Best Carbondale Public Elementary Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 6 public elementary schools serving 2,486 students in Carbondale, IL.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Carbondale, IL are Giant City Elementary School, Unity Point Elementary School and Lewis School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Carbondale, IL public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 20% (versus the Illinois public elementary school average of 27%), and reading proficiency score of 29% (versus the 30% statewide average). Elementary schools in Carbondale have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Illinois public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 64% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Illinois public elementary school average of 56% (majority Hispanic).

Best Public Elementary Schools in Carbondale, IL (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Giant City Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
1062 Boskydell Rd
Carbondale, IL 62902
(618) 457-5391
Gr: PK-8 | 218 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 26%
Rank: #22.
Unity Point Elementary School
(Math: 31% | Reading: 48%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
4033 S Illinois Ave
Carbondale, IL 62903
(618) 529-4151
Gr: PK-8 | 620 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 45%
Rank: #33.
Lewis School
(Math: 10% | Reading: 18%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
801 S Lewis Ln
Carbondale, IL 62901
(618) 457-5393
Gr: 4-5 | 325 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 75%
Rank: #44.
Thomas Elementary School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 10-14%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
1025 N Wall St
Carbondale, IL 62901
(618) 457-6226
Gr: 2-3 | 400 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 75%
Rank: #55.
Carbondale Middle School
(Math: 10% | Reading: 15%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
1150 E Grand Ave
Carbondale, IL 62901
(618) 457-2174
Gr: 6-8 | 457 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 75%
Rank: n/an/a
121 N Parrish Ln
Carbondale, IL 62901
(618) 457-5781
Gr: PK-1 | 466 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 79%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Carbondale, IL?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Carbondale, IL include Giant City Elementary School, Unity Point Elementary School and Lewis School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Carbondale?
6 public elementary schools are located in Carbondale.
What is the racial composition of students in Carbondale?
Carbondale public elementary schools minority enrollment is 64% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Illinois public elementary schools average of 56% (majority Hispanic).
Which public elementary schools in Carbondale are often viewed compared to one another?

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