Machesney Elem School

Machesney Elem School operates as a mid-sized K-5 school in Machesney Park, Illinois, part of Harlem UD 122. Current enrollment sits at 361 students spanning grades 1 through 5.

Machesney Elem School is one of 11 schools operated by Harlem UD 122, a district that serves 6,108 students overall.

Demographically, Machesney Elem School lists that the largest single group is White at 51%, but no single group is in the majority; the rest reads as 37% Hispanic, 7% multiracial, 5% Black. By comparison, Winnebago County as a whole is about 66% White, so the school skews considerably less White than its surroundings.

Looking at the economic backdrop, The school lists 28 full-time-equivalent teachers, for a student-teacher ratio near 12.8:1. Statewide, the average ratio sits near 13.9:1, putting Machesney Elem School tighter than the state norm the norm. About 64% of enrolled students meet the income threshold for free or reduced-price lunch, which schools and policymakers use as a rough income-mix signal.

Adjusting for the school's free-and-reduced-lunch share, Machesney Elem School tracks the demographic baseline. The model predicts 34.7% given the school's FRL share; actual proficiency is 33.8%.

In the area at large, the surrounding county (Winnebago County) shows that median household income runs about $65,837, about 25% of the adult population holds a bachelor's degree or above, and census figures put the poverty rate at about 11%. In all, Winnebago County runs 94 public schools (combined enrollment of about 44,103 students), of which Machesney Elem School is one.

Donald C Parker Early Educ Center is the nearest neighboring public school, about 0.5 miles from this campus. Within five miles, there are 8 other public schools. Ranking that nearby cluster on reported proficiency puts Machesney Elem School at 3rd of 8; the average score across the group is 33.8%.

Machesney Elem School operates from an outer-ring location.

Five-year trend. Machesney Elem School's enrollment has decreased 11% since 2018, when it stood at 406 (now 361). Hispanic enrollment moved from 8% to 37% across the same window. Class-load math has pulled in: from 14.8:1 in 2018 to 12.8:1 in 2025.

On allk12, the page collects discussion, questions, and updates around enrollment questions, classroom assignments, and PTA news. Parents, students, alumni, and staff are welcome to weigh in.