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Best Ford County Public Elementary Schools (2025-26)

For the 2025-26 school year, there are 6 public elementary schools serving 1,846 students in Ford County, IL.
The top ranked public elementary schools in Ford County, IL are Gcms Middle School, Gcms Elementary School and Paxton-buckley-loda Jr High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Ford County, IL public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 30% (versus the Illinois public elementary school average of 27%), and reading proficiency score of 31% (versus the 30% statewide average). Elementary schools in Ford County have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of Illinois public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 17% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Illinois public elementary school average of 55% (majority Hispanic).

Best Public Elementary Schools in Ford County (2025-26)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Gcms Middle School
(Math: 34% | Reading: 52%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
316 E 19th St
Gibson City, IL 60936
(217) 784-8731
Gr: 6-8 | 214 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: #22.
Gcms Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
902 N Church St
Gibson City, IL 60936
(217) 784-4278
Gr: PK-5 | 498 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: #33.
Paxton-buckley-loda Jr High School
(Math: 36% | Reading: 28%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
700 Panther Way
Paxton, IL 60957
(217) 379-9202
Gr: 6-8 | 279 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #44.
Tri Point Elementary School
(Math: 21-39% | Reading: 21-39%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
101 Main St
Kempton, IL 60946
(815) 253-6299
Gr: PK-3 | 125 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: #55.
Tri-point Jr High/elementary
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
519 S Margaret Ave
Piper City, IL 60959
(815) 686-2247
Gr: 4-8 | 145 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: #66.
Clara Peterson Elementary School
(Math: 21% | Reading: 26%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
580 E Franklin St
Paxton, IL 60957
(217) 379-2531
Gr: PK-5 | 585 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
[+] Show Closed 51³Ô¹ÏÍøºÚÁÏ in Ford County, IL

Ford County 51³Ô¹ÏÍøºÚÁÏ (Closed)

School
Location
Quick Facts
112 West 12th St
Gibson City, IL 60936
(217) 784-8505
Gr: PK
P O Box 50
Paxton, IL 60957
(217) 386-2712
Gr: 4-5 | 225 students Minority enrollment: 4%
Po Box 50
Paxton, IL 60957
(217) 379-2000
Gr: 3-5 | 268 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
West Lawn School (Closed 2008)
Special Education School
425 E Orleans
Paxton, IL 60957
(217) 379-2411

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top ranked public elementary schools in Ford County, IL?
The top ranked public elementary schools in Ford County, IL include Gcms Middle School, Gcms Elementary School and Paxton-buckley-loda Jr High School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Ford County?
6 public elementary schools are located in Ford County.
What is the racial composition of students in Ford County?
Ford County public elementary schools minority enrollment is 17% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Illinois public elementary schools average of 55% (majority Hispanic).

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