For the 2026 school year, there are 2 public schools serving 478 students in Pope County, IL.
The top-ranked public schools in Pope County, IL are Pope County Elementary School and Pope Co High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Pope County, IL public schools have an average math proficiency score of 12% (versus the Illinois public school average of 27%), and reading proficiency score of 27% (versus the 30% statewide average). Schools in Pope County have an average ranking of 3/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Illinois public schools.
Minority enrollment is 6% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is less than the Illinois public school average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Pope County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Pope County Elementary School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 30%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
125 State Highway 146 W
Golconda, IL 62938
(618) 683-4011
Golconda, IL 62938
(618) 683-4011
Gr: PK-8 | 305 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Rank: #22.
Pope Co High School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: 11-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
125 State Highway 146 W
Golconda, IL 62938
(618) 683-3071
Golconda, IL 62938
(618) 683-3071
Gr: 9-12 | 173 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Pope County, IL?
The top-ranked public schools in Pope County, IL include Pope County Elementary School and Pope Co High School.
How many public schools are located in Pope County?
2 public schools are located in Pope County.
What is the racial composition of students in Pope County?
Pope County public schools minority enrollment is 6% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), 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.