James H. Bowen High School is a public four-year high school located in the South Chicago neighborhood on the south side of Chicago, Illinois, United States. Bowen is operated by the Chicago Public Schools district. From 1993 until 2011, Bowen was divided into four smaller schools.
Serving 219 students in grades 9-12, Bowen High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Illinois for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is ≤10% (which is lower than the Illinois state average of 27%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is ≤5% (which is lower than the Illinois state average of 30%).
The student:teacher ratio of 10:1 is lower than the Illinois state level of 13:1.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 219 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 10:1
- Graduation Rate: 55-59% (Btm 50% in IL)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: ≤10% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: ≤5% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: ≤5% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Bowen High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Illinois for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
Student Attention
School Overview
Bowen High School's student population of 219 students has declined by 12% over five school years.
The teacher population of 21 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
219 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
21 teachers
Year Founded
1900
Colors
Purple, Gold
School Calendar
School Motto
Our mission at James H. Bowen High School is to expose students to various post secondary options.
School Rankings
Bowen High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 3,542 schools in Illinois (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Bowen High School is 0.34, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.70. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#3156 out of 3542 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤10%
27%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤5%
30%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤5%
50%
Student : Teacher Ratio
10:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
n/a
6%
Hispanic
21%
28%
Black
79%
16%
White
n/a
45%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
n/a
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
55-59%
87%
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
43%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (11-12)
44%
27%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Boilermakers
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bowen High School's ranking?
Bowen High School is ranked #3156 out of 3,542 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Illinois.
What schools are Bowen High School often compared to?
Bowen High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Bogan High School, Bremen High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
≤10% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 27% IL state average), while ≤5% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 30% IL state average).
What is the graduation rate of Bowen High School?
The graduation rate of Bowen High School is 55-59%, which is lower than the Illinois state average of 87%.
How many students attend Bowen High School?
219 students attend Bowen High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
79% of Bowen High School students are Black, and 21% of students are Hispanic.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Bowen High School?
Bowen High School has a student ration of 10:1, which is lower than the Illinois state average of 13:1.
What grades does Bowen High School offer ?
Bowen High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12
What school district is Bowen High School part of?
Bowen High School is part of Chicago Public Schools Dist 299 School District.
In what neighborhood is Bowen High School located?
Bowen High School is located in the South Chicago neighborhood of Chicago, IL. There are 10 other public schools located in South Chicago.
School Reviews
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