ILIllinois rankings

Towns with the best public schools in Illinois

Ranked by how far each town's public schools score above or below the Illinois average in math and reading proficiency, weighted by enrollment. 384 towns with 2,500+ residents.

U.S. Census ACS 2020–2024 5-yearTest scores SY2020–21

Illinois · Best schools

Elk Grove ranks #157 of 384

−0.8 pts vs. the IL average in math + reading · Visit Elk Grove →

1 Owen Winnebago County +51.6 pts Math 82% · Reading 77.8% 2 New Trier Cook County +38.8 pts Math 67.7% · Reading 66.5% 3 West Deerfield Lake County +34.4 pts Math 64.3% · Reading 61.1%

#Townvs. state averageMathReading

OwenWinnebago County · Rockford SD 205 +51.6 pts 82% 77.8%

2 New TrierCook County · Wilmette SD 39 +38.8 pts 67.7% 66.5%

3 West DeerfieldLake County · Deerfield SD 109 +34.4 pts 64.3% 61.1%

4 WorthWoodford County · Germantown Hills SD 69 +34.3 pts 57.6% 67.6%

5 NorthfieldCook County · Glenbrook HSD 225 +33.3 pts 62.2% 61%

6 St. JacobMadison County · Triad CUSD 2 +31.2 pts 62% 57%

CubaLake County · Barrington CUSD 220 +29.9 pts 57.4% 59%

8 RadnorPeoria County · Dunlap CUSD 323 +29.5 pts 56.5% 59.2%

9 River ForestCook County · River Forest SD 90 +29.3 pts 57.2% 58%

10 VernonLake County · Adlai E Stevenson HSD 125 +28.6 pts 57.1% 56.6%

11 TeutopolisEffingham County · Teutopolis CUSD 50 +28.0 pts 55.2% 57.4%

MedinaPeoria County · Dunlap CUSD 323 +27.1 pts 55.7% 55.1%

13 KickapooPeoria County · Dunlap CUSD 323 +26.7 pts 58% 52%

LibertyvilleLake County · Libertyville SD 70 +25.1 pts 51.6% 55.3%

MortonTazewell County · Morton CUSD 709 +24.7 pts 49.2% 56.8%

MontgomeryWoodford County · Eureka CUD 140 +24.0 pts 50.1% 54.5%

SangamonPiatt County · Monticello CUSD 25 +23.7 pts 52% 52%

18 RoscoeWinnebago County · Kinnikinnick CCSD 131 +23.5 pts 47% 56.6%

St. CharlesKane County · St Charles CUSD 303 +23.3 pts 51.2% 52%

20 FrankfortWill County · Lincoln Way CHSD 210 +23.2 pts 49.4% 53.6%

21 SaratogaGrundy County · Saratoga CCSD 60C +23.1 pts 48.9% 53.9%

22 St. JosephChampaign County · St Joseph CCSD 169 +21.5 pts 51.6% 48.1%

ElaLake County · Lake Zurich CUSD 95 +21.3 pts 50% 49.2%

24 ChampaignChampaign County · Champaign CUSD 4 +21.2 pts 47% 52%

BarringtonCook County · Barrington CUSD 220 +20.9 pts 47.9% 50.5%

26 Fancy CreekSangamon County · Williamsville CUSD 15 +20.3 pts 45.8% 51.5%

MoraineLake County · North Shore SD 112 +20.0 pts 48.5% 48.1%

RiversideCook County · Riverside SD 96 +20.0 pts 46.1% 50.5%

NapervilleDuPage County · Indian Prairie CUSD 204 +19.4 pts 47.4% 48.1%

Oak ParkCook County · Oak Park ESD 97 +19.4 pts 45.6% 49.9%

OlioWoodford County · Eureka CUD 140 +19.3 pts 43.8% 51.4%

32 Looking GlassClinton County · Wesclin CUSD 3 +19.0 pts 41.9% 52.7%

JacksonWill County · Elwood CCSD 203 +18.7 pts 37% 57%

34 TremontTazewell County · Tremont CUSD 702 +18.7 pts 42% 52%

WheatlandWill County · Indian Prairie CUSD 204 +18.4 pts 46% 47.5%

MiltonDuPage County · CUSD 200 +18.1 pts 46% 46.9%

CamptonKane County · St Charles CUSD 303 +17.9 pts 46.3% 46.1%

SmithtonSt. Clair County · Smithton CCSD 130 +17.7 pts 45% 47%

LisleDuPage County · Naperville CUSD 203 +17.4 pts 42.5% 48.9%

40 ByronOgle County · Byron CUSD 226 +17.2 pts 43.9% 47.1%

41 MetamoraWoodford County · County of Woodford School +17.2 pts 43.1% 47.8%

42 WashingtonTazewell County · Washington CHSD 308 +16.4 pts 44.5% 44.9%

43 WilmingtonWill County · Wilmington CUSD 209U +16.3 pts 38.8% 50.3%

