For the 2026 school year, there are 2 public schools serving 300 students in Gardner, IL.
The top-ranked public schools in Gardner, IL are Gardner-south Wilmington Twp High School and Gardner Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Gardner, IL public schools have an average math proficiency score of 23% (versus the Illinois public school average of 27%), and reading proficiency score of 23% (versus the 30% statewide average). Schools in Gardner have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Illinois public schools.
Minority enrollment is 10% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Illinois public school average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Gardner, IL (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Gardner-south Wilmington Twp High School
(Math: 20-29% | Reading: 20-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
500 E Main St
Gardner, IL 60424
(815) 237-2176
Gardner, IL 60424
(815) 237-2176
Gr: 9-12 | 154 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Rank: #22.
Gardner Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
598 N Elm St
Gardner, IL 60424
(815) 237-2313
Gardner, IL 60424
(815) 237-2313
Gr: PK-8 | 146 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Gardner, IL?
The top-ranked public schools in Gardner, IL include Gardner-south Wilmington Twp High School and Gardner Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Gardner?
2 public schools are located in Gardner.
What is the racial composition of students in Gardner?
Gardner public schools minority enrollment is 10% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Illinois public schools average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles
When “Free Public School” Still Isn’t Free
Discover the hidden costs of public school in 2026, from supplies and fees to transportation, technology, and extracurricular expenses.
What a District Budget Cut Means for Your Child's School Experience
Learn how district budget cuts can affect class sizes, programs, staffing, transportation, and your child's daily school experience in 2026.
School Closure Risk: What Parents Should Check Before Moving
Learn how parents can assess school closure risk before buying or renting in a district, using enrollment, funding, and boundary data.