Best Jackson County Public High Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 7 public high schools serving 1,939 students in Jackson County, IL.
The top-ranked public high schools in Jackson County, IL are Carbondale Comm High School, Elverado High School and Trico Senior High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Jackson County, IL public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 20% (versus the Illinois public high school average of 26%), and reading proficiency score of 27% (versus the 29% statewide average). High schools in Jackson County have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of Illinois public high schools.
Jackson County, IL public high school have a Graduation Rate of 83%, which is less than the Illinois average of 87%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Trico Senior High School, with ≥90% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in Illinois or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 39% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Illinois public high school average of 55% (majority Hispanic).

Best Public High Schools in Jackson County (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Carbondale Comm High School
(Math: 27% | Reading: 32%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
1301 E Walnut St
Carbondale, IL 62901
(618) 457-3371
Gr: 9-12 | 1,023 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 54%
Rank: #22.
Elverado High School
(Math: 11-19% | Reading: 21-39%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
514 S 6th St
Elkville, IL 62932
(618) 568-1104
Gr: 9-12 | 102 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #33.
Trico Senior High School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: 30-39%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
16533 Highway 4
Campbell Hill, IL 62916
(618) 426-1111
Gr: 9-12 | 220 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #44.
Murphysboro High School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
50 Blackwood Dr
Murphysboro, IL 62966
(618) 687-2336
Gr: 9-12 | 565 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 30%
Rank: n/an/a
Cope Alternative School
Alternative School
1725b Shomaker Dr
Murphysboro, IL 62966
(618) 687-7290
Gr: 6-12
Rank: n/an/a
Five County Regional Alternative
Alternative School
101 Spero Dr
Murphysboro, IL 62966
(618) 687-7290
Gr: 6-12
Rank: n/an/a
Tcse Aspire Academy
Special Education School
805 N 16th St
Murphysboro, IL 62966
(618) 684-2109
Gr: K-12

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public high schools in Jackson County, IL?
The top-ranked public high schools in Jackson County, IL include Carbondale Comm High School, Elverado High School and Trico Senior High School.
How many public high schools are located in Jackson County?
8 public high schools are located in Jackson County.
What is the racial composition of students in Jackson County?
Jackson County public high schools minority enrollment is 39% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Illinois public high schools average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Which public high schools in Jackson County are often viewed compared to one another?

Recent Articles

When “Free Public School” Still Isn’t Free
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
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
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.

Quick Links