For the 2026 school year, there are 9 public elementary schools serving 2,777 students in Urbana, IL.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Urbana, IL are Leal Elementary School, Thomas Paine Elementary School and Urbana Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Urbana, IL public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 9% (versus the Illinois public elementary school average of 27%), and reading proficiency score of 11% (versus the 30% statewide average). Elementary schools in Urbana have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Illinois public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 77% 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 Urbana, IL (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Leal Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
312 W Oregon St
Urbana, IL 61801
(217) 384-3618
Urbana, IL 61801
(217) 384-3618
Gr: K-5 | 373 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 61%
Rank: #22.
Thomas Paine Elementary School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1801 James Cherry Dr
Urbana, IL 61802
(217) 384-3602
Urbana, IL 61802
(217) 384-3602
Gr: K-5 | 324 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 73%
Rank: #33.
Urbana Middle School
(Math: 7% | Reading: 10%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1201 S Vine St
Urbana, IL 61801
(217) 384-3685
Urbana, IL 61801
(217) 384-3685
Gr: 6-8 | 877 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 76%
Rank: #44.
M L King Jr Elementary School
(Math: ≤5% | Reading: 6-9%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1108 Fairview Ave
Urbana, IL 61801
(217) 384-3675
Urbana, IL 61801
(217) 384-3675
Gr: K-5 | 322 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 88%
Rank: #55.
Dr Preston L Williams Jr Elementary School
(Math: ≤1% | Reading: 5%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
2102 E Washington St
Urbana, IL 61802
(217) 384-3628
Urbana, IL 61802
(217) 384-3628
Gr: K-5 | 399 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 85%
Rank: n/an/a
Champaign Co Detention Center
Alternative School
400 Art Bartell Rd
Urbana, IL 61802
(217) 384-3780
Urbana, IL 61802
(217) 384-3780
Gr: 6-12
Rank: n/an/a
Juvenile Detention Center
Alternative School
400 Art Bartell Rd
Urbana, IL 61802
(217) 384-3780
Urbana, IL 61802
(217) 384-3780
Gr: 6-11
Rank: n/an/a
Urbana Gerber School
Alternative School
1301 N Cunnigham Ave
Urbana, IL 61801
(217) 367-4064
Urbana, IL 61801
(217) 367-4064
Gr: K-12
Rank: n/an/a
2102 S Anderson St
Urbana, IL 61801
(217) 384-3608
Urbana, IL 61801
(217) 384-3608
Gr: K-5 | 482 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 83%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Urbana, IL?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Urbana, IL include Leal Elementary School, Thomas Paine Elementary School and Urbana Middle School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Urbana?
9 public elementary schools are located in Urbana.
What is the racial composition of students in Urbana?
Urbana public elementary schools minority enrollment is 77% 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 Urbana are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary schools in Urbana include: M L King Jr Elementary School vs. Dr Preston L Williams Jr Elementary School, Dr Preston L Williams Jr Elementary School vs. M L King Jr Elementary School, M L King Jr Elementary School vs. Leal Elementary School
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