Best Schools in Charleston, Illinois
6 schools · 2 Elementary · 2 Middle · 2 High
Family Snapshot
At a glance- Avg school rating
- 5.7/10
- Median household income
- $54,229
- Median home value
- $144,700
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 35%
- Avg commute
- 16 min
- Owner-occupied homes
- 53%
20% of schools rated 7+
Census ACS, ZIPs in this city
Owner-occupied units
Adults 25+
Workers age 16+
Of occupied housing units
How Charleston compares
Illinois rank
#324 of 444
cities by avg. school score
Vs. state average
-0.6
below Illinois avg (6.3)
Median household income
$54k
66% of Illinois median
Schools in this city
5
About Schools in Charleston, Illinois
Charleston, Illinois is home to 6 schools, including 5 public schools and 1 private school. The city's schools span 2 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and 2 high schools.
With an average rating of 5.7 out of 10, schools in Charleston show moderate performance on the MySchoolScout composite scale, which measures academic achievement, student growth, equity, and school environment.
The highest-performing school in Charleston is Carl Sandburg Elem School with a composite score of 7.6/10, demonstrating strong academic outcomes and school quality metrics.
Charleston is served by 1 school district: Charleston CUSD 1. These districts collectively serve 2,652 students.
Charleston's community shows 35% bachelor's degree attainment with a median household income of $54,229. The poverty rate in the area is 21.2%.
Browse the schools below to compare ratings, test scores, enrollment, and other key metrics. Use the filters to focus on specific school levels or types that match your family's needs.
Elementary Schools
2 schools| # | School | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 537 students · Kindergarten–3rd | 7.6 |
| 2 | 205 students · Pre-K–Kindergarten | 5.8 |
Middle Schools
2 schools| # | School | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 663 students · 4th–6th | 5.2 |
| 2 | 395 students · 7th–8th | 4.6 |
High Schools
2 schools| # | School | Rating | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 780 students · 9th–12th | 5.3 | ||
| Private Schools 1 school Private and public school ratings use different data sources and scoring models. Scores are not directly comparable across school types. | ||||
| 1 | NEW HEIGHTS ACADEMY
Private
3 students · Pre-K–12th | Not Rated | ||
Schools in Charleston
Charleston, Illinois · 6 schools
Community Demographics
Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates across 1 ZIP code
Median Income
$54,229
Median Home Value
$144,700
Median Rent
$823/mo
Population
20,703
College Educated
35%
Homeownership
53%
Avg Commute
16 min
Poverty Rate
21.2%
Community Profile
Charleston has a median household income of $54,229. It is an area where 35% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $144,700, with a median rent of $823/month. The area has a poverty rate of 21.2%, indicating some economic challenges in the community. Residents enjoy a short average commute of 16 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Quick Facts
- State
- Illinois
- Total Schools
- 6
- Elementary
- 2
- Middle
- 2
- High
- 2
- Districts
- 1
- Avg Rating
- 5.7/10
Resources
School District
Nearby Cities
Other Major Cities in Illinois
Top metros statewide by school count.
How We Rate Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.
Read our full methodologyFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about schools in Charleston, Illinois
How many schools are in Charleston, Illinois?
Charleston has 6 schools, including 5 public and 1 private schools spanning elementary, middle, and high school levels.
What is the average school rating in Charleston, Illinois?
The average MySchoolScout composite score for schools in Charleston is 5.7 out of 10, based on academic achievement, student growth, equity, and school environment.
What is the top-ranked school in Charleston, Illinois?
The top-ranked school in Charleston on MySchoolScout is Carl Sandburg Elem School with a composite score of 7.6/10.
What is the best elementary school in Charleston, Illinois?
The top-ranked elementary school in Charleston on MySchoolScout is Carl Sandburg Elem School with a composite score of 7.6/10.
What is the best middle school in Charleston, Illinois?
The top-ranked middle school in Charleston on MySchoolScout is Jefferson Elem School with a composite score of 5.2/10.
What is the best high school in Charleston, Illinois?
The top-ranked high school in Charleston on MySchoolScout is Charleston High School with a composite score of 5.3/10.
How many school districts serve Charleston, Illinois?
Charleston is served by 1 school district: Charleston Cusd 1.
What is the education level in Charleston, Illinois?
According to Census data, 35% of adults in Charleston have earned a bachelor's degree or higher.
What is the median income in Charleston, Illinois?
The median household income in Charleston is approximately $54,229 according to Census ACS 2022 estimates.
Are there private schools in Charleston, Illinois?
Yes, Charleston has 1 private school alongside 5 public schools.
What is the student-teacher ratio in Charleston, Illinois?
The average student-teacher ratio across schools in Charleston is 12.5:1. This ratio varies by school, so families should check individual school profiles for specific classroom sizes.
How does MySchoolScout rate schools in Charleston, Illinois?
MySchoolScout rates schools using publicly available data from the NCES Common Core of Data and state education departments. Each school receives a 1-10 composite score based on four components: Academic Achievement, Student Growth, Equity, and School Environment.
Related reading
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Data from NCES Common Core of Data, Illinois Dept. of Education, and U.S. Census ACS for the 2023–24 school year. Rankings computed by MySchoolScout. See all data sources.