For the 2026 school year, there are 8 public schools serving 2,580 students in Charleston, IL (there are , serving 19 private students). 99% of all K-12 students in Charleston, IL are educated in public schools (compared to the IL state average of 88%).
The top-ranked public schools in Charleston, IL are Carl Sandburg Elementary School, Charleston High School and Charleston Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Charleston, IL public schools have an average math proficiency score of 14% (versus the Illinois public school average of 27%), and reading proficiency score of 21% (versus the 30% statewide average). Schools in Charleston have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Illinois public schools.
Minority enrollment is 21% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is less than the Illinois public school average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Charleston, IL (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Carl Sandburg Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1924 Reynolds Dr
Charleston, IL 61920
(217) 639-4000
Charleston, IL 61920
(217) 639-4000
Gr: K-3 | 537 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 26%
Rank: #22.
Charleston High School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1615 Lincoln Ave
Charleston, IL 61920
(217) 639-5000
Charleston, IL 61920
(217) 639-5000
Gr: 9-12 | 780 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: #33.
Charleston Middle School
(Math: 12% | Reading: 20%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
920 Smith Dr
Charleston, IL 61920
(217) 639-6000
Charleston, IL 61920
(217) 639-6000
Gr: 7-8 | 395 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: #44.
Jefferson Elementary School
(Math: 13% | Reading: 15%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
801 Jefferson Ave
Charleston, IL 61920
(217) 639-7000
Charleston, IL 61920
(217) 639-7000
Gr: 4-6 | 663 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 20%
Rank: #55.
Pathways Roe 11
Alternative School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: ≤10% )
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
730 7th St, Jerald Calandrilla
Charleston, IL 61920
(217) 348-0151
Charleston, IL 61920
(217) 348-0151
Gr: 6-12
Rank: n/an/a
1021 13th St
Charleston, IL 61920
(217) 639-8000
Charleston, IL 61920
(217) 639-8000
Gr: PK-K | 205 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
Charleston, Illinois Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Charleston Bridges (Closed 2012)
Alternative School
730 7th St
Charleston, IL 61920
(217) 348-0151
Charleston, IL 61920
(217) 348-0151
Gr: 6-12
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Charleston, IL?
The top-ranked public schools in Charleston, IL include Carl Sandburg Elementary School, Charleston High School and Charleston Middle School.
How many public schools are located in Charleston?
8 public schools are located in Charleston.
What percentage of students in Charleston go to public school?
99% of all K-12 students in Charleston are educated in public schools (compared to the IL state average of 88%).
What is the racial composition of students in Charleston?
Charleston public schools minority enrollment is 21% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is less than the Illinois public schools average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Charleston are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Charleston include: Jefferson Elementary School vs. Carl Sandburg Elementary School, Jefferson Elementary School vs. Charleston High School
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