For the 2026 school year, there are 3 public high schools serving 1,587 students in Monroe County, IL.
The top-ranked public high schools in Monroe County, IL are Waterloo High School, Columbia High School and Valmeyer High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Monroe County, IL public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 36% (versus the Illinois public high school average of 26%), and reading proficiency score of 39% (versus the 29% statewide average). High schools in Monroe County have an average ranking of 10/10, which is in the top 5% of Illinois public high schools.
Monroe County, IL public high school have a Graduation Rate of 94%, which is more than the Illinois average of 87%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Columbia High School, with ≥95% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in Illinois or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 7% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Illinois public high school average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public High Schools in Monroe County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Waterloo High School
(Math: 40% | Reading: 39%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
505 E Bulldog
Waterloo, IL 62298
(618) 939-3455
Waterloo, IL 62298
(618) 939-3455
Gr: 9-12 | 876 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Rank: #22.
Columbia High School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
77 Veterans Pkwy
Columbia, IL 62236
(618) 281-5001
Columbia, IL 62236
(618) 281-5001
Gr: 9-12 | 606 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #33.
Valmeyer High School
(Math: 20-29% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
300 S Cedar Bluff Dr
Valmeyer, IL 62295
(618) 935-2100
Valmeyer, IL 62295
(618) 935-2100
Gr: 9-12 | 106 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public high schools in Monroe County, IL?
The top-ranked public high schools in Monroe County, IL include Waterloo High School, Columbia High School and Valmeyer High School.
How many public high schools are located in Monroe County?
3 public high schools are located in Monroe County.
What is the racial composition of students in Monroe County?
Monroe County public high schools minority enrollment is 7% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Illinois public high schools average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Which public high schools in Monroe County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public high schools in Monroe County include: Valmeyer High School vs. Columbia High School, Valmeyer High School vs. Waterloo High School, Columbia High School vs. Waterloo High School
Recent Articles
Phone Bans Are Expanding: Will They Actually Help Your Child?
Phone bans are spreading in public schools nationwide. Learn how to evaluate whether a school's cellphone policy will improve your child's learning and well-being.
Should You Move for a Better Public School or Stay Put?
Considering a move to a higher-rated public school? Learn how to weigh school quality, housing costs, and family priorities before relocating.
How to Compare Public School Value Beyond Test Scores
Learn how to evaluate public school value using student support, school climate, opportunities, and outcomes, not just standardized test scores.