The Early Years serves 233 students in grades Prekindergarten.
The student-teacher ratio of 26:1 is higher than the Illinois state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 34% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is lower than the Illinois state average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten
- Enrollment: 233 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 26:1
- Minority Enrollment: 34%
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
School Overview
The Early Years's student population of 233 students has grown by 16% over five school years.
The teacher population of 9 teachers has grown by 50% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten
Total Students
233 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
9 teachers
Year Founded
1986
Campus Size
5 acres
School Rankings
The diversity score of The Early Years is 0.53, 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.
Student-Teacher Ratio
26:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
1%
6%
Hispanic
9%
28%
Black
9%
17%
White
66%
45%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
15%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
45%
43%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (11-12)
57%
27%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
How many students attend The Early Years?
233 students attend The Early Years.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
66% of The Early Years students are White, 15% of students are Two or more races, 9% of students are Black, 9% of students are Hispanic, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of The Early Years?
The Early Years has a student ration of 26:1, which is higher than the Illinois state average of 13:1.
What grades does The Early Years offer ?
The Early Years offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten
What school district is The Early Years part of?
The Early Years is part of Jacksonville School District 117.
School Reviews
Review The Early Years. 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
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.
