For the 2025 school year, there are 2 public middle schools serving 478 students in Mercer County, IL.
The top ranked public middle schools in Mercer County, IL are Sherrard Jr High School and Mercer County Jr High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Mercer County, IL public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 18% (versus the Illinois public middle school average of 24%), and reading proficiency score of 27% (versus the 29% statewide average). Middle schools in Mercer County have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Illinois public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 10% 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 Mercer County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
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: #22.
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%
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 middle schools in Mercer County, IL?
The top ranked public middle schools in Mercer County, IL include Sherrard Jr High School and Mercer County Jr High School.
How many public middle schools are located in Mercer County?
2 public middle schools are located in Mercer County.
What is the racial composition of students in Mercer County?
Mercer County public middle schools minority enrollment is 10% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Illinois public middle schools average of 61% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles

Why Single-Sex Public Schools are Growing in Popularity
This article examines the growing trend of single-sex public schools in the United States. It explores the potential benefits, research findings, and controversies surrounding gender-specific education, as well as the factors driving its increasing popularity among parents and educators.

When Teachers Cheat: The Standardized Test Controversies
Teachers across the country are being accused of cheating on standardized tests, using erasers to conveniently change their students’ answers. However, are these teachers driven to cheat because the funding system is flawed?

When Field Trips Turn Deadly: Who is Responsible?
Recent deaths during field trips have parents and school officials questioning the safety of these excursions. Learn about these tragedies and what parameters should be in place to ensure a safe field trip.