For the 2025-26 school year, there are 3 public middle schools serving 638 students in Ford County, IL.
The top ranked public middle schools in Ford County, IL are Gcms Middle School, Paxton-buckley-loda Jr High School and Tri-point Jr High/elementary. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Ford County, IL public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 34% (versus the Illinois public middle school average of 24%), and reading proficiency score of 34% (versus the 29% statewide average). Middle schools in Ford County have an average ranking of 9/10, which is in the top 20% of Illinois public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 17% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Illinois public middle school average of 61% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Middle Schools in Ford County (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Gcms Middle School
(Math: 34% | Reading: 52%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
316 E 19th St
Gibson City, IL 60936
(217) 784-8731
Gibson City, IL 60936
(217) 784-8731
Gr: 6-8 | 214 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: #22.
Paxton-buckley-loda Jr High School
(Math: 36% | Reading: 28%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
700 Panther Way
Paxton, IL 60957
(217) 379-9202
Paxton, IL 60957
(217) 379-9202
Gr: 6-8 | 279 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #33.
Tri-point Jr High/elementary
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
519 S Margaret Ave
Piper City, IL 60959
(815) 686-2247
Piper City, IL 60959
(815) 686-2247
Gr: 4-8 | 145 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Ford County 51³Ô¹ÏÍøºÚÁÏ (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
P O Box 50
Paxton, IL 60957
(217) 386-2712
Paxton, IL 60957
(217) 386-2712
Gr: 4-5 | 225 students Minority enrollment: 4%
Po Box 50
Paxton, IL 60957
(217) 379-2000
Paxton, IL 60957
(217) 379-2000
Gr: 3-5 | 268 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public middle schools in Ford County, IL?
The top ranked public middle schools in Ford County, IL include Gcms Middle School, Paxton-buckley-loda Jr High School and Tri-point Jr High/elementary.
How many public middle schools are located in Ford County?
3 public middle schools are located in Ford County.
What is the racial composition of students in Ford County?
Ford County public middle schools minority enrollment is 17% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Illinois public middle schools average of 61% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles
10 Advantages of Public Education in 2025
Explore 10 key benefits of public education in 2025, with fresh statistics, expert insights, and real-world examples for parents and educators.
COVID-19’s Lasting Impact on U.S. 51³Ô¹ÏÍøºÚÁÏ (2025)
Explore how COVID-19 continues to affect U.S. public schools in 2025: learning losses, enrollment shifts, mental health, and recovery strategies.