Gwendolyn Brooks Middle School

Gwendolyn Brooks Middle School

Public Middle School | Grade 6-8
325 S Kenilworth Ave,  Oak Park, IL
Oak Park Elementary School District No. 97
2.4
3.3
949 Students
B+
Niche Grade
Located at 325 S. Kenilworth Ave., Gwendolyn Brooks Middle School is part of the Oak Park District 97 public school system and is named after poet Gwendolyn Brooks, the first African American to receive a Pulitzer Prize. First opened in 1893, a new building debuted for Gwendolyn Brooks Middle School in 2002 to include sixth through eighth grades. Ranked as one of the top 200 most diverse public schools in the state of Illinois by Niche, Gwendolyn Brooks Middle School enrolls 909 students who enjoy an average class size of 19 and a student-to-teacher ratio of 12-to-1. 32 percent of all students are proficient in both math and reading. Gwendolyn Brooks Middle School believes extracurricular competition builds children's self-esteem and students can sign up for basketball, volleyball, track and field, cross country or Special Olympics athletic programming in addition to required daily PE classes. Interspersed between a challenging International Baccalaureate curriculum of math, literacy, language, social studies, science and math, students are encouraged to enhance their personal growth through the award-winning BRAVO performing arts initiative in theater and music. Developing students' full potential through an arts-based academic program, Gwendolyn Brooks Middle School shines as a champion of the humanities.

School Details

Head of School
Mr. Michael Michowski
Student Teacher Ratio
14:1
Math Proficiency
35%
Reading Proficiency
36%

Niche Grade

B+
Academics
B+
Teachers
Source: Niche
Niche Grades

Niche grades and rankings are calculated using dozens of public data sets and millions of reviews. Niche data scientists and user researchers rigorously analyze data and user opinions to assess the key aspects of K-12 Schools, Colleges, and Places to Live. Every month, millions of students and families use the Niche grades and report cards to find the right school or neighborhood.

Niche Grade Details

Academics
Reading Proficiency
36%
Math Proficiency
35%
Teachers
Student Teacher Ratio
14:1
Teachers
72
Full Time Teachers
72
Teachers in First or Second Year
6.3%

GreatSchools Rating

Source: GreatSchools
GreatSchools Rating
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

GreatSchools Rating Details

Student Diversity

Male
52.4%
Female
46%
White
50.5%
Black
18.1%
Hispanic
15.2%
Two or more races
12.1%
Asian or Pacific Islander
2.3%
Native American
<1%
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
<1%

Specialty School Programs

Free/Reduced Lunch Offered

This School’s Reviews

Niche Reviews
2.4 8 Reviews
1.0 Middle School Student
8/22/2021
This is a terrible school. If you are a student you are either gay or you constantly make jokes about gay people. Bullying is a very big problem too. It is so bad that even when done in front of a teacher it will be ignored.
4.0 Middle School Student
1/7/2021
Fine school, some teachers aren't the best. Everything about this school is just meh. Bravo is an amazing program though for musical lovers.
GreatSchools Reviews
3.3 12 Reviews
5.0 parent
6/17/2025
I have my youngest entering 8th grade next year, so have five collective years of experience with this school starting in 2021. While not every teacher is exceptional, I have been very impressed with the professionalism, dedication and quality of the teaching staff. Middle school is traditionally to...
2.0 other
2/15/2023
this school is absolutely terrible. the teachers are good but what about the kids? my kid is getting bullied everyday and I contact again and again but the teachers do nothing. I'm tired of It and we have decided to move out of here. if my kid is bullied because the color of his skin then i don't wa...
1.0 student
2/13/2023
crinj bc reasons also bullyism not great
2.0 student
1/24/2022
this school has had multiple fights though out the year and all teachers do is have the students do a survay. i do not recommend this school.

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Gwendolyn Brooks Middle School is a public school for students in grades 6-8 in Oak Park, IL, in the Oak Park neighborhood, and is served by the Oak Park Elementary School District No. 97 in Illinois. The school has a total enrollment of 949 and maintains a student-teacher ratio of 14:1. Academic records show that 35% of students achieve proficiency in math, and 36% are proficient in reading. Gwendolyn Brooks Middle School has received feedback and ratings, with a Niche grade of B+ and a GreatSchools Rating of 8 out of 10. The average home value in this area is $614,752. Discover additional schools in the area, like Oak Park and River Forest High School, Proviso East High School, Douglass Academy High School, and more. Learn more about what Oak Park has to offer, and browse homes for sale and for rent near Gwendolyn Brooks Middle School.

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