For the 2026 school year, there are 7 public schools serving 2,670 students in Charleston, IL.
The top-ranked public schools in Charleston, IL are Carl Sandburg Elementary School, Charleston High School and Charleston Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Charleston, IL public schools have an average math proficiency score of 14% (versus the Illinois public school average of 27%), and reading proficiency score of 21% (versus the 30% statewide average). Schools in Charleston have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Illinois public schools.
Minority enrollment is 24% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Illinois public school average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Charleston, IL (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Carl Sandburg Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1924 Reynolds Dr
Charleston, IL 61920
(217) 639-4000
Charleston, IL 61920
(217) 639-4000
Gr: 1-3 | 555 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 27%
Rank: #22.
Charleston High School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1615 Lincoln Ave
Charleston, IL 61920
(217) 639-5000
Charleston, IL 61920
(217) 639-5000
Gr: 9-12 | 795 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
Rank: #33.
Charleston Middle School
(Math: 12% | Reading: 20%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
920 Smith Dr
Charleston, IL 61920
(217) 639-6000
Charleston, IL 61920
(217) 639-6000
Gr: 7-8 | 401 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 24%
Rank: #44.
Jefferson Elementary School
(Math: 13% | Reading: 15%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
801 Jefferson Ave
Charleston, IL 61920
(217) 639-7000
Charleston, IL 61920
(217) 639-7000
Gr: 4-6 | 698 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
Rank: n/an/a
1021 13th St
Charleston, IL 61920
(217) 639-8000
Charleston, IL 61920
(217) 639-8000
Gr: PK-K | 221 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 28%
Rank: n/an/a
Shelbyville Taoep
Alternative School
730 7th St
Charleston, IL 61920
(217) 348-0151
Charleston, IL 61920
(217) 348-0151
Gr: 6-12
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Charleston, IL?
The top-ranked public schools in Charleston, IL include Carl Sandburg Elementary School, Charleston High School and Charleston Middle School.
How many public schools are located in Charleston?
7 public schools are located in Charleston.
What is the racial composition of students in Charleston?
Charleston public schools minority enrollment is 24% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Illinois public schools average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
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