Budlong Elementary School: What Sets It Apart Today
Budlong Elementary School: what sets it apart today
Budlong Elementary School is a public PK-8 school at 2701 W. Foster Ave. in Chicago's Lincoln Square neighborhood, serving 682 students with a 13:1 student-teacher ratio and ranking in the top 50% of Illinois schools for overall test scores. The school distinguishes itself through high diversity (diversity score 0.72, above the state average of 0.70), strong reading proficiency (35% vs. 30% state average), and robust community partnerships including CPS's Refugee Program and Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Core Facts at a Glance
| Attribute | Value | Benchmark |
|---|---|---|
| Grades | Prekindergarten-8 | IL public average: K-8 |
| Enrollment | 682 students | Lincoln Square avg: 710 |
| Student-Teacher Ratio | 13:1 | IL state: 14:1 |
| Math Proficiency | 20-24% | IL state: 28% |
| Reading Proficiency | 35% | IL state: 30% |
| Science Proficiency | 55-59% | IL state: 50% |
| Diversity Score | 0.72 | IL state: 0.70 |
What Sets Budlong Apart Today
Budlong's values-driven community is its defining strength. The school serves a predominantly economically disadvantaged population (96% eligible for free lunch) while maintaining above-state reading and science proficiency. This equity-focused mission aligns closely with Marist pedagogy's emphasis on preferential option for the poor and holistic formation, even though Budlong is a public school rather than a Catholic institution.
The school's diverse student body reflects Chicago's demographic complexity: 38% Hispanic, 34% White, 16% Asian, 6% Black, 5% Two or more races, and 1% American Indian. This multicultural environment fosters cross-cultural competence-an essential 21st-century skill that Marist educators prioritize across Latin America.
"Teachers love the kids and spend additional after-school time on extracurricular activities free of charge. The kids are happy to go to school and love to stay afterwards." - Parent review, Niche
Academic Programs & Enrichment
Budlong offers comprehensive enrichment including remedial support, reduced class size initiatives, and targeted intervention programs documented in its 2017-2018 School Improvement Plan. The school participates in the To&Through Middle Grades Network, a University of Chicago initiative supporting CPS cohorts in middle-grade scalability.
- Pre-kindergarten through 8th grade continuum
- CPS Refugee Program integration for English Language Learners
- Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring partnership
- After-school extracurricular activities at no cost
- Small class sizes enabled by 13:1 ratio
Demographic & Socioeconomic Profile
Budlong serves the Budlong Woods sub-neighborhood within Lincoln Square, an area with median household income of $96,582 but high student economic need. The 96% free lunch eligibility indicates significant poverty concentration, making the school's academic performance particularly noteworthy.
- Historical context: Named after Lyman A. Budlong, a Chicago educator
- Location: 2701 W. Foster Ave., Chicago, IL 60625
- District: Chicago Public Schools (City of Chicago SD 299)
- Phone: 534-2591
- Website: budlong.cps.edu
- Four other public schools in Lincoln Square
Performance Trends & Accountability
Enrollment has declined 5% over five years (from ~718 to 682 students), while the teacher population of 51 has remained stable. This stable staffing despite enrollment flux supports consistent instructional quality. The school ranks #1267 out of 3,426 Illinois schools overall.
| Metric | Budlong | 5-Year Trend |
|---|---|---|
| Enrollment | 682 | -5% |
| Teachers | 51 | Flat |
| Diversity | 0.72 | Flat |
| Free Lunch Eligible | 96% | N/A |
Marist Education Authority Perspective
From a Marist pedagogy lens, Budlong exemplifies educational excellence amid adversity-a core Marist value. While not a Catholic school, its preferential option for vulnerable students (refugee programs, mentoring, economic support) mirrors Marist mission principles applicable across Brazil and Latin America.
School leaders seeking equity-driven models can study Budlong's approach to serving high-need populations while maintaining above-state reading and science proficiency. The community partnership ecosystem offers replicable strategies for Latin American schools facing similar socioeconomic challenges.
Everything you need to know about Budlong Elementary School What Sets It Apart Today
What grades does Budlong Elementary School serve?
Budlong Elementary School serves grades Prekindergarten through 8th grade (PK-8), providing a continuous educational pathway from early childhood through middle school.
What is Budlong Elementary School's student-teacher ratio?
Budlong has a 13:1 student-teacher ratio, which is better than the Illinois state average of 14:1, enabling more personalized instruction.
How does Budlong's test performance compare to Illinois averages?
Budlong's reading proficiency is 35% (above the 30% state average), science is 55-59% (above 50%), but math is 20-24% (below the 28% state average).
What makes Budlong's student body diverse?
The school's diversity score of 0.72 exceeds the state average of 0.70, with 38% Hispanic, 34% White, 16% Asian, 6% Black, 5% Two or more races, and 1% American Indian students.
Is Budlong Elementary School a Catholic or Marist school?
No, Budlong is a public school in Chicago Public Schools (SD 299), not a Catholic or Maristinstitution; however, its equity mission aligns with Marist values.
What community partnerships does Budlong offer?
Budlong partners with CPS's Refugee Program, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and participates in the To&Through Middle Grades Network for academic support.
Where is Budlong Elementary School located?
Budlong is at 2701 W. Foster Ave., Chicago, IL 60625, in the Lincoln Square neighborhood's Budlong Woods sub-area.
How can parents contact Budlong Elementary School?
Parents can call 534-2591 or visit budlong.cps.edu for enrollment, programs, and school news.