MascoutahSt. Clair County · Mascoutah CUD 19 +16.1 pts 41.4% 47.5%

PalosCook County · Cons HSD 230 +15.1 pts 39.5% 47.4%

46 PecatonicaWinnebago County · Pecatonica CUSD 321 +15.1 pts 37% 49.7%

New LenoxWill County · New Lenox SD 122 +14.3 pts 42.2% 43%

Elm GroveTazewell County · Tremont CUSD 702 +14.0 pts 35.5% 49%

49 GenevaKane County · Geneva CUSD 304 +13.9 pts 41.9% 42.6%

Shiloh ValleySt. Clair County · Mascoutah CUD 19 +13.9 pts 37.7% 46.6%

51 ColumbiaColumbia CUSD 4 +13.8 pts 44.3% 39.9%

52 Downers GroveDuPage County · CHSD 99 +13.6 pts 41.3% 42.6%

53 RocktonWinnebago County · Hononegah CHD 207 +13.6 pts 38.5% 45.2%

TowandaMcLean County · McLean County USD 5 +13.5 pts 40.7% 43%

GraftonMcHenry County · Huntley Comm Sch Dist 158 +13.4 pts 39.9% 43.4%

56 WaterlooWaterloo CUSD 5 +13.2 pts 39.9% 43.1%

57 Sugar CreekClinton County · Wesclin CUSD 3 +13.0 pts 38.4% 44.1%

SchaumburgCook County · Schaumburg CCSD 54 +12.8 pts 39.7% 42.6%

59 BlackberryKane County · Geneva CUSD 304 +12.8 pts 37% 45.1%

60 EvanstonEvanston CCSD 65 +12.6 pts 40.6% 41.2%

MahometChampaign County · Mahomet-Seymour CUSD 3 +12.5 pts 43% 38.5%

62 BracevilleGrundy County · Coal City CUSD 1 +12.1 pts 39% 41.8%

TolonoChampaign County · Tolono CUSD 7 +12.1 pts 37.7% 43.1%

64 HomerWill County · Homer CCSD 33C +11.9 pts 40.4% 40.1%

65 EdwardsvilleMadison County · Edwardsville CUSD 7 +11.9 pts 39.7% 40.7%

66 JarvisMadison County · Triad CUSD 2 +11.9 pts 41.4% 38.9%

YorkDuPage County · Elmhurst SD 205 +11.7 pts 39.1% 40.9%

68 SalineMadison County · Highland CUSD 5 +11.6 pts 39.4% 40.4%

KendallKendall County · Yorkville CUSD 115 +11.4 pts 35.4% 44%

CarlinvilleMacoupin County · Carlinville CUSD 1 +11.4 pts 38.3% 41.1%

SenecaMcHenry County · Marengo CHSD 154 +11.4 pts 37% 42.4%

WheelingCook County · Township HSD 214 +11.0 pts 39.3% 39.2%

73 ShieldsLake County · North Chicago SD 187 +11.0 pts 39.4% 39.3%

74 O'FallonSt. Clair County · O Fallon CCSD 90 +10.5 pts 37.3% 40.2%

BataviaKane County · Batavia USD 101 +10.1 pts 38.6% 38.3%

76 PlatoKane County · Central CUSD 301 +9.7 pts 37.3% 38.8%

77 HelvetiaMadison County · Highland CUSD 5 +9.7 pts 36% 40%

MonticelloPiatt County · Monticello CUSD 25 +9.7 pts 28.1% 47.8%

79 ChillicothePeoria County · Il Valley Central USD 321 +9.6 pts 34.9% 41%

WesternHenry County · Orion CUSD 223 +9.4 pts 38.7% 36.6%

FreeburgSt. Clair County · Freeburg CHSD 77 +9.2 pts 32.1% 42.9%

PalatineCook County · Palatine CCSD 15 +9.1 pts 38.4% 36.4%

83 Pin OakMadison County · Edwardsville CUSD 7 +8.7 pts 40% 34%

84 FelixGrundy County · Coal City CUSD 1 +8.7 pts 42% 32%

MontebelloHancock County · Hamilton CCSD 328 +8.7 pts 33.6% 40.3%

86 RileyMcHenry County · Riley CCSD 18 +8.7 pts 27% 47%

87 Mount ZionMacon County · Mt Zion CUSD 3 +8.6 pts 36.2% 37.6%

88 OrlandCook County · Orland SD 135 +8.5 pts 34.5% 39.2%

MaineCook County · Maine Township HSD 207 +8.4 pts 33.3% 40.1%

90 CartervilleCarterville CUSD 5 +8.3 pts 30.4% 42.7%

West PointStephenson County · Lena Winslow CUSD 202 +8.3 pts 30.6% 42.7%

New AthensSt. Clair County · New Athens CUSD 60 +8.3 pts 26.2% 47.1%

LemontCook County · Lemont-Bromberek CSD 113A +8.2 pts 35.7% 37.3%

ElmwoodPeoria County · Elmwood CUSD 322 +7.9 pts 36.3% 36.2%

95 RichmondMcHenry County · Nippersink SD 2 +7.8 pts 30.9% 41.4%

96 MillstadtSt. Clair County · Millstadt CCSD 160 +7.7 pts 35% 37%

ManhattanWill County · Manhattan SD 114 +6.6 pts 32.4% 37.4%

NundaMcHenry County · Crystal Lake CCSD 47 +6.5 pts 31.4% 38.2%

