Best Jefferson County Public Preschools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 10 public preschools serving 2,180 students in Jefferson County, IL.
The top-ranked public preschools in Jefferson County, IL are Summersville Grade School, Woodlawn Grade School and Opdyke-belle Rive Grade School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Jefferson County, IL public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 24% (versus the Illinois public pre school average of 22%), and reading proficiency score of 30% (versus the 25% statewide average). Pre schools in Jefferson County have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Illinois public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 13% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Illinois public preschool average of 59% (majority Hispanic).

Best Public Preschools in Jefferson County (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Summersville Grade School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
1118 Fairfield Rd
Mount Vernon, IL 62864
(618) 244-8079
Gr: PK-8 | 283 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #22.
Woodlawn Grade School
(Math: 30% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
301 S Central St
Woodlawn, IL 62898
(618) 735-2661
Gr: PK-8 | 322 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #33.
Opdyke-belle Rive Grade School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
19830 E Fourth St
Opdyke, IL 62872
(618) 756-2492
Gr: PK-8 | 122 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Rank: #44.
Rome Comm Cons Elementary School
(Math: 22% | Reading: 28%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
233 W South St
Dix, IL 62830
(618) 266-7214
Gr: PK-8 | 286 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #55.
Bluford Grade School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
901 6th St
Bluford, IL 62814
(618) 732-8242
Gr: PK-8 | 236 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Rank: #6 - 76. - 7.
Bethel Grade School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
1201 Bethel Rd
Mount Vernon, IL 62864
(618) 244-8095
Gr: PK-8 | 154 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Rank: #6 - 76. - 7.
Waltonville Grade School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
802 W Knob St
Waltonville, IL 62894
(618) 279-7221
Gr: PK-8 | 212 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 3%
Rank: #88.
Field Elementary School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
21075 N Hails Ln
Texico, IL 62889
(618) 755-4611
Gr: PK-8 | 233 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: n/an/a
Clnton/mrn/wshngtn Pre-kind Prog
Alternative School
1710 Broadway St
Mount Vernon, IL 62864
(618) 244-8040
Gr: PK
Rank: n/an/a
301 S 17th St
Mount Vernon, IL 62864
(618) 244-8087
Gr: PK | 243 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 51%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public preschools in Jefferson County, IL?
The top-ranked public preschools in Jefferson County, IL include Summersville Grade School, Woodlawn Grade School and Opdyke-belle Rive Grade School.
How many public preschools are located in Jefferson County?
11 public preschools are located in Jefferson County.
What is the racial composition of students in Jefferson County?
Jefferson County public preschools minority enrollment is 13% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Illinois public preschools average of 59% (majority Hispanic).
Which public preschools in Jefferson 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.