For the 2026 school year, there are 2 public elementary schools serving 864 students in Paxton, IL.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Paxton, IL are Paxton-buckley-loda Jr High School and Clara Peterson Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Paxton, IL public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 28% (versus the Illinois public elementary school average of 27%), and reading proficiency score of 27% (versus the 30% statewide average). Elementary schools in Paxton have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Illinois public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 17% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Illinois public elementary school average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Paxton, IL (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Paxton-buckley-loda Jr High School
(Math: 36% | Reading: 28%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
700 Panther Way
Paxton, IL 60957
(217) 379-9202
Paxton, IL 60957
(217) 379-9202
Gr: 6-8 | 279 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #22.
Clara Peterson Elementary School
(Math: 21% | Reading: 26%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
580 E Franklin St
Paxton, IL 60957
(217) 379-2531
Paxton, IL 60957
(217) 379-2531
Gr: PK-5 | 585 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Paxton, Illinois Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
P O Box 50
Paxton, IL 60957
(217) 386-2712
Paxton, IL 60957
(217) 386-2712
Gr: 4-5 | 225 students Minority enrollment: 4%
Po Box 50
Paxton, IL 60957
(217) 379-2000
Paxton, IL 60957
(217) 379-2000
Gr: 3-5 | 268 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Paxton, IL?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Paxton, IL include Paxton-buckley-loda Jr High School and Clara Peterson Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Paxton?
2 public elementary schools are located in Paxton.
What is the racial composition of students in Paxton?
Paxton public elementary schools minority enrollment is 17% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Illinois public elementary schools average of 55% (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.