For the 2025 school year, there are 8 public schools serving 2,580 students in Charleston, IL (there are 1 private school, serving 19 private students). 99% of all K-12 students in Charleston, IL are educated in public schools (compared to the IL state average of 88%).
The top ranked public schools in Charleston, IL are Charleston High School, Carl Sandburg Elementary School and Charleston Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Charleston, IL public schools have an average math proficiency score of 14% (versus the Illinois public school average of 26%), and reading proficiency score of 21% (versus the 30% statewide average). Schools in Charleston have an average ranking of 3/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Illinois public schools.
Minority enrollment is 21% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is less than the Illinois public school average of 56% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Charleston, IL (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Charleston High School
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1615 Lincoln Ave
Charleston, IL 61920
(217) 639-5000
Charleston, IL 61920
(217) 639-5000
Grades: 9-12
| 780 students
Rank: #22.
Carl Sandburg Elementary School
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1924 Reynolds Dr
Charleston, IL 61920
(217) 639-4000
Charleston, IL 61920
(217) 639-4000
Grades: K-3
| 537 students
Rank: #33.
Charleston Middle School
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
920 Smith Dr
Charleston, IL 61920
(217) 639-6000
Charleston, IL 61920
(217) 639-6000
Grades: 7-8
| 395 students
Rank: #44.
Jefferson Elementary School
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
801 Jefferson Ave
Charleston, IL 61920
(217) 639-7000
Charleston, IL 61920
(217) 639-7000
Grades: 4-6
| 663 students
Rank: #55.
Pathways Roe 11
Alternative School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: ≤10% )
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
730 7th St, Jerald Calandrilla
Charleston, IL 61920
(217) 348-0151
Charleston, IL 61920
(217) 348-0151
Grades: 6-12
| n/a students
Rank: n/an/a
Lerna Taoep
Alternative School
10 3rd St
Charleston, IL 61920
(217) 235-4867
Charleston, IL 61920
(217) 235-4867
Grades: 6-12
| n/a students
Rank: n/an/a
1021 13th St
Charleston, IL 61920
(217) 639-8000
Charleston, IL 61920
(217) 639-8000
Grades: PK-K
| 205 students
Rank: n/an/a
Shelbyville Taoep
Alternative School
730 7th St
Charleston, IL 61920
(217) 348-0151
Charleston, IL 61920
(217) 348-0151
Grades: 6-12
| n/a students
Charleston, Illinois Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
Charleston Bridges (Closed 2012)
Alternative School
730 7th St
Charleston, IL 61920
(217) 348-0151
Charleston, IL 61920
(217) 348-0151
Grades: 6-12
| n/a students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Charleston, IL?
The top ranked public schools in Charleston, IL include Charleston High School, Carl Sandburg Elementary School and Charleston Middle School.
How many public schools are located in Charleston?
8 public schools are located in Charleston.
What percentage of students in Charleston go to public school?
99% of all K-12 students in Charleston are educated in public schools (compared to the IL state average of 88%).
What is the racial composition of students in Charleston?
Charleston public schools minority enrollment is 21% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is less than the Illinois public schools average of 56% (majority Hispanic).
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