For the 2026 school year, there are 6 public elementary schools serving 1,846 students in Ford County, IL.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Ford County, IL are Gcms Middle School, Gcms Elementary School and Paxton-buckley-loda Jr High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Ford County, IL public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 30% (versus the Illinois public elementary school average of 27%), and reading proficiency score of 31% (versus the 30% statewide average). Elementary schools in Ford County have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of Illinois public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 17% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Illinois public elementary school average of 56% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Ford County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Gcms Middle School
(Math: 34% | Reading: 52%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
316 E 19th St
Gibson City, IL 60936
(217) 784-8731
Gibson City, IL 60936
(217) 784-8731
Gr: 6-8 | 211 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Rank: #22.
Gcms Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
902 N Church St
Gibson City, IL 60936
(217) 784-4278
Gibson City, IL 60936
(217) 784-4278
Gr: PK-5 | 489 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Rank: #33.
Paxton-buckley-loda Jr High School
(Math: 36% | Reading: 28%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
700 Panther Way
Paxton, IL 60957
(217) 379-9202
Paxton, IL 60957
(217) 379-9202
Gr: 6-8 | 288 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: #44.
Tri Point Elementary School
(Math: 21-39% | Reading: 21-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
101 Main St
Kempton, IL 60946
(815) 253-6299
Kempton, IL 60946
(815) 253-6299
Gr: PK-3 | 116 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 20%
Rank: #55.
Tri-point Jr High/elementary
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
519 S Margaret Ave
Piper City, IL 60959
(815) 686-2247
Piper City, IL 60959
(815) 686-2247
Gr: 4-8 | 129 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #66.
Clara Peterson Elementary School
(Math: 21% | Reading: 26%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
580 E Franklin St
Paxton, IL 60957
(217) 379-2531
Paxton, IL 60957
(217) 379-2531
Gr: PK-5 | 564 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Ford County, IL?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Ford County, IL include Gcms Middle School, Gcms Elementary School and Paxton-buckley-loda Jr High School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Ford County?
6 public elementary schools are located in Ford County.
What is the racial composition of students in Ford County?
Ford County public elementary schools minority enrollment is 17% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Illinois public elementary schools average of 56% (majority Hispanic).
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.