Chaney-Monge School
General Information
Reviews
Chaney-Monge School receives a mixed reception from parents, students and community members. Many appreciate the school’s close-knit, neighborhood-school feel, noting that its relatively small size allows for more personalized attention and a sense of belonging among families. Several parents highlight the efforts of teachers and staff to provide support in and out of the classroom — especially in arts, music, and basic academic instruction — which can help children feel safe and engaged in a familiar environment. The school’s sense of community and local identity is often described as one of its biggest advantages.
On the other hand, some reviews voice concerns about academic performance and resource constraints. Chaney-Monge has underperformed relative to state averages in standardized testing, particularly in mathematics and language arts, which has prompted parents to express a desire for stronger academic offerings, better preparation for higher-level learning, and improved support for academic needs. A number of families also note that opportunities for advanced coursework or enrichment are limited, and that the school’s small size — while fostering community — may mean fewer elective or specialized classes. Despite these criticisms, many acknowledge that staff and administration appear genuinely committed to improving student support and providing a stable educational environment.
Contact Informations
Address: 400 Elsie Ave, Crest Hill, Illinois 60403, United States
Phone number: (815) 722-6673
Email / Contact: Main contact is through the school district office for Chaney-Monge School District 88
School Facts — Chaney-Monge School
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 1916 (established as the original neighborhood school by local industrialist Cassius C. Chaney) |
| Type | Public elementary / middle school (Grades K–8) |
| Grades | Kindergarten through 8th grade (some Pre-K presence depending on year) |
| Student Enrollment (recent) | Approximately 450 students (per latest enrollment data) |
| District | Chaney-Monge School District 88, Crest Hill, Illinois |
| Mascot / Colors / Identity (for athletics) | Nickname: Braves; School colors: Royal Blue & Yellow |
| Extracurricular offerings | Music, arts, athletics, cheerleading, band/chorus, general education and elective support programs |
Chaney-Monge School Rankings (State)
| Ranking Type | Rank / Status |
|---|---|
| Overall Academic Performance (Illinois) | Bottom 50% of Illinois K–8 schools based on combined test-score proficiency |
| Math Proficiency | Significantly below state average (historic data shows as low as 8% proficiency vs state average ~27%) |
| Reading / Language Arts Proficiency | Also below state average (around 12% vs state average |
| Diversity Rank | Among top 20% of public schools in Illinois for diversity (high proportion of minority / multicultural enrollment) |
Chaney-Monge School Academics
Chaney-Monge School Faculties / Departments
- Early Childhood / Kindergarten / Primary Education
- Elementary Core Subjects (English / Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies)
- Middle School Core Subjects (grades 6–8)
- Arts (Visual Arts, Music, Band / Chorus)
- Physical Education & Health
- Technology / Computer / Basic ICT
- General Electives (as applicable)
- Support Services (Special Education, Language Learner support, Social Services)
Chaney-Monge School Courses Offered and Programs / Majors
- Standard elementary curriculum (reading, writing, math, science, social studies)
- Middle-school level core curriculum for grades 6–8
- Music education including band and chorus, supported by active parent-music association
- Visual arts and general arts classes
- Physical education and health programs
- Basic technology and computer-literacy courses
- Preschool program for four-year-olds (in certain years)
- After-school or extracurricular offerings such as cheerleading, athletics via district athletic association
- Social-emotional support and services, community-oriented programs through district and parent associations
Online Courses / Online Learning
Chaney-Monge does not appear to have a formal, widely advertised suite of online or remote-learning courses as part of its core programming. The focus remains on in-person, neighborhood-school education. Given its grade span (K–8) and community-oriented model, online learning is limited or available only under special circumstances (e.g., individual student accommodations or external remote-learning partnerships).
Degrees / Summer School
As an elementary/middle school, Chaney-Monge does not grant degrees beyond the standard diploma or promotion to the next grade level. Summer school or formal summer enrichment programs are not broadly publicized; periodic enrichment or remedial supports may be offered depending on district resources, student need, or parent-teacher organization initiatives.
