For the 2025-26 school year, there are 8 public preschools serving 2,411 students in Stephenson County, IL.
The top ranked public preschools in Stephenson County, IL are Dakota Elementary School, Center Elementary School and Lena-winslow Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Stephenson County, IL public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 27% (versus the Illinois public pre school average of 23%), and reading proficiency score of 30% (versus the 25% statewide average). Pre schools in Stephenson County have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Illinois public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 37% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Illinois public preschool average of 58% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Preschools in Stephenson County (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Dakota Elementary School
(Math: 38% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
400 Campus Dr
Dakota, IL 61018
(844) 632-5682
Dakota, IL 61018
(844) 632-5682
Gr: PK-6 | 406 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #22.
Center Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
718 E Illinois St
Freeport, IL 61032
(815) 232-0480
Freeport, IL 61032
(815) 232-0480
Gr: PK-4 | 223 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 65%
Rank: #33.
Lena-winslow Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
401 Fremont St
Lena, IL 61048
(815) 369-2525
Lena, IL 61048
(815) 369-2525
Gr: PK-5 | 424 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #44.
Pearl City Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
100 S Summit St
Pearl City, IL 61062
(815) 443-2715
Pearl City, IL 61062
(815) 443-2715
Gr: PK-6 | 208 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 23%
Rank: #55.
Orangeville Elementary School
(Math: 20-29% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
201 S Orange St
Orangeville, IL 61060
(815) 789-4613
Orangeville, IL 61060
(815) 789-4613
Gr: PK-5 | 143 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
Rank: #66.
Blackhawk Elementary School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 10-14%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1401 S Blackhawk Ave
Freeport, IL 61032
(815) 232-0490
Freeport, IL 61032
(815) 232-0490
Gr: PK-4 | 280 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 68%
Rank: #7 - 87. - 8.
Empire Elementary School
(Math: 6-9% | Reading: 6-9%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1325 Empire St
Freeport, IL 61032
(815) 232-0380
Freeport, IL 61032
(815) 232-0380
Gr: PK-4 | 407 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 58%
Rank: #7 - 87. - 8.
Lincoln-douglas Elementary School
(Math: 6-9% | Reading: 6-9%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1700 W Laurel St
Freeport, IL 61032
(815) 232-0370
Freeport, IL 61032
(815) 232-0370
Gr: PK-4 | 320 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 59%
Stephenson County 51³Ô¹ÏÍøºÚÁÏ (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Banks-bergagna Education Center (Closed 2013)
Special Education School
302 West Exchange St
Freeport, IL 61032
(815) 235-8027
Freeport, IL 61032
(815) 235-8027
Gr: 6-12 | 16 students Student-teacher ratio: 3:1 Minority enrollment: 69%
Career & Technical Education Consolidated High School (Closed 2013)
Vocational School
2037 West Galena Ave
Freeport, IL 61032
(815) 232-0709
Freeport, IL 61032
(815) 232-0709
Gr: 9-12
806 E Stephenson St
Freeport, IL 61032
(815) 232-0390
Freeport, IL 61032
(815) 232-0390
Gr: PK-4
501 School St
Winslow, IL 61089
(815) 367-2045
Winslow, IL 61089
(815) 367-2045
Gr: PK-K | 121 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public preschools in Stephenson County, IL?
The top ranked public preschools in Stephenson County, IL include Dakota Elementary School, Center Elementary School and Lena-winslow Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in Stephenson County?
8 public preschools are located in Stephenson County.
What is the racial composition of students in Stephenson County?
Stephenson County public preschools minority enrollment is 37% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Illinois public preschools average of 58% (majority Hispanic).
Which public preschools in Stephenson County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public preschools in Stephenson County include: Empire Elementary School vs. Center Elementary School, Lincoln-douglas Elementary School vs. Center Elementary School, Center Elementary School vs. Empire Elementary School
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.