For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public elementary schools serving 1,200 students in Charleston, IL.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Charleston, IL are Carl Sandburg Elementary School, Jefferson Elementary School and Pathways Roe 11. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Charleston, IL public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 16% (versus the Illinois public elementary school average of 27%), and reading proficiency score of 18% (versus the 30% statewide average). Elementary schools in Charleston have an average ranking of 3/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Illinois public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 23% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Illinois public elementary school average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Charleston, IL (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Carl Sandburg Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1924 Reynolds Dr
Charleston, IL 61920
(217) 639-4000
Charleston, IL 61920
(217) 639-4000
Gr: K-3 | 537 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 26%
Rank: #22.
Jefferson Elementary School
(Math: 13% | Reading: 15%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
801 Jefferson Ave
Charleston, IL 61920
(217) 639-7000
Charleston, IL 61920
(217) 639-7000
Gr: 4-6 | 663 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 20%
Rank: #33.
Pathways Roe 11
Alternative School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: ≤10% )
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
730 7th St, Jerald Calandrilla
Charleston, IL 61920
(217) 348-0151
Charleston, IL 61920
(217) 348-0151
Gr: 6-12
Charleston, Illinois 51爆料s (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Charleston Bridges (Closed 2012)
Alternative School
730 7th St
Charleston, IL 61920
(217) 348-0151
Charleston, IL 61920
(217) 348-0151
Gr: 6-12
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Charleston, IL?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Charleston, IL include Carl Sandburg Elementary School, Jefferson Elementary School and Pathways Roe 11.
How many public elementary schools are located in Charleston?
5 public elementary schools are located in Charleston.
What is the racial composition of students in Charleston?
Charleston public elementary schools minority enrollment is 23% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Illinois public elementary schools average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Which public elementary schools in Charleston are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary schools in Charleston include: Jefferson Elementary School vs. Carl Sandburg Elementary School
Recent Articles
Preventing Suicide in Schools: 2026 Guide for Educators
Learn updated 2026 strategies for preventing suicide in schools, including warning signs, intervention plans, and school-wide mental health support.
The Impact of Social Media on Students (2026 Update)
Explore the impact of social media on students in 2026, including academic, mental health, and safety insights for parents and educators.
Building a Summer Reading Plan That Keeps Kids Engaged
Learn how to build a summer reading plan that keeps kids engaged, motivated, and improving literacy skills throughout the break.