For the 2026 school year, there are 3 public middle schools serving 1,269 students in Monroe County, IL.
The top-ranked public middle schools in Monroe County, IL are Waterloo Junior High School, Columbia Middle School and Valmeyer Jr High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Monroe County, IL public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 40% (versus the Illinois public middle school average of 24%), and reading proficiency score of 41% (versus the 29% statewide average). Middle schools in Monroe County have an average ranking of 10/10, which is in the top 5% of Illinois public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 7% 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 Monroe County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Waterloo Junior High School
(Math: 48% | Reading: 50%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
200 Bellefontaine Dr
Waterloo, IL 62298
(618) 939-3457
Waterloo, IL 62298
(618) 939-3457
Gr: 6-8 | 574 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Rank: #22.
Columbia Middle School
(Math: 37% | Reading: 32%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
100 Eagle Dr
Columbia, IL 62236
(618) 281-4993
Columbia, IL 62236
(618) 281-4993
Gr: 5-8 | 613 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #33.
Valmeyer Jr High School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
300 S Cedar Bluff Dr
Valmeyer, IL 62295
(618) 935-2100
Valmeyer, IL 62295
(618) 935-2100
Gr: 6-8 | 82 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public middle schools in Monroe County, IL?
The top-ranked public middle schools in Monroe County, IL include Waterloo Junior High School, Columbia Middle School and Valmeyer Jr High School.
How many public middle schools are located in Monroe County?
3 public middle schools are located in Monroe County.
What is the racial composition of students in Monroe County?
Monroe County public middle schools minority enrollment is 7% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Illinois public middle schools average of 61% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles
Public School Rankings: Are They Accurate in 2026?
Are public school rankings accurate? Learn how rankings are calculated in 2026, what they miss, and how families can evaluate schools wisely.
How Are U.S. Public Schools Doing in 2026?
A 2026 update on how U.S. public schools are performing academically, financially, and socially in a post-pandemic era.
Helping Your Child Navigate Friendship Drama at School
Meta Description: Practical 2026 strategies for helping your child navigate friendship drama at school with confidence, empathy, and resilience.