Wells Community Academy High School in West Town is a 300-student neighborhood school that serves a diverse range of downtown Chicago areas. You'll also find diversity in the curriculum — including some programs that might surprise you at a public school.
Before diving too deep, please be aware that Wells draws students from sections of Wicker Park, Near North, Streeterville, West Loop and Near West. However, not all the nearby areas are within the attendance boundaries. Check your address (or prospective addresses) before confirming this as your local high school.
Regardless of where they live in the city, aspiring lawyers and leaders should take note of the pre-law program. This is an award-winning, profession-oriented, college prep track with a mix of mock trials, interscholastic competitions and focused study, ending with a capstone internship.
College attendance rates are high for pre-law graduates, several of whom have recently won Posse scholarships (a full-tuition leadership scholarship). Incoming students can also apply for two other specialized academic tracks: game programming and fine and performing arts.
Wells is currently receiving provisional support from the Chicago Public School (CPS) system to get its schoolwide metrics up to standard. However, there are plenty of opportunities for driven students.
The general education program is supplemented by several Advanced Placement classes, dual-credit courses, and a range of scholastic, competitive, creative and social clubs. Regardless of which path you choose, all the prerequisites for long-term academic success are right here at this neighborhood school.
Wells Community Academy High School
Public High School
|
Grade 9-12
936 N Ashland Ave,
Chicago, IL
Chicago Public Schools
School Details
Head of School
Michael Stosek
Student Teacher Ratio
12:1
Average SAT Score
950
Average ACT Score
21
Math Proficiency
5%
Reading Proficiency
5%
Average GPA
3.16
Graduation Rate
92%
Niche Grade
C
B-
B
B
B
B+
B
C+
Source: Niche
Niche Grade Details
Academics
Average GPA
3.16
Reading Proficiency
5%
Math Proficiency
5%
Teachers
Student Teacher Ratio
12:1
Teachers
30
Full Time Teachers
30
Teachers in First or Second Year
23%
College Prep
Average SAT
950
Math
470
Verbal
480
Average ACT
21
Math
18
English
23
Reading
23
Science
20
Number of AP Courses
7
AP Pass Rate
10.8%
AP Math Enrollment
Average
AP Science Enrollment
Very Low
Other AP Enrollment
Very High
Clubs and Activities
Girls Athletic Participation
High
Boys Athletic Participation
Average
GreatSchools Rating
Source: GreatSchools
GreatSchools Rating Details
Teachers and Staff
Students Per Counselor
158:1
Student Diversity
Male
56.1%
Female
43.9%
Black
47%
Hispanic
34.6%
White
15.6%
Two or more races
2.3%
Asian or Pacific Islander
<1%
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Specialty School Programs
AP Programs Offered
Free/Reduced Lunch Offered
Athletics Program
Colleges Students are Considering
Students are most interested in or go on to attend these colleges.
Northern Illinois University
61 Students
University of Illinois Chicago
59 Students
Northeastern Illinois University
51 Students
DePaul University
47 Students
Loyola University Chicago
40 Students
Western Illinois University
40 Students
Roosevelt University
40 Students
Illinois State University
38 Students
Northwestern University
29 Students
City Colleges of Chicago - Malcolm X College
25 Students
What Students Want to Study
Niche users from this school are most interested in the following majors.
Business
28 Students
Psychology
28 Students
Nursing
21 Students
Computer Science
12 Students
Pre-Medicine Studies
10 Students
Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Administration
9 Students
Pre-Law Studies
8 Students
Nursing Science, Education, and Practice
8 Students
Social Work and Youth Services
8 Students
Cosmetology
8 Students
This School’s Reviews
Niche Reviews
6/28/2023
The experience I had with Wells was having interacted with new cultures, people, gastronomy and the educational system because I studied in a Latin American post and entering a high school with new friends was very scary but thanks to the teachers and friends that I knew little to Little made me feel at home. In addition to various talents among the girls' soccer team, school projects and in short, my last year was a lot of fun.
10/9/2021
My experience was very good here, the staff and teachers are very hospitable and accommodating. The students on the other hand can be a little out of hand at times.
1/7/2020
My four years here were actually a great experience. I Really recommend this school.The teachers and staff are really supportive.
GreatSchools Reviews
1/7/2015
As a current student going to wells high, all I could say is that the teachers, staff, and principal of this school are a blessing. They have years of experience And they are doing 100% of their best to guide us to the right path and NEVER give up on a student if he\she felt if necessary. We may exp...
5/7/2013
wells academy is the most stupidest school in the city of Chicago with the worse staff who strive to provide the lowest quality education in Illinois!
9/7/2012
I attended Wells back in 1968 -71. I often check up to see how things are going there today. It was a wonderful school back then and I see it still is today! As I am 57 years old now I know all our old teachers have left or retired. Thanks to the Principals, staff and students who continue to make m...
5/17/2011
I transfered my daughter into Wells half way through her freshman year. I had MAJOR concerns regarding the reputation of the school, however after researching I found that they were cleaning house. My child has never been happier and I as a parent absolutely LOVE the staff at Wells. Principal Matias...
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Map
Attendance Zone
About East Village
List Price Range
$156K - $1.3M
Homes For Sale
2
Average Home Value
$690,449
Median Lot Size
3,049 Sq Ft
% Renters
58%
Household Income
$185,821
% of College Grads
84%
Median Age
35
Average House Size
2,287 Sq Ft
% Commercial Property
45.4%
Homes for Sale
Homes for Rent
Additional Schools in the Area
Public Schools shown may be Choice Schools
Choice Schools
Choice schools may not serve this home. Please check the school district website to see all schools serving this home.
- 9th to 12th
- Public
- 9th to 12th
- Public
Parks in this Area
Commercial Club Playground Of Chicago
- Baseball/Softball
- Basketball
- Football
Humboldt Park
- Baseball/Softball
- Basketball
- Bike Trails
Bertha Honoré Palmer Park
- Playground
Additional Neighborhoods in this Area
Ukrainian Village
Authentic Ukranian cuisine and culture just three miles from Chicago's River North
West Town
Western Chicago neighborhood on the rise, 4 miles from downtown
Wicker Park
Historic neighborhood with a famed shopping district
West Loop
Hip new lofts in prewar factory buildings surrounded by Michelin Star restaurants
Bucktown
Bustling Chicago neighborhood with vibrant and diverse dining scene
Goose Island
Up-and-coming manmade island neighboring Chicago's Gold Coast