99 BristolKendall County · Yorkville CUSD 115 +6.4 pts 32.6% 36.8%

100 MarionOgle County · Meridian CUSD 223 +6.4 pts 25.7% 43.7%

101 StookeySt. Clair County · Harmony Emge SD 175 +6.2 pts 34.5% 34.5%

102

ChathamSangamon County · Ball Chatham CUSD 5 +6.2 pts 37% 32%

103 El PasoWoodford County · El Paso-Gridley CUSD 11 +6.2 pts 30.1% 38.9%

104

NormalMcLean County · McLean County USD 5 +6.1 pts 32.1% 36.7%

105 BreeseClinton County · Central CHSD 71 +6.0 pts 33% 35.6%

106

WayneDuPage County · SD U-46 +5.7 pts 33.7% 34.2%

107 ShelbyvilleShelby County · Shelbyville CUSD 4 +5.3 pts 30% 37.2%

108

MarshallClark County · Marshall CUSD 2C +5.0 pts 31.9% 34.7%

109 AlgonquinMcHenry County · CUSD 300 +4.9 pts 30.9% 35.5%

110 ReedWill County · Reed Custer CUSD 255U +4.9 pts 29.9% 36.5%

111

EmpireMcLean County · LeRoy CUSD 2 +4.8 pts 32.4% 33.7%

112

WinnebagoWinnebago County · Winnebago CUSD 323 +4.7 pts 28% 37.9%

113

MakandaJackson County · Unity Point CCSD 140 +4.6 pts 21.5% 44.2%

114

WilliamsSangamon County · Williamsville CUSD 15 +4.6 pts 25.4% 40.4%

115 West GalenaJo Daviess County · Galena USD 120 +4.5 pts 39.7% 25.9%

116

BallSangamon County · Ball Chatham CUSD 5 +3.8 pts 30.5% 33.7%

117 HudsonMcLean County · McLean County USD 5 +3.7 pts 32% 32%

118

West LincolnLogan County · Lincoln ESD 27 +3.6 pts 33% 30.8%

119

MarengoMcHenry County · Marengo-Union E Cons D 165 +3.6 pts 34.4% 29.4%

120 BourbonDouglas County · Arthur CUSD 305 +3.5 pts 27.5% 36.1%

121 NokomisMontgomery County · Nokomis CUSD 22 +3.5 pts 31.8% 31.8%

122 RandolphMcLean County · Heyworth CUSD 4 +3.4 pts 28.3% 35%

123 GardnerSangamon County · Pleasant Plains CUSD 8 +3.1 pts 32.6% 30.3%

124 BloomingdaleDuPage County · CCSD 93 +3.0 pts 29.2% 33.4%

125 SandwichDeKalb County · Sandwich CUSD 430 +3.0 pts 30.2% 32.5%

126 DrummerFord County · Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley CUSD 5 +3.0 pts 29.1% 33.4%

127 OswegoKendall County · CUSD 308 +2.9 pts 28.1% 34.3%

128

TroyWill County · Troy CCSD 30C +2.8 pts 28.4% 33.7%

129

DorrMcHenry County · Woodstock CUSD 200 +2.5 pts 24.3% 37.2%

130 DunleithJo Daviess County · East Dubuque USD 119 +2.5 pts 24.7% 36.8%

131 SycamoreDeKalb County · Sycamore CUSD 427 +2.2 pts 26.5% 34.6%

132 RutlandKane County · CUSD 300 +1.9 pts 28.8% 31.5%

133

SullivanMoultrie County · Sullivan CUSD 300 +1.7 pts 25.9% 34.1%

134

MackinawTazewell County · Deer Creek-Mackinaw CUSD 701 +1.7 pts 25% 35%

135 NilesCook County · Niles Twp HSD 219 +1.6 pts 27.6% 32.1%

136 AmboyLee County · Amboy CUSD 272 +1.4 pts 28.3% 31.1%

137 BurtonMcHenry County · Nippersink SD 2 +1.2 pts 22% 37%

138

ChristyLawrence County · Red Hill CUSD 10 +1.2 pts 17% 42%

139 GranvillePutnam County · Putnam County CUSD 535 +1.2 pts 24.5% 34.5%

140

Squaw GroveDeKalb County · Hinckley Big Rock CUSD 429 +1.1 pts 27.3% 31.5%

141 LyonsCook County · Lyons Twp HSD 204 +1.0 pts 27.7% 31%

142

PattonFord County · Paxton-Buckley-Loda CUD 10 +0.9 pts 31.1% 27.3%

143

MantenoKankakee County · Manteno CUSD 5 +0.8 pts 27.5% 30.7%

144

Aux SableGrundy County · Minooka CCSD 201 +0.5 pts 26.2% 31.4%

145

MorrisGrundy County · Morris CHSD 101 +0.5 pts 26.6% 31%

146

LimestoneKankakee County · Herscher CUSD 2 +0.2 pts 27% 30%

147

Mount SterlingBrown County · Brown County CUSD 1 +0.1 pts 26.4% 30.4%

148 LexingtonMcLean County · Lexington CUSD 7 +0.1 pts 22.6% 34.1%

149

LockportWill County · Lockport Twp HSD 205 0.0 pts 26.1% 30.5%

150

