Ira Aldridge Elementary: What Makes The School Tick
Ira Aldridge Elementary in Chicago
Ira Aldridge Elementary School is a Chicago Public Schools elementary campus in South Chicago that serves Pre-K through 8th grade at 630 E. 131st St., Chicago, IL 60827. The school's publicly listed profile shows a current enrollment of 248 students, PK-8 grade coverage, and school hours of 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM.
Aldridge Elementary is best understood as a neighborhood public school with a strong community-facing mission, rather than a large, specialized magnet campus. Its school website describes a whole-child approach and a focus on college, career, and beyond, while the CPS profile identifies Afua B. Agyeman-Badu as principal and Lashonda Hicks-Curry as assistant principal.
School profile
School basics are clear and unusually easy to verify because CPS and the school's own site both publish current contact and leadership details. The school is part of Chicago Public Schools, serves Pre-K through 8, and can be reached at (773) 535-5614; its website also lists the same South Side address and fax number.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| School name | Ira F. Aldridge Elementary School |
| District | Chicago Public Schools District 299 |
| Address | 630 E 131st St, Chicago, IL 60827 |
| Grades | Pre-K through 8 |
| Enrollment | 248 students |
| School hours | 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM |
| Principal | Afua B. Agyeman-Badu |
| Assistant principal | Lashonda Hicks-Curry |
What the school serves
Student programming at Aldridge emphasizes structured support, a balanced instructional model, and a close-knit school environment. The CPS school report describes the campus as underutilized, with a capacity of 600 and a utilization rate of 41%, which helps explain why it can operate with a smaller, community-centered feel.
Instructional focus on the school report includes an accelerated curriculum and the use of data to support learning growth. The report also notes partnerships with organizations such as the Field Museum, CAPS, By the Hand, Human Resources Development Institute, and National PTA, which suggests the school leans on external community ties to broaden student opportunity.
"Our mission at Aldridge is to provide a school environment that supports a strong quality instructional program," the school report states.
Student body and metrics
Enrollment data varies slightly by source because school profiles are updated on different cycles, but the current CPS overview lists 248 students while older third-party profiles show figures in the 235 to 250 range. That difference is normal for public-school reporting and usually reflects timing rather than a contradiction.
Demographic context points to a student population that is overwhelmingly economically disadvantaged and historically serves a community with significant needs. Third-party education profiles report 94% economically disadvantaged students and 17 teachers, while SchoolDigger reports 90% African American and 10% Hispanic student composition in 2023-24.
- Grade span: Pre-K to 8.
- Current enrollment: 248 students.
- Capacity: 600 students.
- Utilization: 41%.
- School day: 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM.
- Reported staff count: 17 teachers in one profile, 52 total teachers in an older CPS budget document for a different year and dataset context.
Academic picture
Academic performance should be read carefully and in context. SchoolDigger reports that Aldridge ranked in the bottom 15% of Illinois elementary schools and cites 22.7% ELA proficiency in 2023-24, below district and state averages.
Improvement signals are also visible in the school's own mission framing and community partnerships, which indicate a focus on support systems rather than simple test-score optics. In practical terms, that often means smaller-scale instruction, relationship-based learning, and extra attention to attendance, family engagement, and student confidence.
History and namesake
Ira Aldridge, the school's namesake, was a pioneering 19th-century Black actor born in New York City on July 24, 1807, and remembered for breaking racial barriers on the stage. The school name carries historical weight because Aldridge became an international figure associated with artistic excellence and perseverance against discrimination.
Namesake significance matters in school branding because it often shapes how a campus frames identity, aspiration, and community pride. For a South Side elementary school, the Aldridge name can function as both a historical reminder and an educational signal about resilience, performance, and ambition.
Why it stands out
Community connection is the school's strongest defining trait. Aldridge presents itself as a neighborhood anchor with family-facing services, outside partnerships, and a focus on nurturing the whole child, which is a common but important model in urban public education.
- Check the CPS profile for the most current leadership, hours, and enrollment.
- Use the school report PDF for space-use, mission, and program notes.
- Use the school website for contact details and school culture messaging.
- Compare third-party sources only for context, since their figures can lag behind official updates.
Frequently asked questions
Source notes
Official information comes primarily from Chicago Public Schools, the school's own website, and the CPS school report PDF. Third-party education sites add useful context on enrollment, demographics, and performance, but official CPS sources should be treated as the most current reference point.
Helpful tips and tricks for Ira Aldridge Elementary What Makes The School Tick
Where is Ira Aldridge Elementary School located?
Ira Aldridge Elementary School is located at 630 E 131st St, Chicago, IL 60827.
What grades does Ira Aldridge Elementary serve?
The school serves Pre-K through 8th grade.
Who is the principal of Ira Aldridge Elementary?
The CPS school overview lists Afua B. Agyeman-Badu as principal, and the school's current profile also identifies Lashonda Hicks-Curry as assistant principal.
How many students attend Ira Aldridge Elementary?
The current CPS overview lists 248 students, while older third-party profiles show figures around 235 to 250, which is typical of reporting updates over time.
Is Ira Aldridge Elementary a magnet school?
The CPS report identifies it as a neighborhood school and notes "Theme Based Magnet: No."
What makes the school notable?
Its strongest distinguishing features are its South Side neighborhood role, community partnerships, and a mission centered on strong instruction and whole-child support.