East Saint Louis Senior High School is the only high school located in East St. Louis, Illinois. The school serves about 1,438 students in grades 9 to 12 in the East Saint Louis Public Schools district. It was featured in the Jonathan Kozol book Savage Inequalities.
Serving 1,288 students in grades 9-12, East St Louis Senior High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Illinois for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is ≤1% (which is lower than the Illinois state average of 27%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 3% (which is lower than the Illinois state average of 30%).
The student-teacher ratio of 16:1 is higher than the Illinois state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 98% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Illinois state average of 55% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,288 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 98%
- Graduation Rate: 68% (Btm 50% in IL)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: ≤1% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 3% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 22% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: East St Louis Senior High School's attendance zone encompasses the entire district, covering approximately 34.3 square miles in East Saint Louis, IL, with a typical drive to the school taking 5-10 minutes and an average distance of 3.3 miles to the zone's edge, reaching up to 4.9 miles at its furthest point.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
School Overview
East St Louis Senior High School's student population of 1,288 students has declined by 7% over five school years.
The teacher population of 83 teachers has grown by 25% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
1,288 students
Total Classroom Teachers
83 teachers
Year Founded
1865
School Calendar
School Rankings
East St Louis Senior High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 3,542 schools in Illinois (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of East St Louis Senior High School is 0.12, 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
#3530 out of 3542 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤1%
27%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
3%
30%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
22%
50%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
n/a
6%
Hispanic
3%
29%
Black
94%
16%
White
2%
45%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
1%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
68%
87.6%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)98.2%
29.7%
Eligible for Free Lunch
98%
43%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (14-15)
19%
2%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
Royal blue, Orange
School Mascot
Airplane
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is East St Louis Senior High School's ranking?
East St Louis Senior High School is ranked #3530 out of 3,542 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Illinois.
What schools are East St Louis Senior High School often compared to?
East St Louis Senior High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Cahokia High School, Belleville High School-west by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
≤1% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 27% IL state average), while 3% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 30% IL state average).
What is the graduation rate of East St Louis Senior High School?
The graduation rate of East St Louis Senior High School is 68%, which is lower than the Illinois state average of 87.6%.
How many students attend East St Louis Senior High School?
1,288 students attend East St Louis Senior High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
94% of East St Louis Senior High School students are Black, 3% of students are Hispanic, 2% of students are White, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of East St Louis Senior High School?
East St Louis Senior High School has a student ration of 16:1, which is higher than the Illinois state average of 13:1.
What grades does East St Louis Senior High School offer ?
East St Louis Senior High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12
What school district is East St Louis Senior High School part of?
East St Louis Senior High School is part of East St Louis SD 189 School District.
School Reviews
Review East St Louis Senior 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
School Leadership Matters: Evaluating a Principal
Learn how to evaluate a public school principal before enrolling by examining leadership stability, teacher support, communication, school culture, instructional priorities, discipline, family engagement, and measurable improvement efforts.
Comparing Before- and After-School Programs
Learn how to compare before- and after-school programs when choosing a public school, including hours, costs, staffing, safety, activities, enrollment rules, transportation, meals, and daily convenience for families.
Choosing a Public School During Budget Uncertainty
Learn which questions parents should ask when choosing a public school during budget uncertainty, including staffing, programs, class sizes, transportation, reserves, enrollment trends, and planned reductions ahead.