FremontLake County · Mundelein Cons HSD 120 0.0 pts 24.7% 31.8%

151 JerseyJersey County · Jersey CUSD 100 −0.1 pts 25.3% 31.1%

152

East LincolnLogan County · Lincoln CHSD 404 −0.1 pts 24% 32.4%

153

ParisEdgar County · Paris-Union SD 95 −0.2 pts 22.6% 33.5%

154 BuffaloOgle County · Polo CUSD 222 −0.2 pts 23.2% 33%

155

GeneseoHenry County · Geneseo CUSD 228 −0.3 pts 25.8% 30.3%

156 South OttawaLaSalle County · Ottawa ESD 141 −0.5 pts 18.9% 36.7%

157

Elk GroveCook County · Comm Cons SD 59 −0.8 pts 25.9% 29.1%

158

ChannahonWill County · Channahon SD 17 −0.8 pts 24% 31.1%

159 MelroseAdams County · Quincy SD 172 −0.8 pts 30% 25%

160 GreenwoodMcHenry County · Woodstock CUSD 200 −0.9 pts 21.5% 33.3%

161

HampshireKane County · CUSD 300 −0.9 pts 26.6% 28.2%

162 RobinsonCrawford County · Robinson CUSD 2 −0.9 pts 21% 33.9%

163

FultonWhiteside County · River Bend CUSD 2 −0.9 pts 26.5% 28.2%

164

CarmiWhite County · Carmi-White County CUSD 5 −1.0 pts 22.5% 32%

165 WadeJasper County · Jasper County CUD 1 −1.0 pts 26.7% 27.9%

166 MoundEffingham County · Altamont CUSD 10 −1.1 pts 24.8% 29.6%

167 PeruLaSalle County · Peru ESD 124 −1.3 pts 23.1% 30.8%

168 MontmorencyWhiteside County · Montmorency CCSD 145 −1.3 pts 32% 22%

169

AntiochLake County · Antioch CCSD 34 −1.4 pts 24.9% 29%

170

SalemMarion County · Salem SD 111 −1.7 pts 22.8% 30.3%

171

Red BudRed Bud CUSD 132 −1.7 pts 20.8% 32.3%

172

WarrenLake County · Woodland CCSD 50 −1.8 pts 24.3% 28.7%

173 WaucondaLake County · Wauconda CUSD 118 −1.8 pts 23.3% 29.8%

174

GenoaDeKalb County · Genoa Kingston CUSD 424 −1.8 pts 21% 32%

175 CarlyleClinton County · Carlyle CUSD 1 −1.8 pts 20% 32.9%

176

CentralBond County · Bond County CUSD 2 −1.9 pts 27.3% 25.4%

177 McLeansboroHamilton County · Hamilton Co CUSD 10 −1.9 pts 21% 31.8%

178 WashingtonWill County · Beecher CUSD 200U −2.0 pts 15.6% 37%

179

ManliusLaSalle County · Marseilles ESD 150 −2.2 pts 24.9% 27.3%

180 CaseyClark County · Casey-Westfield CUSD 4C −2.2 pts 19.6% 32.6%

181

Norwood ParkCook County · Norridge SD 80 −2.3 pts 18.9% 33.1%

182

Mount PleasantWhiteside County · Morrison CUSD 6 −2.3 pts 21.7% 30.4%

183

DoddsJefferson County · Bethel SD 82 −2.3 pts 27.4% 24.6%

184

Fort RussellMadison County · Bethalto CUSD 8 −2.5 pts 23.4% 28.2%

185 North LitchfieldMontgomery County · Litchfield CUSD 12 −2.6 pts 17.7% 33.7%

186

HillsboroMontgomery County · Hillsboro CUSD 3 −2.7 pts 19.9% 31.4%

187 NewportLake County · Millburn CCSD 24 −2.7 pts 26.3% 24.8%

188 CarrolltonGreene County · Carrollton CUSD 1 −2.7 pts 29% 22.2%

189 ProphetstownWhiteside County · Prophetstown-Lyndon-Tampico CUSD3 −2.8 pts 21.9% 29.1%

190 Du PageWill County · Valley View CUSD 365U −2.9 pts 22.5% 28.3%

191 St. ClairSt. Clair County · Whiteside SD 115 −3.0 pts 21.9% 28.7%

192

Lake VillaLake County · Lake Villa CCSD 41 −3.1 pts 25.5% 24.8%

193

HerrinHerrin CUSD 4 −3.1 pts 22.2% 28.3%

194 QuincyAdams County · Quincy SD 172 −3.2 pts 23.2% 27%

195 ClintoniaDe Witt County · Clinton CUSD 15 −3.2 pts 20.1% 30.1%

196

MarionMarion CUSD 2 −3.5 pts 20.3% 29.3%

197

OlneyRichland County · Richland County CUSD 1 −3.6 pts 22.3% 27.1%

198 PanaChristian County · Pana CUSD 8 −3.6 pts 21.4% 28.1%

199 DouglasEffingham County · Effingham CUSD 40 −3.7 pts 23.1% 26.2%

200 Indian GroveLivingston County · Prairie Central CUSD 8 −3.7 pts 27.6% 21.6%

201 PlainfieldWill County · Plainfield SD 202 −3.8 pts 20.6% 28.3%

202 NewellVermilion County · Bismarck Henning CUSD −3.8 pts 22.8% 26.1%

