James Avant is located in Washington Park, Illinois and serves the communities of Washington Park and Caseyville.

Striving for Excellence

James Avant Elementary School is located in Washington Park, IL with a population of 3.91K people with a median age of 34.9 and median household income of 21,065. The most common educational levels obtained by the working population were high school or equivalent. 54% of the population is currently under poverty status with 53.9% living below the poverty line. James Avant ES serves a diverse population of students (87.4% AA, 7.5% Hispanic, and 3.8% White).

Despite it all........

At James Avant ES we believe in educating the whole child and providing them with every opportunity to advance in learning in the 21st Century. On the Illinois State Report Card our Summative Designation is currently Commendable. This status shows that our school has no underperforming student groups with a graduation rate greater than 67%. Schooldigger Reports shows that James Avant is currently ranked 1551 out of 2,081 within Illinois Elementary Schools.

Looking Forward

Principal Nicholson & The A-Team are looking to keep up their excellence stride by continuing to promote Positivity in all Facets of the school community. James Avant has been awarded several awards in the past few years. In the school year 2020-21, at the start of the pandemic, the school was awarded The Bayer School of Excellence Award at St. Louis American Foundations Salute to Excellence Gala which highlighted their continued improvements during the pandemic academically. They were also awarded the IL-ASCD Whole Child Award during the school years 2020-2021 (Healthy) & 2022-2023 (Supportive).

Programs that aid in our school's stride toward excellence.....

James Avant's focus on the whole child, has initiated many programs that help to keep that focus. The following programs help with keeping our students Steadfast in Excellence:

PBIS-Positive Behavior Interventions & Support (Incentive program for all students.)

Kings Boys Group- Mentor Group for 3rd-5th grade boys.

Onyx Girls Group- Mentor Group for 3rd-5th grade girls.

Boys Scouts/Girl Scouts- Practical skills for all students

21st Century Program- After School enrichment program

Tech Club- Students learn how to code and enhance technology skills.

Please continue to visit our website as we add new information and features to connect with students, staff, teachers, parents, and the community.

Our Mission Statement:

The mission of James Avant Elementary School is to provide all students with a safe and nurturing learning environment that fosters a rigorous and diverse core curriculum in every classroom.

Our Vision Statement:

Our vision at James Avant Elementary School is to create a learning environment that fosters high expectations for success, college and career readiness and productive citizenship. 

Our School wide Goals:

• NWEA Math and ELA Goals
  • Math Winter Goal 60%
  • ELA Winter Goal 55%
  • Spring 80%
• IAR Goals
  • Math 36%
  • ELA 38%
• Attendance Goal Student & Staff
  • 95%
• Absentee Rate: 30%
• Health Compliance 100%
• Suspension Rate 1% or Less

Where we are “Building Tomorrow’s Future by Educating the Whole Child.”