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Willard Elementary School

Summary:

Willard Elementary School is a high-performing public elementary school located in River Forest, Illinois, serving grades PK-4 with a total enrollment of 347 students. The school is part of the River Forest School District 90, which is ranked 25th out of 813 districts in Illinois and is rated 5 out of 5 stars by SchoolDigger.

Willard Elementary School consistently ranks among the top elementary schools in Illinois, with students performing exceptionally well on the Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) exams. In the 2023-2024 school year, 65.7% of all students were proficient or better in English Language Arts, and 60.8% were proficient or better in Mathematics, significantly higher than the state averages of 41.2% and 28.4%, respectively. The school's performance is also consistently higher than the River Forest School District 90 averages. Willard's female students, male students, Hispanic and White student subgroups, and special education students all demonstrate strong academic performance, ranking among the top in the state.

While Willard Elementary School's overall performance is exceptional, the school maintains relatively low chronic absenteeism rates, ranging from 3.0% to 10.8% in recent years, lower than the state and district averages. The school's academic performance is significantly higher than the nearby Maywood-Melrose Park-Broadview 89 district schools, and generally higher than the nearby Oak Park elementary schools, though some, like Horace Mann Elementary, also demonstrate strong academic achievement. Willard's consistent high performance and commitment to equity make it a standout educational institution in the River Forest community and the state of Illinois.


Detail:

Public PK, KG-4

 1250 Ashland Ave
       River Forest, IL  60305-1028

(708) 366-6740

District: River Forest School District 90

SchoolDigger Rank:
137th of 2,067 Illinois Elementary Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $20,406 Help


Students who attend Willard Elementary School usually attend:

Middle:    Roosevelt School
High:    Oak Park & River Forest High School

Student/teacher ratio:  12.6 Help
Number of students:  347

Racial breakdown:

White:
63.7%
Two or more races:
13.3%
Hispanic:
9.2%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  4.4% Help


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Performance Trends
Help
Compare Details Willard Elementary School ranks better than 93.4% of elementary schools in Illinois. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 93.71. (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
Teachers
Finance
Help
Compare Details The average total spent per student at Willard Elementary School is $20,406.
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Willard Elementary School:

SchoolDigger ranks Willard Elementary School 137th of 2067 Illinois public elementary schools. (See Willard 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:


River Forest School District 90:

SchoolDigger ranks River Forest School District 90 25th of 813 Illinois school districts. (See district ranking list.)


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Rank History for Willard Elementary School

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Rank History for all students at Willard Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools IL State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2003 84.95 180th 2020 91.1%
2004 87.00 111th 2030 94.5%
2005 83.67 180th 2022 91.1%
2006 81.64 229th 2086 89.0%
2007 84.66 111th 2095 94.7%
2008 84.44 162nd 2092 92.3%
2009 85.60 122nd 2120 94.2%
2010 85.18 140th 2139 93.5%
2011 83.08 220th 2147 89.8%
2012 82.29 264th 2166 87.8%
2013 86.06 249th 2167 88.5%
2014 90.98 103rd 2093 95.1%
2015 98.02 33rd 2052 98.4%
2016 96.45 56th 2046 97.3%
2017 97.46 33rd 2044 98.4%
2018 93.72 92nd 2037 95.5%
2019 94.39 81st 2086 96.1%
2021 93.17 107th 1948 94.5%
2022 96.16 64th 2082 96.9%
2023 95.82 68th 2077 96.7%
2024 93.71 137th 2067 93.4%
See the entire list of Illinois Elementary School Rankings!

Rank History for Special Education students at Willard Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools IL State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 77.79 146th 1194 87.8%
2021 58.74 194th 640 69.7%
2022 97.25 22nd 1113 98.0%
2023 84.48 111th 1156 90.4%
2024 93.09 51st 1195 95.7%
See the entire list of Best Illinois Elementary Schools for Special Education Students!

Rank History for Female students at Willard Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools IL State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 91.83 103rd 1964 94.8%
2019 94.48 55th 2019 97.3%
2021 85.97 165th 1680 90.2%
2022 93.86 93rd 1970 95.3%
2023 97.73 24th 1957 98.8%
2024 96.69 44th 1942 97.7%
See the entire list of Best Illinois Elementary Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Disabled students at Willard Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools IL State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2024 68.04 161st 886 81.8%
See the entire list of Best Illinois Elementary Schools for Disabled Students!