203 KingstonDeKalb County · Genoa Kingston CUSD 424 −3.8 pts 22% 27%

204

GoodeFranklin County · Sesser-Valier CUSD 196 −3.9 pts 22.9% 26%

205

HarterClay County · Flora CUSD 35 −4.0 pts 15.8% 32.8%

206 WinfieldDuPage County · CUSD 200 −4.1 pts 22.5% 25.9%

207 Macomb CityMcDonough County · Macomb CUSD 185 −4.1 pts 21% 27.4%

208

StauntonMacoupin County · Staunton CUSD 6 −4.1 pts 22.3% 26.2%

209 Champaign CityChampaign County · Champaign CUSD 4 −4.4 pts 23% 24.8%

210 PinckneyvillePinckneyville SD 50 −4.4 pts 25.3% 22.5%

211

AvonLake County · Round Lake CUSD 116 −4.5 pts 20.8% 26.7%

212

TuscolaDouglas County · Tuscola CUSD 301 −4.7 pts 20% 27.3%

213

NashvilleWashington County · Nashville CCSD 49 −4.7 pts 22.8% 24.4%

214

CarthageHancock County · Carthage ESD 317 −4.7 pts 17% 30.2%

215 YellowheadKankakee County · Grant Park CUSD 6 −5.1 pts 18.6% 27.8%

216

VandaliaFayette County · Vandalia CUSD 203 −5.2 pts 22.8% 23.4%

217

Bloomington CityMcLean County · Bloomington SD 87 −5.3 pts 21.9% 24%

218

SewardKendall County · Minooka CCSD 201 −5.3 pts 23% 23%

219 ColomaWhiteside County · Rock Falls Twp HSD 301 −5.6 pts 19.3% 26.1%

220

KnoxKnox County · Knoxville CUSD 202 −5.6 pts 22.5% 23%

221

ChebanseIroquois County · Central CUSD 4 −5.6 pts 22.5% 22.8%

222

PrincetonBureau County · Princeton ESD 115 −5.8 pts 19.4% 25.7%

223 Oregon-NashuaOgle County · Oregon CUSD 220 −5.8 pts 22% 23.1%

224

WatsonEffingham County · Effingham CUSD 40 −5.8 pts 18% 27%

225 AddisonDuPage County · Addison SD 4 −5.9 pts 20.5% 24.4%

226 JacksonvilleJacksonville SD 117 −5.9 pts 20.6% 24.2%

227 OttawaLaSalle County · Ottawa Twp HSD 140 −6.0 pts 17.8% 26.8%

228

Na-Au-SayKendall County · Plainfield SD 202 −6.0 pts 19.3% 25.3%

229 BourbonnaisKankakee County · Bourbonnais SD 53 −6.1 pts 20.8% 23.6%

230

Coal ValleyRock Island County · Moline-Coal Valley CUSD 40 −6.3 pts 17% 27%

231 WhitmoreMacon County · Argenta-Oreana CUSD 1 −6.3 pts 22% 22%

232 VirdenMacoupin County · North Mac CUSD 34 −6.3 pts 12% 32%

233 BellevilleBelleville Twp HSD 201 −6.4 pts 17.5% 26.4%

234 WethersfieldHenry County · Wethersfield CUSD 230 −6.4 pts 16.2% 27.6%

235 GrantLake County · Grant CHSD 124 −6.5 pts 20.4% 23.3%

236

DundeeKane County · CUSD 300 −6.7 pts 20.2% 23%

237 HenryMarshall County · Henry-Senachwine CUSD 5 −6.7 pts 18.3% 24.9%

238

Mount VernonJefferson County · Mount Vernon SD 80 −6.8 pts 19.2% 23.7%

239

EarlLaSalle County · Earlville CUSD 9 −6.9 pts 22.7% 20.1%

240 McHenryMcHenry County · McHenry CCSD 15 −7.0 pts 19% 23.6%

241 HarlemWinnebago County · Harlem UD 122 −7.0 pts 18.6% 24%

242 LimestonePeoria County · Limestone CHSD 310 −7.0 pts 18% 24.6%

243

ToulonStark County · Stark County CUSD 100 −7.0 pts 20.8% 21.8%

244

SterlingWhiteside County · Sterling CUSD 5 −7.2 pts 19% 23.2%

245

CantonFulton County · Canton Union SD 66 −7.2 pts 19.4% 22.7%

246 GaneerKankakee County · Momence CUSD 1 −7.5 pts 17.2% 24.5%

247

BrooksideClinton County · Willow Grove SD 46 −7.7 pts 21.9% 19.3%

248

LeydenCook County · Leyden CHSD 212 −7.8 pts 16.3% 24.7%

249

BentonFranklin County · Benton CCSD 47 −8.0 pts 17.1% 23.5%

250 CapitalSangamon County · Springfield SD 186 −8.2 pts 17.4% 22.9%

251 DixonLee County · Dixon USD 170 −8.2 pts 17.1% 23%

252

HavanaMason County · Havana CUSD 126 −8.2 pts 17.4% 22.8%

253 GroverWayne County · Fairfield Comm H S Dist 225 −8.3 pts 15.2% 24.8%

254 Du QuoinDu Quoin CUSD 300 −8.4 pts 18.5% 21.2%

