Best Ford County Public Middle Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 3 public middle schools serving 638 students in Ford County, IL.
The top-ranked public middle schools in Ford County, IL are Gcms Middle School, Paxton-buckley-loda Jr High School and Tri-point Jr High/elementary. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Ford County, IL public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 34% (versus the Illinois public middle school average of 24%), and reading proficiency score of 34% (versus the 29% statewide average). Middle schools in Ford County have an average ranking of 9/10, which is in the top 20% of Illinois public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 17% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Illinois public middle school average of 61% (majority Hispanic).

Best Public Middle Schools in Ford County (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Gcms Middle School
(Math: 34% | Reading: 52%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
316 E 19th St
Gibson City, IL 60936
(217) 784-8731
Gr: 6-8 | 214 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: #22.
Paxton-buckley-loda Jr High School
(Math: 36% | Reading: 28%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
700 Panther Way
Paxton, IL 60957
(217) 379-9202
Gr: 6-8 | 279 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #33.
Tri-point Jr High/elementary
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
519 S Margaret Ave
Piper City, IL 60959
(815) 686-2247
Gr: 4-8 | 145 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
[+] Show Closed Public Schools in Ford County, IL

Ford County Public Schools (Closed)

School
Location
Quick Facts
112 West 12th St
Gibson City, IL 60936
(217) 784-8505
Gr: PK
P O Box 50
Paxton, IL 60957
(217) 386-2712
Gr: 4-5 | 225 students Minority enrollment: 4%
Po Box 50
Paxton, IL 60957
(217) 379-2000
Gr: 3-5 | 268 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
West Lawn School (Closed 2008)
Special Education School
425 E Orleans
Paxton, IL 60957
(217) 379-2411

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public middle schools in Ford County, IL?
The top-ranked public middle schools in Ford County, IL include Gcms Middle School, Paxton-buckley-loda Jr High School and Tri-point Jr High/elementary.
How many public middle schools are located in Ford County?
3 public middle schools are located in Ford County.
What is the racial composition of students in Ford County?
Ford County public middle schools minority enrollment is 17% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Illinois public middle schools average of 61% (majority Hispanic).

Recent Articles

Zero Tolerance Policies in Public Schools Today
Zero Tolerance Policies in Public Schools Today
An updated look at zero tolerance policies in public schools, including current trends, costs, legal concerns, and what parents need to know now.
The Pros and Cons of Tracking in Schools Today
The Pros and Cons of Tracking in Schools Today
Explore the advantages and drawbacks of academic tracking in today’s public schools, including equity, outcomes, and what parents should consider.
Budgeting Hidden Costs of Public Schooling in 2026
Budgeting Hidden Costs of Public Schooling in 2026
Learn how families budget for school lunch, after-school care, and activities, the hidden costs of public schooling in 2026.

Quick Links