Rank History for Male students at Willard Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools IL State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 94.55 76th 1972 96.1%
2019 91.76 114th 2019 94.4%
2021 93.96 75th 1707 95.6%
2022 95.96 49th 1977 97.5%
2023 90.77 138th 1984 93.0%
2024 88.20 201st 1959 89.7%
See the entire list of Best Illinois Elementary Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for Hispanic students at Willard Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools IL State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 92.65 29th 938 96.9%
2021 75.30 88th 742 88.1%
See the entire list of Best Illinois Elementary Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for White students at Willard Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools IL State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 93.16 36th 1463 97.5%
2019 90.86 59th 1462 96.0%
2021 88.94 87th 1308 93.3%
2022 93.99 35th 1425 97.5%
2023 89.90 83rd 1419 94.2%
2024 85.75 138th 1392 90.1%
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.

Willard Elementary School Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    
  
Subgroup: 
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Data source: Illinois State Board of Education

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Enrollment information for Willard Elementary School

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Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1989 236 4 18 2 n/a n/a n/a 0 260
1990 266 5 21 5 n/a n/a n/a 0 297
1991 281 2 29 7 0 n/a n/a 0 319
1992 306 6 14 6 0 n/a n/a 0 332
1993 335 8 5 2 0 n/a n/a 0 350
1994 328 11 15 10 0 n/a n/a 0 364
1995 342 18 9 8 0 n/a n/a 0 377
1996 342 18 9 8 0 n/a n/a 0 377
1997 302 23 9 9 0 n/a n/a 0 343
1998 315 22 6 9 0 n/a n/a 0 352
1999 314 34 6 6 0 n/a n/a 0 360
2000 300 27 3 15 0 n/a n/a 0 345
2001 273 23 10 14 0 n/a n/a 0 320
2002 281 28 11 17 0 n/a n/a 0 337
2003 281 28 11 17 0 n/a n/a 0 337
2004 286 32 11 10 0 n/a n/a 0 339
2005 268 33 14 13 0 n/a n/a 4 332
2006 282 30 16 11 0 n/a n/a 7 346
2007 261 25 12 12 0 n/a n/a 20 330
2008 259 19 13 18 0 n/a n/a 26 335
2009 262 20 13 19 0 n/a n/a 30 344
2010 276 21 20 17 0 n/a n/a 25 359
2011 258 24 23 19 0 0 25 0 349
2012 261 31 24 21 0 0 21 0 358
2013 233 17 21 31 0 0 22 0 324
2014 213 16 16 34 0 0 18 0 297
2015 215 22 17 39 0 0 18 0 311
2016 210 27 19 41 0 0 13 0 310
2017 234 20 20 48 0 0 15 0 337
2018 254 25 26 58 0 0 16 0 379
2019 267 27 33 48 0 0 15 0 390
2020 265 26 35 43 1 0 37 0 407
2021 254 28 34 43 1 0 46 0 406
2022 242 31 33 50 1 0 55 0 412
2023 221 16 31 32 1 0 46 0 347

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 Willard Elementary School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1989 260 15.5 16.7 n/a
1990 297 15.5 19.1 n/a
1991 319 16.1 19.8 n/a
1992 332 19.9 16.6 n/a
1993 350 19.7 17.8 n/a
1994 364 22.0 16.5 n/a
1995 377 23.2 16.3 n/a
1996 377 23.2 16.3 n/a
1997 343 22.8 15.0 n/a
1998 352 24.0 14.7 n/a
1999 360 25.1 14.3 n/a
2000 345 25.3 13.6 n/a
2001 320 22.8 14.0 n/a
2002 337 26.6 12.7 0
2003 337 26.6 12.7 0
2004 339 22.5 15.1 0
2005 332 23.3 14.2 0
2006 346 26.0 13.3 0
2007 330 24.0 13.8 0
2008 335 21.0 16.0 0
2009 344 22.5 15.3 0
2010 359 23.5 15.2 0
2011 349 25.5 13.6 0
2012 358 24.5 14.6 5
2013 324 32.6 9.9 5.2
2014 297 23.5 12.6 5.1
2015 311 27.0 11.5 8
2016 310 26.0 11.9 6.5
2017 337 26.8 12.5 5.6
2018 379 29.2 12.9 7.4
2019 390 33.2 11.7 4.1
2020 407 34.7 11.7 4.7
2021 406 n/a n/a n/a
2022 412 29.2 14.0 4.4
2023 347 27.5 12.6 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 Willard Elementary School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1989 260 15.5 16.7 n/a
1990 297 15.5 19.1 n/a
1991 319 16.1 19.8 n/a
1992 332 19.9 16.6 n/a
1993 350 19.7 17.8 n/a
1994 364 22.0 16.5 n/a
1995 377 23.2 16.3 n/a
1996 377 23.2 16.3 n/a
1997 343 22.8 15.0 n/a
1998 352 24.0 14.7 n/a
1999 360 25.1 14.3 n/a
2000 345 25.3 13.6 n/a
2001 320 22.8 14.0 n/a
2002 337 26.6 12.7 0
2003 337 26.6 12.7 0
2004 339 22.5 15.1 0
2005 332 23.3 14.2 0
2006 346 26.0 13.3 0
2007 330 24.0 13.8 0
2008 335 21.0 16.0 0
2009 344 22.5 15.3 0
2010 359 23.5 15.2 0
2011 349 25.5 13.6 0
2012 358 24.5 14.6 5
2013 324 32.6 9.9 5.2
2014 297 23.5 12.6 5.1
2015 311 27.0 11.5 8
2016 310 26.0 11.9 6.5
2017 337 26.8 12.5 5.6
2018 379 29.2 12.9 7.4
2019 390 33.2 11.7 4.1
2020 407 34.7 11.7 4.7
2021 406 n/a n/a n/a
2022 412 29.2 14.0 4.4
2023 347 27.5 12.6 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

