For the 2026 school year, there are 8 public schools serving 2,068 students in Park Forest, IL (there are 1 private school, serving 28 private students). 99% of all K-12 students in Park Forest, IL are educated in public schools (compared to the IL state average of 88%).
The top-ranked public schools in Park Forest, IL are Blackhawk Primary Center, Illinois School and Mohawk Primary Center. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Park Forest, IL public schools have an average math proficiency score of 10% (versus the Illinois public school average of 27%), and reading proficiency score of 16% (versus the 30% statewide average). Schools in Park Forest have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Illinois public schools.
Minority enrollment is 99% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Illinois public school average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Park Forest, IL (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Blackhawk Primary Center
(Math: 20-29% | Reading: 20-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
130 Blackhawk Dr
Park Forest, IL 60466
(708) 668-9501
Park Forest, IL 60466
(708) 668-9501
Gr: K-3 | 167 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
Rank: #22.
Illinois School
(Math: 16% | Reading: 31%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
210 Illinois St
Park Forest, IL 60466
(708) 747-0301
Park Forest, IL 60466
(708) 747-0301
Gr: K-8 | 391 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1
Rank: #33.
Mohawk Primary Center
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
301 Mohawk St
Park Forest, IL 60466
(708) 668-9301
Park Forest, IL 60466
(708) 668-9301
Gr: K-3 | 283 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #44.
Indiana Elementary School
(Math: 13% | Reading: 16%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
165 Indiana St
Park Forest, IL 60466
(708) 747-5300
Park Forest, IL 60466
(708) 747-5300
Gr: 4-6 | 215 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #55.
21st Century Primary Center
(Math: 11-19% | Reading: ≤10%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
240 S Orchard Dr
Park Forest, IL 60466
(708) 668-9451
Park Forest, IL 60466
(708) 668-9451
Gr: K-3 | 152 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1
Rank: #66.
Michelle Obama School Of Technology
(Math: 5% | Reading: 11%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
530 Lakewood Blvd
Park Forest, IL 60466
(708) 668-9600
Park Forest, IL 60466
(708) 668-9600
Gr: 6-8 | 428 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #77.
Talala Elementary School
(Math: 6-9% | Reading: ≤5%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
430 Talala St
Park Forest, IL 60466
(708) 367-2560
Park Forest, IL 60466
(708) 367-2560
Gr: K-5 | 305 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: n/an/a
170 Algonquin St
Park Forest, IL 60466
(708) 668-9201
Park Forest, IL 60466
(708) 668-9201
Gr: PK | 127 students Student-teacher ratio: 25:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Park Forest, IL?
The top-ranked public schools in Park Forest, IL include Blackhawk Primary Center, Illinois School and Mohawk Primary Center.
How many public schools are located in Park Forest?
8 public schools are located in Park Forest.
What percentage of students in Park Forest go to public school?
99% of all K-12 students in Park Forest are educated in public schools (compared to the IL state average of 88%).
What is the racial composition of students in Park Forest?
Park Forest public schools minority enrollment is 99% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Illinois public schools average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Park Forest are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Park Forest include: Illinois School vs. Michelle Obama School Of Technology, Michelle Obama School Of Technology vs. Illinois 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.