For the 2026 school year, there are 2 public schools serving 287 students in Gardner, IL.
The top-ranked public schools in Gardner, IL are Gardner-south Wilmington Twp High School and Gardner Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Gardner, IL public schools have an average math proficiency score of 23% (versus the Illinois public school average of 27%), and reading proficiency score of 23% (versus the 30% statewide average). Schools in Gardner have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Illinois public schools.
Minority enrollment is 9% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Illinois public school average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Gardner, IL (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Gardner-south Wilmington Twp High School
(Math: 20-29% | Reading: 20-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
500 E Main St
Gardner, IL 60424
(815) 237-2176
Gardner, IL 60424
(815) 237-2176
Gr: 9-12 | 142 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #22.
Gardner Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
598 N Elm St
Gardner, IL 60424
(815) 237-2313
Gardner, IL 60424
(815) 237-2313
Gr: PK-8 | 145 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Gardner, IL?
The top-ranked public schools in Gardner, IL include Gardner-south Wilmington Twp High School and Gardner Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Gardner?
2 public schools are located in Gardner.
What is the racial composition of students in Gardner?
Gardner public schools minority enrollment is 9% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Illinois public schools average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles
Multilingual Learner Growth Models & Accountability
Learn how multilingual learner growth models are reshaping school accountability systems and what it means for public schools in 2026.
School-Based Health Clinics: Funding, Billing, and Student Access
Learn how school-based health clinics are funded, how billing works, and how students access care in public schools.
Outdoor Learning in Urban Schools: Forest School Programs
Explore how urban districts adopt outdoor learning and forest school programs to boost student engagement, well-being, and academic success.