Serving 487 students in grades 9-12, Prairie Central High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Illinois for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 20-24% (which is lower than the Illinois state average of 27%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 20-24% (which is lower than the Illinois state average of 30%).
The student-teacher ratio of 12:1 is lower than the Illinois state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 17% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Illinois state average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 487 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 17%
- Graduation Rate: 80-84% (Btm 50% in IL)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 20-24% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 20-24% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 65-69% (Top 20%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Prairie Central High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Illinois for:
Category
Attribute
Science Proficiency
School Overview
Prairie Central High School's student population of 487 students has declined by 14% over five school years.
The teacher population of 42 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
487 students
Showing 2016–2025. View full 39-year historical data
Total Classroom Teachers
42 teachers
Showing 2015–2025. View full 39-year historical data
Year Founded
1984
School Rankings
Prairie Central High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 3,542 schools in Illinois (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Prairie Central High School is 0.30, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.70. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1807 out of 3542 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. View full 14-year historical data
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-24%
27%
Showing 2012–2023. View full 14-year historical data
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-24%
30%
Showing 2012–2022. View full 13-year historical data
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
65-69%
50%
Student-Teacher Ratio
12:1
13:1
Showing 2015–2025. View full 39-year historical data
Asian
1%
6%
Showing 2004–2025. View full 38-year historical data
Hispanic
12%
29%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data
Black
1%
16%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 28-year historical data
White
83%
45%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data
Two or more races
3%
4%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 15-year historical data
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data
Graduation Rate
80-84%
87.6%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)28.8%
29.7%
Eligible for Free Lunch
30%
43%
Showing 2015–2025. View full 24-year historical data
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
10%
4%
Showing 2010–2025. View full 24-year historical data
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
White, Navy Blue, Columbia blue
School Mascot
Huey The Hawk
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Prairie Central High School's ranking?
Prairie Central High School is ranked #1807 out of 3,542 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Illinois.
What schools are Prairie Central High School often compared to?
Prairie Central High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Pontiac High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
20-24% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 27% IL state average), while 20-24% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 30% IL state average).
What is the graduation rate of Prairie Central High School?
The graduation rate of Prairie Central High School is 80-84%, which is lower than the Illinois state average of 87.6%.
How many students attend Prairie Central High School?
487 students attend Prairie Central High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
83% of Prairie Central High School students are White, 12% of students are Hispanic, 3% of students are Two or more races, 1% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Prairie Central High School?
Prairie Central High School has a student ration of 12:1, which is lower than the Illinois state average of 13:1.
What grades does Prairie Central High School offer ?
Prairie Central High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12
What school district is Prairie Central High School part of?
Prairie Central High School is part of Prairie Central CUSD 8 School District.
School Reviews
Review Prairie Central High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
Is Your Child's School Day Too Structured?
Discover where free time disappears during your child's school day, how to evaluate lunch, recess, and classroom schedules, and what parents can do when breaks become structured activities.
When Your Child's Best Friend Is in Another Class
Discover how to help your child when their best friend is assigned to another classroom, including school placement policies, maintaining friendships, building connections, and knowing when to request help.
Should Your Child Repeat a Grade or Move Ahead?
Before agreeing to grade retention, learn what evidence to request, how to review school policies, explore alternatives, understand parental rights, and secure an effective academic support plan for your child.