255

LebanonSt. Clair County · Lebanon CUSD 9 −8.4 pts 19% 20.8%

256

PekinTazewell County · Pekin PSD 108 −8.5 pts 19.5% 20.1%

257 MetropolisMassac UD 1 −8.5 pts 14.8% 24.9%

258 CharlestonColes County · Charleston CUSD 1 −8.6 pts 17.4% 22%

259 GodfreyAlton CUSD 11 −8.8 pts 17.9% 21.1%

260 MercerMercer County · Mercer County School District 404 −8.8 pts 17% 22.1%

261

South JacksonvilleJacksonville SD 117 −8.8 pts 17% 22%

262

PawneeSangamon County · Pawnee CUSD 11 −8.8 pts 12% 27%

263

CollinsvilleMadison County · Collinsville CUSD 10 −9.0 pts 17.7% 20.9%

264 CarbondaleJackson County · Carbondale ESD 95 −9.0 pts 15.6% 23.1%

265 CincinnatiTazewell County · Pekin PSD 108 −9.0 pts 15% 23.5%

266 HanoverCook County · SD U-46 −9.1 pts 18% 20.5%

267

TaylorvilleChristian County · Taylorville CUSD 3 −9.1 pts 12.7% 25.6%

268 MonmouthWarren County · Monmouth-Roseville CUSD 238 −9.1 pts 16% 22.4%

269

Mount OliveMacoupin County · Mount Olive CUSD 5 −9.1 pts 18% 20.5%

270 ChesterChester CUSD 139 −9.2 pts 10.5% 27.8%

271

Galesburg CityKnox County · Galesburg CUSD 205 −9.3 pts 14.9% 23.1%

272 PontiacLivingston County · Pontiac CCSD 429 −9.3 pts 17.3% 20.8%

273 WorthCook County · CHSD 218 −9.6 pts 15.9% 21.6%

274

AnnaAnna Jonesboro CHSD 81 −10.1 pts 10.3% 26.1%

275

ChicagoChicago Public Schools Dist 299 −10.2 pts 16.4% 19.8%

276

LawrenceLawrence County · Lawrence County CUD 20 −10.2 pts 12.1% 24.1%

277 GillespieMacoupin County · Gillespie CUSD 7 −10.2 pts 15% 21.2%

278 MattoonColes County · Mattoon CUSD 2 −10.4 pts 13.7% 22.2%

279

Poplar GroveBoone County · North Boone CUSD 200 −10.5 pts 13% 22.6%

280 ElginKane County · SD U-46 −10.6 pts 16.9% 18.5%

281 FlaggOgle County · Rochelle CCSD 231 −10.6 pts 16.3% 19%

282

CentraliaMarion County · Centralia HSD 200 −10.8 pts 15.7% 19.2%

283 EriennaGrundy County · Morris SD 54 −10.8 pts 19% 16%

284 NeogaCumberland County · Neoga CUSD 3 −10.9 pts 14.7% 20.1%

285

Wood RiverMadison County · Bethalto CUSD 8 −11.0 pts 14.7% 19.9%

286

CaseyvilleSt. Clair County · Collinsville CUSD 10 −11.1 pts 14.2% 20.2%

287 DwightLivingston County · Dwight Common SD 232 −11.2 pts 17.7% 16.4%

288 CaledoniaBoone County · Belvidere CUSD 100 −11.3 pts 12% 22%

289 MendotaLaSalle County · Mendota CCSD 289 −11.3 pts 13.9% 20%

290 South LitchfieldMontgomery County · Litchfield CUSD 12 −11.3 pts 12% 22%

291 CedarKnox County · Abingdon-Avon CUSD 276 −11.3 pts 17% 17%

292 De SotoJackson County · DeSoto Cons SD 86 −11.3 pts 17% 17%

293 CamargoDouglas County · Villa Grove CUSD 302 −11.4 pts 15.6% 18.1%

294

HallBureau County · Spring Valley CCSD 99 −11.6 pts 12.3% 21.1%

295

Mount CarmelWabash CUSD 348 −11.6 pts 14.6% 18.8%

296

FondulacTazewell County · East Peoria SD 86 −11.7 pts 14.9% 18.3%

297

RochesterSangamon County · Rochester CUSD 3A −11.9 pts 13.1% 19.7%

298

BremenCook County · Bremen CHSD 228 −12.1 pts 13.7% 18.7%

299 GalvaHenry County · Galva CUSD 224 −12.1 pts 19% 13.4%

300

StickneyCook County · Burbank SD 111 −12.2 pts 13.8% 18.4%

301

BelvidereBoone County · Belvidere CUSD 100 −12.2 pts 13% 19.3%

302 Little RockKendall County · Plano CUSD 88 −12.3 pts 14.9% 17.2%

303

Six MileFranklin County · Zeigler-Royalton CUSD 188 −12.3 pts 10.4% 21.6%

304

OblongCrawford County · Oblong CUSD 4 −12.3 pts 10.2% 21.9%

305

RichCook County · Homewood Flossmoor CHSD 233 −12.5 pts 13.1% 18.5%

306

South MolineRock Island County · Moline-Coal Valley CUSD 40 −12.7 pts 12.4% 18.8%

