For the 2026-27 school year, there are 2 public schools serving 449 students in Payson, IL.
The top-ranked public schools in Payson, IL are Seymour Elementary School and Seymour High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Payson, IL public schools have an average math proficiency score of 22% (versus the Illinois public school average of 27%), and reading proficiency score of 12% (versus the 30% statewide average). Schools in Payson have an average ranking of 3/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Illinois public schools.
Minority enrollment is 8% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Illinois public school average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Payson, IL (2026-27)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #1 - 21. - 2.
Seymour Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 10-14%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
404 W State St
Payson, IL 62360
(217) 656-3323
Payson, IL 62360
(217) 656-3323
Gr: PK-6 | 233 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #1 - 21. - 2.
Seymour High School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 10-14%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
420 W Brainard St
Payson, IL 62360
(217) 656-3355
Payson, IL 62360
(217) 656-3355
Gr: 7-12 | 216 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Payson, IL?
The top-ranked public schools in Payson, IL include Seymour Elementary School and Seymour High School.
How many public schools are located in Payson?
2 public schools are located in Payson.
What is the racial composition of students in Payson?
Payson public schools minority enrollment is 8% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Illinois public schools average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles
When a Public School Cancels a Course Your Child Needs
Learn what parents can do when public schools cancel essential courses, including protecting graduation credits, finding approved alternatives, requesting substitutions, and preventing disruptions to college or career plans before deadlines.
Verify School Assignment Before Buying a House
Before buying a house, learn how to verify your child's assigned public school, check conflicting property listings, confirm enrollment eligibility, and avoid costly school assignment surprises before closing on a property.
School Bus Commute Times: What Parents Should Know
Discover how long school bus commutes really take, why routes vary, and what parents should ask about pickup times, student fatigue, transportation reliability, and daily schedules before choosing schools.
