Brown County High School, or BCHS, is a public four-year high school located at 500 East Main Street in Mount Sterling, Illinois, a small city in Brown County, Illinois, in the Midwestern United States. BCHS serves the communities of Mount Sterling, Ripley, Timewell, and Versailles.
Serving 215 students in grades 9-12, Brown County High School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in Illinois for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 20-29% (which is approximately equal to the Illinois state average of 27%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 40-49% (which is higher than the Illinois state average of 30%).
The student-teacher ratio of 13:1 is equal to the Illinois state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 7% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Illinois state average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 215 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
- Minority Enrollment: 7%
- Graduation Rate: ≥90% (Top 50% in IL)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50%
- Math Proficiency: 20-29% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 40-49% (Top 20%)
- Science Proficiency: 60-69% (Top 30%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Brown County High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Illinois for:
Category
Attribute
Most improved public schools
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Community Size
School Overview
Brown County High School's student population of 215 students has grown by 6% over five school years.
The teacher population of 17 teachers has declined by 19% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
215 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
17 teachers
Colors
Gold, Kelly green
School Rankings
Brown County High School ranks within the top 50% of all 3,542 schools in Illinois (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Brown County High School is 0.13, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.70. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1074 out of 3542 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-29%
27%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-49%
30%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-69%
50%
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
n/a
6%
Hispanic
4%
28%
Black
2%
16%
White
93%
45%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
1%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
≥90%
87%
Eligible for Free Lunch
27%
43%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
4%
4%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Brown County High School's ranking?
Brown County High School is ranked #1074 out of 3,542 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Illinois.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
20-29% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 27% IL state average), while 40-49% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 30% IL state average).
What is the graduation rate of Brown County High School?
The graduation rate of Brown County High School is 90%, which is higher than the Illinois state average of 87%.
How many students attend Brown County High School?
215 students attend Brown County High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
93% of Brown County High School students are White, 4% of students are Hispanic, 2% of students are Black, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Brown County High School?
Brown County High School has a student ration of 13:1, which is equal to the Illinois state average of 13:1.
What grades does Brown County High School offer ?
Brown County High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12
What school district is Brown County High School part of?
Brown County High School is part of Brown County CUSD 1 School District.
School Calendar
View the Brown County High School yearly calendar below. Note key dates such as:
Event
Date
No School- Fall Break
November 26, 2025 (Wednesday)
No School- Fall Break
November 27, 2025 (Thursday)
No School- Fall Break
November 28, 2025 (Friday)
School Reviews
Review Brown County High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
Why Single-Sex Public Schools are Growing in Popularity
This article examines the growing trend of single-sex public schools in the United States. It explores the potential benefits, research findings, and controversies surrounding gender-specific education, as well as the factors driving its increasing popularity among parents and educators.
When Teachers Cheat: The Standardized Test Controversies
Teachers across the country are being accused of cheating on standardized tests, using erasers to conveniently change their students’ answers. However, are these teachers driven to cheat because the funding system is flawed?
When Field Trips Turn Deadly: Who is Responsible?
Recent deaths during field trips have parents and school officials questioning the safety of these excursions. Learn about these tragedies and what parameters should be in place to ensure a safe field trip.
