Columbia Explorers Elem Academy vs Thomas Kelly College Preparatory
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Illinois, United States, 1.1 km apart, using official American 2025 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Columbia Explorers Elem Academy
Chicago · Public elementary · Grades PK–8
718 students
Thomas Kelly College Preparatory
Chicago · Public high · Grades 9–12
1,762 students
| Measure | Columbia Explorers Elem Academy Chicago, Illinois | Thomas Kelly College Preparatory Chicago, Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (US) | 34 Lower 50% | 15 Lower 50% |
| State rank | #1303 of 2,303 | #608 of 691 |
| National rank | #35766 of 50,301 | #16059 of 16,910 |
| Sector | Public | Public |
| Type | Elementary | High |
| Year range | Grades PK–8 | Grades 9–12 |
| Students | 718 | 1,762 |
| Enrollment | 718 | 1,762 |
| Free/reduced-price lunch | 86.2% | 93.9% |
| Students per teacher | 13.5 | 14.3 |
| Reading proficiency | 40% | 10% |
| Math proficiency | 36% | 14% |
| city | Chicago | Chicago |
| state | Illinois | Illinois |
| Website | – | – |
The verdict
- •Columbia Explorers Elem Academy scores higher on the Success Index (US) (34.2 vs 15.0).
- •Columbia Explorers Elem Academy does better on math proficiency (36% vs 14%).
- •Columbia Explorers Elem Academy does better on reading proficiency (40% vs 10%).
- •Columbia Explorers Elem Academy does better on community advantage (fewer free/reduced-price lunch) (86.2% vs 93.9%).
- •Columbia Explorers Elem Academy does better on students per teacher (13.5 vs 14.3).
- •Thomas Kelly College Preparatory is the larger school with 1,762 students compared with 718.
The Success Index (US) summarises published results and context from official data. It does not measure teaching quality or fit. Methodology.
Free academic assessment
Torn between two schools? Start with your child.
Whichever you choose, a free Success Tutoring assessment shows exactly where your child is in English and Maths and how to get ahead before the next school year.
- Personalised learning plan mapped to the Australian Curriculum
- English & Maths from Kindergarten to Year 12
- Flexible memberships, no lock-in contracts
- Centres across NSW, VIC, QLD, WA, SA and ACT
Frequently asked questions
Is Columbia Explorers Elem Academy better than Thomas Kelly College Preparatory?
On the Success Index (US), Columbia Explorers Elem Academy ranks higher (34.2 vs 15.0 out of 100). The index is built from published results and context data, not from teaching quality or fit, so visit both schools before deciding.
How far apart are Columbia Explorers Elem Academy and Thomas Kelly College Preparatory?
About 1.1 km in a straight line, between Chicago and Chicago in Illinois.
Which has the better Enrollment?
Columbia Explorers Elem Academy: 718. Thomas Kelly College Preparatory: 1,762. Students enrolled in the latest NCES directory year.
How do Columbia Explorers Elem Academy and Thomas Kelly College Preparatory rank in Illinois?
Columbia Explorers Elem Academy is 1303rd of 2,303 and Thomas Kelly College Preparatory is 608th of 691 among elementary schools in Illinois on the 2025 Success Index (US).