Average Test Scores
| Test / Assessment (Subject) | Approximate Proficiency / Score |
|---|---|
| Math Proficiency | ~ 8% proficient (vs state average ~27%) in a given reporting year |
| Reading / Language Arts Proficiency | ~ 12% proficient (vs state average ~30%) in a given reporting year |
| PARCC (or equivalent state assessment) ELA (historical data) | ~ 16.4% proficient in an earlier year |
| PARCC / Math (historical) | ~ 5.5% proficient in math in that same year |
Retention and Graduation Rates
As a K–8 school, “graduation rate” in the traditional sense does not apply; instead, student retention is reflected in stable grade-by-grade progression. Chaney-Monge tends to maintain consistent enrollment over the years (with small fluctuations), and most students continue through grade 8 before advancing to regional high school (commonly to the designated area high school). The school reports that “on average daily during the school year” it serves around 475 students and roughly 70 staff members — indicating stable operational continuity.
Chaney-Monge School Admissions
GPA Range and Standardized Test Range
Because Chaney-Monge is a public K–8 school serving a defined geographic neighborhood (district 88), admission is determined by residence rather than selective GPA or testing thresholds. There is no GPA or standardized-test–based selection requirement to enroll.
Chaney-Monge School Acceptance Rate
There is effectively no acceptance rate; all eligible children residing within the school’s attendance zone are entitled to attend.
Chaney-Monge School Application Requirements
Enrollment requires proof of residency within the district boundaries, completion of registration forms, student immunization records (as per Illinois state law), and documentation of prior school records (if transferring). For Pre-K or preschool-age admissions, additional district-specified paperwork may be required. Because the school serves as a neighborhood public school, no essays, test scores, or selective entry criteria apply.
Enrollment / Application Process
- Verify that the student resides within the Chaney-Monge School District 88 attendance zone
- Fill out enrollment/registration forms via the district office or during open registration periods
- Provide proof of residency (e.g., household address, utility bills) and required identity documentation
- Submit immunization and health records as mandated by state law
- If transferring from another district, submit previous school records or transcripts as needed
- Attend orientation or registration meetings (if offered) for course/grade placement and assignment of classes
Chaney-Monge School Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Enrollment Type / Event | Timing / Notes |
|---|---|
| New student registration | Typically before the start of the school year (summer) |
| Pre-K / Preschool enrollment | As determined annually by district (may have limited slots) |
| Transfers from outside district | Accepted when residency and records are confirmed — subject to district policies |
| General registration / reenrollment | Annual, ahead of next school year — per district calendar |
Essay Prompt
Not applicable — as a public K–8 school, Chaney-Monge does not require essays or personal statements for admission.
Chaney-Monge School Scholarships
Chaney-Monge does not offer institutional scholarships. As a public primary/middle school, funding comes from the district and public funds; financial assistance for students is generally through state- or district-funded programs (e.g., free or reduced-price meals) rather than merit- or scholarship-based awards.
Chaney-Monge School Tuition Fees (Costs)
| Category | Cost / Status |
|---|---|
| Tuition for district residents | $0 — publicly funded |
| Meals / Lunch Program (for eligible families) | Free or reduced-price for qualified low-income students under district/state guidelines |
| Materials / Supplies | Basic supplies generally provided or available at low cost; families may purchase optional supplies if desired |
| Extracurricular / Activities Fees | Varies depending on program, but often subsidized or supported via parent associations and community funding |
Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics
Chaney-Monge serves children from roughly age 4 or 5 (pre-kindergarten / kindergarten) through early adolescence (grade 8). The student population is diverse: a majority are minority students, with a high proportion of Hispanic students and a mix of other racial/ethnic backgrounds including White, Black, and multi-racial. Minority enrollment is around 70-75%. Gender distribution is generally balanced across grades, reflecting typical public-school demographics.
Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities
A substantial portion of the students come from low-income households; in prior assessments, around 75% of students were eligible for meal-program assistance or qualified as low-income. The school also provides support services for students with disabilities and for English language learners, offering tailored instruction and social-services resources in an effort to support diverse learning needs within the community.
