
 5.5%
   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 Students320307
 4.1%
African American11
American Indian00
Asian816
 100%
Hispanic2420
 16.7%
Pacific Islander00
White266261
 1.9%
Two or More Races219
 57.1%

Schools Near Whittier Elementary School








Frequently Asked Questions about Whittier Elementary School

Students who attend Whittier Elementary School usually go on to attend:

Middle : Herrick Middle School
High : Community High School District 99 - North High School

Students at Whittier Elementary School are 85% White, 7% Hispanic, 5% Asian, 3% Two or more races.

In the 2022-23 school year, 307 students attended Whittier Elementary School.

Yes. Whittier Elementary School ranks in the top 9.9% of Illinois elementary schools.


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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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