At a glance
Reported students
902
NCES CCD 2024–25
Teachers (FTE)
61
NCES CCD 2024–25
Student–teacher ratio
14.8:1
Calculated; not a class-size measure
Grades served
KG–08
NCES preliminary directory 2025–26
School benchmarks
Illinois elementary enrollment
99th percentile
Compared with 2,323 same-level schools reporting enrollment.
District median enrollment
411
Bell Elem School: 902 reported students.
State peer staffing position
77th percentile
14.8:1 reported; state peer median 13.1:1. Ratio is not class size.
Historical enrollment and staffing · CRDC 2021–22
These older figures are kept separate from 2024–25 statistics and benchmarks. Differences between years can reflect changes in enrollment, staffing, or reporting scope.
- Students
- 895
- Teachers (FTE)
- 62.5
- Student–teacher ratio
- 14.3:1
What the reported data says about Bell Elem School
Bell Elem School is a public elementary school serving grades KG–08 in Chicago. It is one of 641 current school records connected to Chicago Public Schools District 299. NCES reports 902 students for 2024–25.
Among 2,323 elementary schools in Illinois with comparable records, this school is larger than the reported median of 365 students. Its enrollment is at approximately the 99th percentile for that peer group. Size describes the campus, not instructional quality.
The reported student–teacher ratio is 14.8:1, above the Illinois median of 13.1:1 for the same school level. This ratio uses total enrollment and teacher FTE; it is not an average classroom headcount and can be affected by special programs or part-time staffing.
The largest reported race and ethnicity groups are White (56%) and Hispanic or Latino (17%). English learners represent 5.9% of enrollment. Students served under IDEA represent 8.8%. These figures help families understand who the school serves; they are not rating inputs.
The 2021–22 civil-rights collection reports gifted and talented programming. Program availability changes, so families should confirm the current catalog and participation rules directly with the school.
Questions worth asking Bell Elem School
- 1How do the reported 14.8:1 student–teacher ratio and 61 teacher FTE translate into actual class sizes by grade?
- 2Which advanced, gifted, career, arts, and computer-science courses are available this year, and how do students qualify?
- 3What counseling support is available today? The school reported 2 counselor FTE in 2021–22.
- 4Does community eligibility provide breakfast and lunch to every enrolled student, and are summer meals available?
Enrollment needs
- English learners
- 5.9%
- Students with disabilities
- 8.8%
- Free/reduced-price lunch
- 10.1%
- Lunch program
- Yes under Community Eligibility Option (CEO)
Reported support staff
- Counselors (FTE)
- 2
- Nurses (FTE)
- 0
- Psychologists (FTE)
- 0
- Social workers (FTE)
- 0
CRDC 2021–22 full-time-equivalent counts; verify current assignments with the school.
Student demographics
Race and ethnicity share of reported enrollment
- White56%
- Hispanic17%
- Black2.3%
- Asian11.5%
- American Indian / Alaska Native0.1%
- Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander0.1%
- Multiracial13%
Race/ethnicity: NCES CCD 2024–25. English learner and disability context: CRDC 2021–22. Lunch eligibility: NCES CCD 2024–25. Privacy rules can produce missing values.
Programs reported by the school
Gifted and talented
Offered
CRDC 2021–22: the AP flag records student enrollment; gifted and computer-science fields describe reported programs/classes. Confirm current courses and eligibility with the school.
Other schools in Chicago Public Schools District 299
Start with campuses at the same school level or with similar reported enrollment.
Bateman Elem School
Elementary · Grades PK–08
904 reported students
KIPP Chicago Charters - Ascend Academy
Elementary · Grades KG–08
897 reported students
Peterson Elem School
Elementary · Grades PK–08
913 reported students
Pulaski Intl Sch of Chicago
Elementary · Grades PK–08
889 reported students
Nightingale Elem School
Elementary · Grades PK–08
917 reported students
Sawyer Elem School
Elementary · Grades PK–08
885 reported students
Public schools near Bell Elem School
Closest campuses by straight-line distance between NCES geocodes, favoring the same school level. Distance is not drive time or an attendance assignment.
| School | Grades | Students | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audubon Elem School Elementary · Chicago Public Schools District 299 | PK–08 | 606 | 0.4 mi |
| Coonley Elem School Elementary · Chicago Public Schools District 299 | KG–08 | 723 | 0.4 mi |
| Hamilton Elem School Elementary · Chicago Public Schools District 299 | PK–08 | 486 | 0.9 mi |
| Jahn Elem School Elementary · Chicago Public Schools District 299 | PK–08 | 360 | 0.9 mi |
| Bateman Elem School Elementary · Chicago Public Schools District 299 | PK–08 | 904 | 1 mi |
| Cleveland Elem School Elementary · Chicago Public Schools District 299 | PK–08 | 507 | 1 mi |
Frequently asked questions about Bell Elem School
What grades does Bell Elem School serve?
Bell Elem School reports grades KG–08 in the NCES 2025–26 preliminary directory. It is classified as an elementary school in Chicago Public Schools District 299.
How many students attend Bell Elem School?
Bell Elem School reported 902 students in the NCES 2024–25 membership file. That places it near the 99th percentile among 2,323 Illinois elementary schools reporting enrollment. The 2021–22 civil-rights collection recorded 895 students.
What is the student–teacher ratio at Bell Elem School?
The calculated ratio is 14.8:1, based on 902 students and 61 full-time-equivalent classroom teachers in 2024–25. The Illinois median for the same school level is 13.1:1. A ratio is not the same as average class size.
Is Bell Elem School a public, charter, or magnet school?
Bell Elem School is a public school and is not a charter school. Enrollment is generally based on Chicago Public Schools District 299 attendance boundaries and transfer rules.
What share of Bell Elem School students qualify for free or reduced-price meals?
10.1% of students were eligible for free or reduced-price lunch in 2024–25. The school participates in community eligibility, which can provide meals to every student and changes how eligibility is reported. This describes the students served and is not a quality measure.
Which school district is Bell Elem School in?
Bell Elem School is part of Chicago Public Schools District 299, based in Chicago, IL, which operates 641 current schools. Confirm attendance zones and enrollment rules with the district.
What public schools are near Bell Elem School?
The closest public schools by straight-line distance include Audubon Elem School (0.4 mi), Coonley Elem School (0.4 mi), Hamilton Elem School (0.9 mi). Distance does not determine eligibility; attendance boundaries and program rules do.