307 HamptonRock Island County · Silvis SD 34 −12.8 pts 11.6% 19.4%

308

Hickory PointMacon County · Decatur SD 61 −13.0 pts 12.7% 17.9%

309 PittsfieldPike County · Pikeland CUSD 10 −13.0 pts 10.8% 19.7%

310

Bunker HillMacoupin County · Bunker Hill CUSD 8 −13.1 pts 12% 18.4%

311 BerwynCook County · J S Morton HSD 201 −13.3 pts 12.1% 18%

312 DeKalbDeKalb County · DeKalb CUSD 428 −13.3 pts 12.2% 17.8%

313 LaSalleLaSalle County · La Salle-Peru Twp HSD 120 −13.3 pts 10.1% 19.9%

314 ArcolaDouglas County · Arcola CUSD 306 −13.4 pts 14.9% 14.9%

315 SavannaCarroll County · West Carroll CUSD 314 −13.6 pts 13.1% 16.3%

316

ProvisoCook County · Proviso Twp HSD 209 −13.7 pts 12.3% 16.9%

317 BlackhawkRock Island County · Rock Island SD 41 −13.8 pts 12% 17%

318 SomersetJackson County · Murphysboro CUSD 186 −13.9 pts 14.4% 14.4%

319

CortlandDeKalb County · DeKalb CUSD 428 −14.0 pts 14.3% 14.3%

320

TyroneFranklin County · Christopher USD 99 −14.0 pts 9.3% 19.2%

321 GrovelandTazewell County · Creve Coeur SD 76 −14.2 pts 10.9% 17.3%

322

ShilohJefferson County · Mount Vernon SD 80 −14.2 pts 12.4% 15.8%

323 BruceLaSalle County · Streator ESD 44 −14.4 pts 10.2% 17.6%

324

HarrisburgSaline County · Harrisburg CUSD 3 −14.6 pts 4.1% 23.2%

325 Sugar LoafSt. Clair County · Comm Unit School District No 196 −14.7 pts 7.8% 19.4%

326 Granite CityMadison County · Granite City CUSD 9 −14.8 pts 14.5% 12.5%

327 BentonLake County · Beach Park CCSD 3 −14.8 pts 12.9% 14%

328 Johnston CityJohnston City CUSD 1 −14.9 pts 12.3% 14.6%

329 RichwoodsPeoria County · Peoria Heights CUSD 325 −15.0 pts 9.4% 17.2%

330 GrantVermilion County · Hoopeston Area CUSD 11 −15.0 pts 11.4% 15.1%

331

LewistownFulton County · Lewistown CUSD 97 −15.2 pts 12% 14.2%

332

CunninghamChampaign County · Urbana SD 116 −15.3 pts 12% 14.1%

333 Peoria CityPeoria County · Peoria SD 150 −15.4 pts 11.2% 14.6%

334 JolietWill County · Joliet PSD 86 −15.4 pts 10.3% 15.4%

335

OakwoodVermilion County · Oakwood CUSD 76 −15.4 pts 11.5% 14.2%

336 FreeportStephenson County · Freeport SD 145 −15.6 pts 11.5% 13.9%

337 South Rock IslandRock Island County · Rock Island SD 41 −15.6 pts 11.6% 13.8%

338

Clear LakeSangamon County · Riverton CUSD 14 −15.6 pts 11% 14.5%

339 SpartaSparta CUSD 140 −15.6 pts 13.4% 12.1%

340

KewaneeHenry County · Kewanee CUSD 229 −15.7 pts 7.2% 18%

341 East EldoradoSaline County · Eldorado CUSD 4 −15.7 pts 9.9% 15.4%

342

Sugar GroveKane County · Kaneland CUSD 302 −16.3 pts 11.1% 12.9%

343

RockfordWinnebago County · Rockford SD 205 −16.7 pts 9.2% 13.9%

344

AuroraKane County · Aurora East USD 131 −16.8 pts 9% 14%

345 MoneeWill County · Crete Monee CUSD 201U −16.8 pts 8.9% 14%

346 FrankfortFranklin County · Frankfort CUSD 168 −16.9 pts 8.3% 14.4%

347 Indian CreekWhite County · Norris City-Omaha-Enfield CUSD 3 −17.2 pts 9.1% 13.1%

348

MolineRock Island County · Moline-Coal Valley CUSD 40 −17.3 pts 8.8% 13.2%

349 ChemungMcHenry County · Harvard CUSD 50 −17.4 pts 7.3% 14.5%

350 BloomCook County · Bloom Twp HSD 206 −17.8 pts 7.8% 13.2%

351 GeorgetownVermilion County · Westville CUSD 2 −18.0 pts 8.6% 12.1%