Student Body
| Category | Number / Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Students | Approximately 450–460 students (varies slightly by year) |
| Grades Served | Kindergarten through 8th grade (plus Pre-K or preschool when available) |
| International Students | No publicly available data indicating a significant international student population; given the community-based nature, likely minimal or none |
School Diversity and Community Context
Chaney-Monge stands out for its multicultural and socio-economically diverse student body. With roughly 72% minority enrollment and a strong representation of Hispanic families, the school reflects a culturally rich and multilingual community. This diversity can bring advantages: students are frequently exposed to multiple languages, cultural perspectives, and varied life experiences, which can foster empathy, global awareness, and social understanding. The school attempts to embrace this diversity through dedicated support services, bilingual parent-teacher committees, and community-oriented programs.
At the same time, the socioeconomic diversity — with many low-income households — presents challenges. Achievement gaps have been documented between low-income and non-low-income students in standardized assessments, reflecting systemic disparities in access to resources, academic support, and stability. The school and district are aware of these challenges and work through parent-teacher and community organizations to provide additional support, enrichment, and resources where possible.
The result is a school environment that blends cultural richness and community solidarity with ongoing efforts to address educational inequality and resource gaps. For many families, Chaney-Monge provides a supportive and familiar place for children’s early and middle years — though with room for growth in academic outcomes.
Average Earnings
As a K–8 public school, Chaney-Monge does not track or report long-term earnings or career outcomes of former students. After grade 8, most students advance to local high schools (frequently the regional public high school serving Crest Hill area). Because graduates disperse into various high schools, trades, further education, or workforce pathways, there is no centralized data on their income, career progression, or long-term economic outcomes tied directly to Chaney-Monge.
Graduation / Progression Rate
While “graduation rate” per se doesn’t apply (since the school serves only to 8th grade), the school shows stable grade-level progression, with most students advancing to grade 9 at area high schools after completing grade 8. The stable enrollment numbers over the years and continuity of student presence suggest that retention and progression are relatively normal for a neighborhood public school.
Chaney-Monge School Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
Chaney-Monge School employs a modest number of full-time teachers and support staff sufficient to serve its K–8 population. Classroom teacher counts in recent years have fluctuated around 30–35 teachers, serving roughly 450 students, which corresponds to a student-teacher ratio near 15–16 students per teacher — allowing for relatively manageable class sizes and potential for personalized attention. In addition to teachers, staff includes administrators, support personnel, special education staff, and extracurricular program coordinators, reflecting a structure intended to meet academic, social, and community needs.
Faculty Profiles
Faculty at Chaney-Monge cover core academic areas (language arts, mathematics, science, social studies) as well as arts, music, physical education, and technology. The school’s commitment to arts and music education is underscored by a parent-run Music Parents Association that supports band and chorus programs; combined with athletics and parent-community involvement, this suggests staff who are engaged not just academically but in holistic development of students. Given the socioeconomic and linguistic diversity of the student body, many staff also have experience (or training) in supporting English language learners and providing social services or support programs, reflecting a responsiveness to community needs.
Chaney-Monge School Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
Chaney-Monge is a public neighborhood school; as such, it does not provide housing or dormitories. Students live in surrounding residential areas and commute daily. The school serves as a community hub: in addition to regular classroom instruction, it offers music, arts, band/chorus, athletics, and other extracurricular activities through parent organizations and district-managed programs. The school’s programming and extracurricular offerings — including a preschool for four-year-olds in some years — help foster a sense of community and engagement beyond academics.
Transportation / Access to Campus / On-Campus Mobility
Students typically commute from their homes in the Crest Hill area. The district provides transportation and many families use district bus services or local transit depending on location. Given the suburban nature of the school’s location, families may also use private transport or rely on parent drop-off/pick-up. Once on campus, mobility is standard for an elementary/middle school: students move between classrooms, recreational areas, music rooms, gym/athletic spaces, and other facilities as scheduled.
Job Openings
Job openings for teaching positions, support staff, and extracurricular coordinators at Chaney-Monge would typically be posted through the district’s employment listings for Chaney-Monge School District 88. Given the small size of the school, hiring tends to be modest and may open up when a staff member leaves or when new programs are added. Individuals interested in teaching, support or specialty roles (arts, music, ELL support, extracurricular coordination) should monitor the district’s official website or contact the district office via the public phone number (815-722-6673) for any current or upcoming vacancies.