For the 2025 school year, there are 3 public high schools serving 645 students in Ford County, IL.
The top ranked public high schools in Ford County, IL are Gcms High School and Paxton-buckley-loda High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Ford County, IL public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 19% (versus the Illinois public high school average of 26%), and reading proficiency score of 26% (versus the 29% statewide average). High schools in Ford County have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of Illinois public high schools.
Ford County, IL public high school have a Graduation Rate of 90%, which is more than the Illinois average of 87%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Gcms High School, with ≥95% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in Illinois or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 14% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Illinois public high school average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public High Schools in Ford County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
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: #22.
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 high schools in Ford County, IL?
The top ranked public high schools in Ford County, IL include Gcms High School and Paxton-buckley-loda High School.
How many public high schools are located in Ford County?
3 public high schools are located in Ford County.
What is the racial composition of students in Ford County?
Ford County public high schools minority enrollment is 14% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Illinois public high schools average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
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