For the 2026 school year, there are 10 public schools serving 2,983 students in Mattoon, IL (there are 1 private school, serving 257 private students). 92% of all K-12 students in Mattoon, IL are educated in public schools (compared to the IL state average of 88%).
The top-ranked public schools in Mattoon, IL are Arland D Williams Jr Elementary School, Mattoon Middle School and Life Academy. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Mattoon, IL public schools have an average math proficiency score of 15% (versus the Illinois public school average of 27%), and reading proficiency score of 24% (versus the 30% statewide average). Schools in Mattoon 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 Hispanic), which is less than the Illinois public school average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Mattoon, IL (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Arland D Williams Jr Elementary School
(Math: 18% | Reading: 32%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1709 S 9th St
Mattoon, IL 61938
(217) 238-2800
Mattoon, IL 61938
(217) 238-2800
Gr: K-5 | 653 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 26%
Rank: #22.
Mattoon Middle School
(Math: 17% | Reading: 25%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1200 S 9th St
Mattoon, IL 61938
(217) 238-5800
Mattoon, IL 61938
(217) 238-5800
Gr: 6-8 | 610 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #33.
Life Academy
Special Education School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20% )
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
2405 Champaign Ave
Mattoon, IL 61938
(844) 999-9003
Mattoon, IL 61938
(844) 999-9003
Gr: PK-12
Rank: #44.
Mattoon High School
(Math: 11% | Reading: 17%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
2521 Walnut Ave
Mattoon, IL 61938
(217) 238-7800
Mattoon, IL 61938
(217) 238-7800
Gr: 9-12 | 888 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #55.
Riddle Elementary School
(Math: 9% | Reading: 20%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
4201 Western Ave
Mattoon, IL 61938
(217) 238-3800
Mattoon, IL 61938
(217) 238-3800
Gr: K-5 | 589 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: n/an/a
Adult Life Academy
Special Education School
1617 Lake Land Blvd
Mattoon, IL 61938
(844) 999-9006
Mattoon, IL 61938
(844) 999-9006
Rank: n/an/a
Eastern Il Efe System
Vocational School
121 S 17th St Fl 3
Mattoon, IL 61938
(217) 258-6283
Mattoon, IL 61938
(217) 258-6283
Gr: K-12
Rank: n/an/a
1201 S 6th St
Mattoon, IL 61938
(217) 238-8800
Mattoon, IL 61938
(217) 238-8800
Gr: PK | 243 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Mattoon, IL?
The top-ranked public schools in Mattoon, IL include Arland D Williams Jr Elementary School, Mattoon Middle School and Life Academy.
How many public schools are located in Mattoon?
10 public schools are located in Mattoon.
What percentage of students in Mattoon go to public school?
92% of all K-12 students in Mattoon are educated in public schools (compared to the IL state average of 88%).
What is the racial composition of students in Mattoon?
Mattoon public schools minority enrollment is 21% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Illinois public schools average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Mattoon are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Mattoon include: Riddle Elementary School vs. Arland D Williams Jr Elementary School, Mattoon Middle School vs. Arland D Williams Jr Elementary School, Arland D Williams Jr Elementary School vs. Riddle Elementary School
Recent Articles
Gifted, Honors, and Advanced Tracks: Are They Accessible or Just Advertised?
Learn how to evaluate gifted, honors, and advanced academic programs in public schools, including admission criteria, equity, and the questions every parent should ask.
Algebra Readiness: What Parents Should Ask Before Middle School
Discover how to determine if your child is ready for algebra before middle school, including the questions parents should ask and the skills students need to succeed.
How to Evaluate Reading Instruction in Your Zoned Elementary School
Learn how to evaluate reading instruction in your neighborhood elementary school by recognizing effective literacy practices, asking the right questions, and understanding what quality reading instruction looks like.