352

AltonMadison County · Alton CUSD 11 −18.2 pts 9.6% 10.6%

353

AuburnSangamon County · Auburn CUSD 10 −18.3 pts 6.4% 13.7%

354 DanvilleVermilion County · Danville CCSD 118 −18.4 pts 7.6% 12.2%

355

Spring BayWoodford County · Riverview CCSD 2 −18.6 pts 7.5% 12%

356

ZionLake County · Zion-Benton Twp HSD 126 −19.0 pts 7.2% 11.5%

357

KankakeeKankakee County · Kankakee SD 111 −19.0 pts 6.9% 11.7%

358 ColonaHenry County · Colona SD 190 −19.3 pts 4% 14%

359

PeotoneWill County · Peotone CUSD 207U −19.3 pts 7% 10.9%

360

ThorntonCook County · Thornton Twp HSD 205 −19.5 pts 6.8% 10.8%

361 Carrier MillsSaline County · Carrier Mills-Stonefort CUSD 2 −19.7 pts 6.9% 10.3%

362

CreteWill County · Crete Monee CUSD 201U −19.8 pts 5.6% 11.5%

363

Cherry ValleyWinnebago County · Rockford SD 205 −19.8 pts 5.8% 11.2%

364 WaukeganLake County · Waukegan CUSD 60 −20.0 pts 6.7% 10%

365 ChouteauMadison County · Roxana CUSD 1 −20.3 pts 9.3% 6.8%

366

CalumetCook County · Cook County SD 130 −20.5 pts 7.8% 7.8%

367

CiceroCicero SD 99 −21.0 pts 5.3% 9.2%

368

WoodsideSangamon County · Springfield SD 186 −21.0 pts 6.7% 8%

369 RantoulChampaign County · Rantoul City SD 137 −21.2 pts 5% 9.2%

370 CatlinVermilion County · Salt Fork CUSD 512 −21.8 pts 4.5% 8.4%

371 NameokiMadison County · Madison CUSD 12 −22.2 pts 5.6% 6.5%

372 DecaturMacon County · Decatur SD 61 −22.7 pts 3.8% 7.3%

373 CanteenSt. Clair County · East St Louis SD 189 −23.3 pts 2.5% 7.5%

374

DunhamMcHenry County · Harvard CUSD 50 −23.3 pts 2.5% 7.5%

375

Rock IslandRock Island County · Rock Island SD 41 −23.5 pts 4% 5.5%

376 Long CreekMacon County · Decatur SD 61 −24.5 pts 2.5% 5%

377 BeardstownCass County · Beardstown CUSD 15 −24.7 pts 2.8% 4.4%

378

LudlowChampaign County · Rantoul City SD 137 −25.4 pts 2.9% 2.9%

379

CentrevilleSt. Clair County · Cahokia CUSD 187 −25.5 pts 3.6% 1.9%

380 West PeoriaPeoria SD 150 −25.5 pts 0.6% 5.1%

381 East St. LouisSt. Clair County · East St Louis SD 189 −25.6 pts 1.8% 3.6%

382 BushnellMcDonough County · Bushnell Prairie City CUSD 170 −26.1 pts -0.7% 5%

383

South WheatlandMacon County · Decatur SD 61 −26.3 pts 2% 2%

384

MurphysboroJackson County · Murphysboro CUSD 186 −27.2 pts 0.6% 1.6%

How this ranking works

For every public school in a town we take its latest math and reading proficiency and subtract the Illinois average for the same test. The town’s score is the average of those gaps, weighted by each school’s enrollment, so a big high school counts more than a small annex. Private schools aren’t included.

Each state writes its own tests, so these scores compare towns within Illinois only. We don’t rank a town unless at least 150 students in its schools were tested. Test data: EDFacts via Urban Institute Education Data Portal (SY2020-21).

Only towns with at least 2,500 residents are ranked; Census estimates for smaller places are too uncertain. Population and income: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 5-year estimates. Town photos: Wikimedia Commons, credited on each town’s page.

Same ranking in other states

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