Prairie Central High School is a public four-year high school in the Prairie Central Consolidated School District of central Illinois. It is located in Fairbury, Illinois.
Serving 518 students in grades 9-12, Prairie Central High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Illinois for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 20-24% (which is lower than the Illinois state average of 27%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 20-24% (which is lower than the Illinois state average of 30%).
The student-teacher ratio of 12:1 is lower than the Illinois state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 16% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Illinois state average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2025-26)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 518 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 16%
- Graduation Rate: 80-84% (Btm 50% in IL)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 20-24% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 20-24% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 65-69% (Top 20%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Prairie Central High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Illinois for:
Category
Attribute
Science Proficiency
School Overview
Prairie Central High School's student population of 518 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 45 teachers has grown by 9% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
518 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
45 teachers
Year Founded
1984
Colors
White, Navy Blue, Columbia blue
Last Day of School
Mon. May 25, 2026
Campus Size
50 acres
School Motto
'Truth and Honor'
School Mascot
Wild Boars
School Rankings
Prairie Central High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 3,542 schools in Illinois (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Prairie Central High School is 0.29, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.69. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1807 out of 3542 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-24%
27%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-24%
30%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
65-69%
50%
Student-Teacher Ratio
12:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
1%
6%
Hispanic
10%
28%
Black
1%
17%
White
84%
45%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
4%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
80-84%
87%
Eligible for Free Lunch
28%
43%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
10%
4%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Wild Boars
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Prairie Central High School's ranking?
Prairie Central High School is ranked #1807 out of 3,542 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Illinois.
What schools are Prairie Central High School often compared to?
Prairie Central High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Pontiac High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
20-24% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 27% IL state average), while 20-24% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 30% IL state average).
What is the graduation rate of Prairie Central High School?
The graduation rate of Prairie Central High School is 80-84%, which is lower than the Illinois state average of 87%.
How many students attend Prairie Central High School?
518 students attend Prairie Central High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
84% of Prairie Central High School students are White, 10% of students are Hispanic, 4% of students are Two or more races, 1% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Prairie Central High School?
Prairie Central High School has a student ration of 12:1, which is lower than the Illinois state average of 13:1.
What grades does Prairie Central High School offer ?
Prairie Central High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12
What school district is Prairie Central High School part of?
Prairie Central High School is part of Prairie Central CUSD 8 School District.
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