Willard Elementary School

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Compare
YearPolioMeaslesMumpsRubellaHepatitis BVaricellaDTPPneumococcal
201598.4%98.4%98.4%98.4%5.9%98.4%98.4%5.9%
201697.4%98.1%98.1%98.1%1.9%98.1%97.4%1.9%
201798.2%98.2%98.2%98.2%5.8%98.2%98.2%5.8%
201898.7%98.7%98.7%98.7%8.2%98.7%98.7%8.2%
201998.5%98.5%98.5%98.5%7.5%98.5%98.5%7.5%
202197.3%97.6%97.6%97.6%98.4%97.0%97.3%7.3%
202297.3%97.6%97.6%97.6%95.7%97.1%97.3%8.0%
202398.3%98.6%98.6%98.6%99.1%98.0%98.3%9.5%
202498.6%98.3%98.3%98.3%98.9%98.0%98.6%8.9%

Data source: Illinois State Board of Education
Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Willard Elementary School

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YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019 $785 (4.1%) $18,181 (95.9%) $18,966
2020 $532 (2.8%) $18,487 (97.2%) $19,019
2021 $1,080 (5.5%) $18,692 (94.5%) $19,772
2022 $1,080 (5.5%) $18,692 (94.5%) $19,772
2023 $767 (3.4%) $21,620 (96.6%) $22,386
2024 $805 (3.9%) $19,601 (96.1%) $20,406

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

Impact of COVID-19 on Willard 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 81st of 2086 Elementary schoolsRanks 68th of 2077 Elementary schools
 0.6%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)		 % proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)		 Change (%)
3rd Grade English Language Arts (Willard Elementary School)69.459.5
 9.9%
   3rd Grade English Language Arts (River Forest School District 90)71.165.6
 5.5%
   3rd Grade English Language Arts (Illinois)36.428.8
 7.6%
3rd Grade Mathematics (Willard Elementary School)65.958.2
 7.7%
   3rd Grade Mathematics (River Forest School District 90)65.359
 6.3%
   3rd Grade Mathematics (Illinois)40.633
 7.6%
4th Grade English Language Arts (Willard Elementary School)7580.9
 5.9%
   4th Grade English Language Arts (River Forest School District 90)73.780.5
 6.8%
   4th Grade English Language Arts (Illinois)36.735.4
 1.3%
4th Grade Mathematics (Willard Elementary School)64.774.2
 9.5%
   4th Grade Mathematics (River Forest School District 90)62.668.8
 6.2%
   4th Grade Mathematics (Illinois)33.527.7
 5.8%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)		 Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)		 Change (%)
Total Students390347
 11%
African American2716
 40.7%
American Indian01
Asian3331
 6.1%
Hispanic4832
 33.3%
Pacific Islander00
White267221
 17.2%
Two or More Races1546
 206.7%

Schools Near Willard Elementary School








Frequently Asked Questions about Willard Elementary School

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

Middle : Roosevelt School
High : Oak Park & River Forest High School

Yes. Willard Elementary School ranks in the top 6.6% of Illinois elementary schools.

Students at Willard Elementary School are 64% White, 13% Two or more races, 9% Hispanic, 9% Asian, 5% African American.

In the 2022-23 school year, 347 students attended Willard Elementary 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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