Needs Improvement
#715 of 716 private schools in IL
Bear Creek School
Middle School
300 E CO. RD 600N, Tuscola, IL 61953
Estimated academic score. This school does not have standardized test data. Based on IL statewide data. Learn more
Enrollment
36
Student-Teacher
18:1
Score
2.3
Grades
1st – 8th
Enrollment
36
Student-Teacher
18:1
Score
2.3
Grades
1st – 8th
Updated
2021-22
Updated 2021-22
How this school compares
Illinois middle schools
#16 of 17
About Bear Creek School
Bear Creek School is a regular public school located in the rural community of Tuscola, Illinois. Serving students from first through eighth grade, Bear Creek offers a small and tight-knit educational environment with an enrollment of just 36 students. The student-to-teacher ratio is 18:1, ensuring that each child receives personalized attention from two full-time equivalent teachers.
While specific test score data is not available, Bear Creek School holds a MySchoolScout rating of 5.3 out of 10 and ranks at the 5th percentile among Illinois schools. The school's focus seems to be on nurturing students in a supportive rural setting rather than solely on standardized testing metrics. Bear Creek School’s location provides a peaceful backdrop for learning, nestled amidst the rolling landscapes of Tuscola.
This setting fosters a close-knit community where teachers and families work together to support each student's unique needs and growth.
What Parents Should Know
With an enrollment of 36 students, Bear Creek School is a smaller school where families often find a close-knit community atmosphere. Smaller settings can mean more individual attention from teachers and staff, though they may offer fewer extracurricular options than larger schools.
As a private school, Bear Creek School operates independently from the local public school district. Families considering this school should inquire about tuition costs, financial aid availability, and the admissions process. Private schools are not required to follow the same curriculum standards as public schools, which can be either an advantage or a consideration depending on your priorities.
Located in a rural area, Bear Creek School may involve longer commutes for some families. Rural schools often serve as community anchors and may have smaller class sizes, but parents should consider transportation logistics, after-school program availability, and access to specialized services.
Compare to Public Schools
BetaHow Bear Creek School compares to the 3 public schools in Tuscola, IL
Student Demographics
All Schools in Tuscola
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Bear Creek School (this school) | 2.3 |
| Tuscola High School | 4.9 |
| East Prairie Middle School | 5.1 |
| North Ward Elementary School | 8.3 |
Demographics sourced from NCES Private School Survey (PSS) and Common Core of Data (CCD). Comparisons are based on enrollment-weighted averages.
Score Breakdown
What This Rating Measures
This rating reflects classroom size, instructional time, student diversity, community resources, and school characteristics. Private schools are ranked against other private schools in IL.
Data Unavailable
View data sources
Score basis: Private school model
Data coverage: 80% of scoring components had data
Components scored: 4 of 5
Ranking pool: Private schools in IL
Test Scores
Test score data not yet available for this school.
Student Demographics NCES PSS (SY 2021-22)
Source: NCES Private School Survey (PSS)
Location
300 E CO. RD 600N, Tuscola, IL 61953
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Bear Creek School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. East Prairie Middle School (rated 5.1/10, 8.5 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Sullivan Middle School (rated 5.1/10, 13.9 miles away, in nearby Sullivan), which scores notably higher. Additionally, PLAINVIEW PAROCHIAL SCHOOL (rated 4.2/10, 5.7 miles away, in nearby Arthur), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Tuscola, see our Tuscola schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 15.0 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| NORTHSIDE SCHOOL Arthur | 2.1 mi | — |
| PRAIRIE LANE AMISH SCHOOL Arthur | 3.2 mi | 3.7 |
| Arthur Grade School Arthur | 3.5 mi | 8.7 |
| Arthur-Lovington-Atwood-Hammond Arthur | 3.6 mi | 7.3 |
| MEADOWLARK SCHOOL Arthur | 5.0 mi | 2.0 |
| SOUTH PRAIRIE SCHOOL Arcola | 5.4 mi | 2.6 |
| Atwood-Hammond Grade School Atwood | 5.1 mi | 6.9 |
| ARTHUR CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Arthur | 5.3 mi | 4.8 |
| PLAINVIEW PAROCHIAL SCHOOL Arthur | 5.7 mi | 4.2 |
| Arcola Elementary School Arcola | 6.5 mi | 5.1 |
| Arcola High School Arcola | 6.5 mi | 6.3 |
| LITTLE CREEK SCHOOL Humboldt | 9.2 mi | 2.9 |
| Tuscola High School Tuscola | 8.4 mi | 4.9 |
| East Prairie Middle School Tuscola | 8.5 mi | 5.1 |
| North Ward Elementary School Tuscola | 8.9 mi | 8.3 |
| Lovington Grade School Lovington | 11.5 mi | 7.9 |
| Sullivan High School Sullivan | 13.9 mi | 5.2 |
| Sullivan Middle School Sullivan | 13.9 mi | 5.1 |
| Sullivan Elem School Sullivan | 13.9 mi | 7.6 |
| Bement High School Bement | 15.0 mi | 6.0 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 61953 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$76,504
Median Home Value
$165,100
Median Rent
$835/mo
Population
6,439
College Educated
24.1%
Homeownership
77.3%
Avg Commute
19.4 min
Poverty Rate
7.2%
Median Age
40
Community Profile
The community surrounding Bear Creek School has a median household income of $76,504. It is a community where 24% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $165,100, with a median rent of $835/month. The local poverty rate of 7.2% is relatively low. Residents enjoy a short average commute of 19 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| MEADOWLARK SCHOOL Arthur, IL | 2.0 |
| SOUTH PRAIRIE SCHOOL Arcola, IL | 2.6 |
| LITTLE CREEK SCHOOL Humboldt, IL | 2.9 |
| Morrisonville Jr High School Morrisonville, IL | 3.5 |
| PRAIRIE LANE AMISH SCHOOL Arthur, IL | 3.7 |
| Deland-Weldon Middle School Weldon, IL | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Bear Creek School
What grades does Bear Creek School serve?
Bear Creek School serves students in grades 1st through 8th.
How many students attend Bear Creek School?
Bear Creek School has an enrollment of approximately 36 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Bear Creek School?
The student-teacher ratio at Bear Creek School is 18:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 11:1 for private schools.
How does Bear Creek School rank in IL?
Bear Creek School is ranked #715 out of 716 private schools in IL.
What is Bear Creek School's MySchoolScout rating?
Bear Creek School has a composite rating of 2.3 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.
Is Bear Creek School a private school?
Yes, Bear Creek School is a private coeducational school with a Amish affiliation. Private schools are not required to participate in state standardized testing, so academic performance data may be limited compared to public schools.
Is Bear Creek School a religious school?
Bear Creek School has a Amish religious affiliation.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
- City Safety
- Elevated (912/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Tuscola). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES PSS (SY 2021-22)
- Grades
- 1st – 8th
- Enrollment
- 36
- Gender Split
- 44% M / 56% F
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 18:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 2
- Type
- private
- Coed Status
- coed
- Affiliation
- Amish
- School Day
- 6.8 hours
- Days Per Year
- 165 days
- Setting
- Distant Rural
- County
- DOUGLAS
- Phone
- (217) 578-2259
- Data Year
- 2022–2023
Resources & Links
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 methodologyRelated reading
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