For the 2026 school year, there are 8 public elementary schools serving 1,759 students in Shelby County, IL.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Shelby County, IL are Cowden-herrick Grade School, Main Street Elementary School and Moulton Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Shelby County, 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 42% (versus the 30% statewide average). Elementary schools in Shelby County have an average ranking of 9/10, which is in the top 20% of Illinois public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 5% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is less than the Illinois public elementary school average of 56% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Shelby County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Cowden-herrick Grade School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
301 N Broadway St
Herrick, IL 62431
(618) 428-5223
Herrick, IL 62431
(618) 428-5223
Gr: K-5 | 175 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 2%
Rank: #22.
Main Street Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
225 W Main St
Shelbyville, IL 62565
(217) 774-4731
Shelbyville, IL 62565
(217) 774-4731
Gr: 1-3 | 370 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #33.
Moulton Elementary School
(Math: 24% | Reading: 53%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1101 W North 6th St
Shelbyville, IL 62565
(217) 774-2169
Shelbyville, IL 62565
(217) 774-2169
Gr: 4-8 | 455 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #44.
Cowden-herrick Jr/sr High School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
633 County Highway 22
Cowden, IL 62422
(217) 783-2125
Cowden, IL 62422
(217) 783-2125
Gr: 6-12 | 168 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 2%
Rank: #55.
Stewardson-strasburg Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
2806 E 600 North Rd
Strasburg, IL 62465
(217) 682-3621
Strasburg, IL 62465
(217) 682-3621
Gr: PK-8 | 290 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #66.
Windsor Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
808 Wisconsin Ave
Windsor, IL 61957
(217) 459-2447
Windsor, IL 61957
(217) 459-2447
Gr: PK-6 | 225 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #77.
Okaw Valley Middle School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
501 W Division St
Findlay, IL 62534
(217) 756-8521
Findlay, IL 62534
(217) 756-8521
Gr: 5-8 | 124 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 3%
Rank: n/an/a
Shelbyville Bridges
Alternative School
201 E North 12th St
Shelbyville, IL 62565
(217) 774-1037
Shelbyville, IL 62565
(217) 774-1037
Gr: 6-12
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Shelby County, IL?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Shelby County, IL include Cowden-herrick Grade School, Main Street Elementary School and Moulton Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Shelby County?
8 public elementary schools are located in Shelby County.
What is the racial composition of students in Shelby County?
Shelby County public elementary schools minority enrollment is 5% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is less than the Illinois public elementary schools average of 56% (majority Hispanic).
Which public elementary schools in Shelby County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary schools in Shelby County include: Cowden-herrick Grade School vs. Main Street Elementary School, Stewardson-strasburg Elementary School vs. Windsor Elementary School, Main Street Elementary School vs. Cowden-herrick Grade School
Recent Articles
What Rising E-Bike and Traffic Concerns Mean for School Commutes
Discover how rising e-bike use and increasing traffic are changing school commutes, and what parents should evaluate before choosing a public school.
School Safety Beyond Lockdowns: What Parents Should Review
Learn how to evaluate a public school's safety beyond lockdown drills, including school climate, emergency planning, mental health support, and communication.
How to Judge Special Education Capacity Before You Enroll
Learn how to evaluate a public school's special education capacity before enrolling your child, from staffing and IEP implementation to inclusion and support services.