For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public elementary schools serving 1,253 students in Charleston, IL.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Charleston, IL are Carl Sandburg Elementary School and Jefferson Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Charleston, IL public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 16% (versus the Illinois public elementary school average of 27%), and reading proficiency score of 18% (versus the 30% statewide average). Elementary schools in Charleston have an average ranking of 3/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Illinois public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 26% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Illinois public elementary school average of 56% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Charleston, IL (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Carl Sandburg Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1924 Reynolds Dr
Charleston, IL 61920
(217) 639-4000
Charleston, IL 61920
(217) 639-4000
Gr: 1-3 | 555 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 27%
Rank: #22.
Jefferson Elementary School
(Math: 13% | Reading: 15%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
801 Jefferson Ave
Charleston, IL 61920
(217) 639-7000
Charleston, IL 61920
(217) 639-7000
Gr: 4-6 | 698 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
Rank: n/an/a
Shelbyville Taoep
Alternative School
730 7th St
Charleston, IL 61920
(217) 348-0151
Charleston, IL 61920
(217) 348-0151
Gr: 6-12
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Charleston, IL?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Charleston, IL include Carl Sandburg Elementary School and Jefferson Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Charleston?
4 public elementary schools are located in Charleston.
What is the racial composition of students in Charleston?
Charleston public elementary schools minority enrollment is 26% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Illinois public elementary schools average of 56% (majority Hispanic).
Which public elementary schools in Charleston are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary schools in Charleston include: Jefferson Elementary School vs. Carl Sandburg Elementary School, Carl Sandburg Elementary School vs. Jefferson Elementary School
Recent Articles
What Rising E-Bike and Traffic Concerns Mean for School Commutes
Discover how rising e-bike use and increasing traffic are changing school commutes, and what parents should evaluate before choosing a public school.
School Safety Beyond Lockdowns: What Parents Should Review
Learn how to evaluate a public school's safety beyond lockdown drills, including school climate, emergency planning, mental health support, and communication.
How to Judge Special Education Capacity Before You Enroll
Learn how to evaluate a public school's special education capacity before enrolling your child, from staffing and IEP implementation to inclusion and support services.