For the 2025-26 school year, there are 12 public schools serving 3,048 students in Mercer County, IL.
The top ranked public schools in Mercer County, IL are United Elementary Sch - North, Winola Elementary School and Sherrard Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Mercer County, IL public schools have an average math proficiency score of 20% (versus the Illinois public school average of 27%), and reading proficiency score of 27% (versus the 30% statewide average). Schools in Mercer County have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Illinois public schools.
Minority enrollment is 10% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Illinois public school average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Mercer County (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #1 - 21. - 2.
United Elementary Sch - North
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
411 W Hunt Ave
Alexis, IL 61412
(309) 482-3332
Alexis, IL 61412
(309) 482-3332
Gr: PK-5 | 253 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #1 - 21. - 2.
Winola Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1804 17th Ave
Viola, IL 61486
(309) 596-2114
Viola, IL 61486
(309) 596-2114
Gr: PK-4 | 255 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #33.
Sherrard Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
209 1st St
Sherrard, IL 61281
(309) 593-2917
Sherrard, IL 61281
(309) 593-2917
Gr: K-4 | 236 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #44.
Sherrard Jr High School
(Math: 26% | Reading: 23%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
4701 176th Ave
Sherrard, IL 61281
(309) 593-2135
Sherrard, IL 61281
(309) 593-2135
Gr: 7-8 | 206 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: #55.
Matherville Intermediate School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 26%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1376 252nd St
Matherville, IL 61263
(309) 754-8244
Matherville, IL 61263
(309) 754-8244
Gr: 5-6 | 191 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #66.
Sherrard High School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
4701 176th Ave
Sherrard, IL 61281
(309) 593-2175
Sherrard, IL 61281
(309) 593-2175
Gr: 9-12 | 456 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #77.
Mercer County Jr High School
(Math: 12% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1002 Sw 6th St
Aledo, IL 61231
(309) 584-4174
Aledo, IL 61231
(309) 584-4174
Gr: 6-8 | 272 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #88.
Mercer County Intermediate School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 25-29% )
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1002 Sw 6th St
Aledo, IL 61231
(309) 582-2441
Aledo, IL 61231
(309) 582-2441
Gr: 5-6 | 186 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Rank: #99.
Mercer County High School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1500 S College Ave
Aledo, IL 61231
(309) 582-2223
Aledo, IL 61231
(309) 582-2223
Gr: 9-12 | 401 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Rank: #1010.
New Boston Elementary School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 20-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
301 Jefferson St
New Boston, IL 61272
(309) 587-8141
New Boston, IL 61272
(309) 587-8141
Gr: K-5 | 164 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Rank: #1111.
Apollo Elementary School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
801 Sw 9th St
Aledo, IL 61231
(309) 582-5350
Aledo, IL 61231
(309) 582-5350
Gr: K-5 | 345 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: n/an/a
203 N Washington St
Joy, IL 61260
(309) 584-5001
Joy, IL 61260
(309) 584-5001
Gr: PK | 83 students Student-teacher ratio: 28:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Mercer County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
1002 S W 6th St
Aledo, IL 61231
(309) 582-2441
Aledo, IL 61231
(309) 582-2441
Gr: 6-8 | 202 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 3%
101 N Holloway Ofc 1
Alexis, IL 61412
(309) 482-3333
Alexis, IL 61412
(309) 482-3333
Gr: 9-12 | 119 students
101 N Holloway Ofc 1
Alexis, IL 61412
(309) 482-3333
Alexis, IL 61412
(309) 482-3333
Gr: 7-8 | 38 students Minority enrollment: 3%
Po Box 436
Joy, IL 61260
(309) 584-4174
Joy, IL 61260
(309) 584-4174
Gr: 9-12 | 166 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 1%
Po Box 436
Joy, IL 61260
(309) 584-4174
Joy, IL 61260
(309) 584-4174
Gr: 6-8 | 105 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 1%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Mercer County, IL?
The top ranked public schools in Mercer County, IL include United Elementary Sch - North, Winola Elementary School and Sherrard Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Mercer County?
12 public schools are located in Mercer County.
What is the racial composition of students in Mercer County?
Mercer County public schools minority enrollment is 10% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Illinois public schools average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles
School Choice vs. Neighborhood Schools: Key Factors
Explore school choice vs. neighborhood schools in 2025. Learn key factors parents should weigh when deciding the best fit for their child.
Best School Match 2025: Public vs Charter vs Magnet
Compare 2025 public, charter, and magnet school options with updated data, trends, and strategies to find the best fit.
Public School Boundaries and Equity in 2025
Explore how public school boundaries shape access, equity, and opportunity for students in 2025. Learn the impact on families and education policy.
