For the 2025 school year, there are 9 public schools serving 2,491 students in Ford County, IL (there are , serving 16 private students). 99% of all K-12 students in Ford County, IL are educated in public schools (compared to the IL state average of 88%).
The top ranked public schools in Ford County, IL are Gcms Middle School, Gcms Elementary School and Paxton-buckley-loda Jr High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Ford County, IL public schools have an average math proficiency score of 29% (versus the Illinois public school average of 27%), and reading proficiency score of 31% (versus the 30% statewide average). Schools in Ford County have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of Illinois public schools.
Minority enrollment is 16% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Illinois public school average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Ford County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Gcms Middle School
(Math: 34% | Reading: 52%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
316 E 19th St
Gibson City, IL 60936
(217) 784-8731
Gibson City, IL 60936
(217) 784-8731
Grades: 6-8
| 214 students
Rank: #22.
Gcms Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
902 N Church St
Gibson City, IL 60936
(217) 784-4278
Gibson City, IL 60936
(217) 784-4278
Grades: PK-5
| 498 students
Rank: #33.
Paxton-buckley-loda Jr High School
(Math: 36% | Reading: 28%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
700 Panther Way
Paxton, IL 60957
(217) 379-9202
Paxton, IL 60957
(217) 379-9202
Grades: 6-8
| 279 students
Rank: #44.
Tri Point Elementary School
(Math: 21-39% | Reading: 21-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
101 Main St
Kempton, IL 60946
(815) 253-6299
Kempton, IL 60946
(815) 253-6299
Grades: PK-3
| 125 students
Rank: #55.
Gcms High School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
815 N Church St
Gibson City, IL 60936
(217) 784-4292
Gibson City, IL 60936
(217) 784-4292
Grades: 9-12
| 271 students
Rank: #66.
Tri-point Jr High/elementary
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
519 S Margaret Ave
Piper City, IL 60959
(815) 686-2247
Piper City, IL 60959
(815) 686-2247
Grades: 4-8
| 145 students
Rank: #77.
Clara Peterson Elementary School
(Math: 21% | Reading: 26%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
580 E Franklin St
Paxton, IL 60957
(217) 379-2531
Paxton, IL 60957
(217) 379-2531
Grades: PK-5
| 585 students
Rank: #88.
Paxton-buckley-loda High School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
700 Panther Way
Paxton, IL 60957
(217) 379-4331
Paxton, IL 60957
(217) 379-4331
Grades: 9-12
| 374 students
Rank: n/an/a
Panther Academy
Alternative School
430 S High St
Paxton, IL 60957
(217) 379-3314
Paxton, IL 60957
(217) 379-3314
Grades: 9-12
| n/a students
Ford County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
112 West 12th St
Gibson City, IL 60936
(217) 784-8505
Gibson City, IL 60936
(217) 784-8505
Grades: PK
| n/a students
P O Box 50
Paxton, IL 60957
(217) 386-2712
Paxton, IL 60957
(217) 386-2712
Grades: 4-5
| 225 students
West Lawn School (Closed 2008)
Special Education School
425 E Orleans
Paxton, IL 60957
(217) 379-2411
Paxton, IL 60957
(217) 379-2411
Grades: n/a
| n/a students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Ford County, IL?
The top ranked public schools in Ford County, IL include Gcms Middle School, Gcms Elementary School and Paxton-buckley-loda Jr High School.
How many public schools are located in Ford County?
9 public schools are located in Ford County.
What percentage of students in Ford County go to public school?
99% of all K-12 students in Ford County are educated in public schools (compared to the IL state average of 88%).
What is the racial composition of students in Ford County?
Ford County public schools minority enrollment is 16% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Illinois public schools average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
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