Scales Mound High School, or SMHS, is a public four-year high school located at 210 Main Street in Scales Mound, Illinois, a village in Jo Daviess County, Illinois, in the Midwestern United States. SMHS serves the community and surrounding area of Scales Mound.
Serving 56 students in grades 6-8, Scales Mound Jr High School ranks in the top 30% of all schools in Illinois for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 30%, and reading proficiency is top 30%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 30-34% (which is higher than the Illinois state average of 27%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 40-49% (which is higher than the Illinois state average of 30%).
The student-teacher ratio of 9:1 is lower than the Illinois state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 7% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Illinois state average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2025-26)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 56 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 9:1
- Minority Enrollment: 7%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30% in IL
- Math Proficiency: 30-34% (Top 30%)
- Reading Proficiency: 40-49% (Top 20%)
- Science Proficiency: 60-79% (Top 20%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Scales Mound Jr High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Illinois for:
Category
Attribute
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
Community Size
Student Attention
School Overview
Scales Mound Jr High School's student population of 56 students has declined by 6% over five school years.
The teacher population of 6 teachers has declined by 14% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
Total Students
56 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
6 teachers
School Calendar
Last Day of School
Mon. May 25, 2026
School Rankings
Scales Mound Jr High School ranks within the top 30% of all 3,542 schools in Illinois (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Scales Mound Jr High School is 0.13, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.69. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#847 out of 3542 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-34%
27%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-49%
30%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-79%
50%
Student-Teacher Ratio
9:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
n/a
6%
Hispanic
4%
28%
Black
n/a
17%
White
93%
45%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
3%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
14%
43%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
11%
4%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Scales Mound Jr High School's ranking?
Scales Mound Jr High School is ranked #847 out of 3,542 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in Illinois.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
30-34% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 27% IL state average), while 40-49% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 30% IL state average).
How many students attend Scales Mound Jr High School?
56 students attend Scales Mound Jr High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
93% of Scales Mound Jr High School students are White, 4% of students are Hispanic, and 3% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Scales Mound Jr High School?
Scales Mound Jr High School has a student ration of 9:1, which is lower than the Illinois state average of 13:1.
What grades does Scales Mound Jr High School offer ?
Scales Mound Jr High School offers enrollment in grades 6-8
What school district is Scales Mound Jr High School part of?
Scales Mound Jr High School is part of Scales Mound Community Unit School District 211.
School Reviews
Review Scales Mound Jr 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
How Public Schools Support Students on Free / Reduced-Lunch Programs
Explore how U.S. public schools support students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch through nutrition, academic, and wraparound services in 2025.
Hidden Costs of Public Schools: Fees, Supplies & Extras
Explore the hidden costs in public schools—fees, supplies, extracurriculars—and how parents can plan for them in 2025.
Public School Funding 2025: What Families Should Know
Essential insights on public school funding in 2025—how it works, what’s changing, and what families should know to stay ahead.
