Very Good
#590 of 3,813 schools in IL
Top 15% in state
Central Grade School
Elementary School · Effingham CUSD 40
3901 S Banker St., Effingham, IL 62401
Enrollment
503
Student-Teacher
12.3:1
Score
7.7
Grades
2nd – 5th
Enrollment
503
Student-Teacher
12.3:1
Score
7.7
Grades
2nd – 5th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Effingham
#1 of 6
public schools
Illinois elementary schools
#395 of 2,326
In district
#1 of 6
Effingham CUSD 40
Academic growth
8.6 / 10
Exceptional
About Central Grade School
Central Grade School is a public elementary school in Effingham, Illinois, catering to students from second through fifth grade. With an enrollment of 503 students and a student-teacher ratio of 12.3:1, the school provides a relatively intimate learning environment supported by its 41 full-time equivalent teachers. Central Grade School is located in a rural setting near the town center, offering a close-knit community feel.
The academic performance at Central Grade School shows room for improvement, with 30% of students meeting proficiency standards in ELA/Reading and 18% proficient or above in Math. The school’s MySchoolScout rating is 5.9 out of 10, placing it around the 62nd percentile among Illinois schools. Despite these challenges, Central Grade School continues to focus on student development and growth.
Central Grade School stands as a vital part of Effingham's rural community, fostering a nurturing environment for young learners.
What Parents Should Know
Located in a rural area, Central Grade 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.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
Data not available for this school
View breakdown
Central Grade School — Students at Central Grade School score 24% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 22%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
59.4%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores IL EDFACTS (2021-22)
Based on 5 test records from IL state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
→ StableAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 8.6/10.
How Central Grade School Compares
See how Central Grade School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has remained stable from 19% (2019) to 18% (2021). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 34% (2019) to 29% (2022).
Location
3901 S Banker St., Effingham, IL 62401
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Central Grade School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Altamont Grade School (rated 8.2/10, 10.5 miles away, in nearby Altamont), which scores slightly higher. Another option is Stewardson-Strasburg Elem School (rated 7.5/10, 16.5 miles away, in nearby Strasburg), with a very similar rating. Additionally, Teutopolis Grade School (rated 7.1/10, 6.2 miles away, in nearby Teutopolis), with a comparable rating. For more schools in Effingham, see our Effingham schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 18.3 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Early Learning Center Effingham | 0.9 mi | 6.5 |
| South Side Grade School Effingham | 3.0 mi | 6.5 |
| Effingham High School Effingham | 3.3 mi | 6.5 |
| Effingham Junior High School Effingham | 3.5 mi | 6.4 |
| SACRED HEART ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Effingham | 3.5 mi | 5.8 |
| Effingham Unit 40 Preschool Effingham | 3.9 mi | 5.0 |
| ST ANTHONY HIGH SCHOOL Effingham | 4.3 mi | 6.1 |
| Teutopolis High School Teutopolis | 5.4 mi | 5.3 |
| Teutopolis Junior High School Teutopolis | 5.6 mi | 7.5 |
| Teutopolis Grade School Teutopolis | 6.2 mi | 7.1 |
| Dieterich Jr/Sr High School Dieterich | 9.0 mi | 5.8 |
| Dieterich Elem School Dieterich | 9.0 mi | 4.8 |
| Altamont High School Altamont | 10.3 mi | 5.3 |
| ALTAMONT LUTHERAN INTERPARISH SCHOOL Altamont | 10.5 mi | 4.3 |
| Altamont Grade School Altamont | 10.5 mi | 8.2 |
| TRINITY LUTHERAN SCHOOL Stewardson | 14.1 mi | 3.2 |
| Stewardson-Strasburg Elem School Strasburg | 16.5 mi | 7.5 |
| Stewardson-Strasburg High School Strasburg | 16.5 mi | 3.8 |
| Beecher City Grade School Beecher City | 15.1 mi | 5.6 |
| Neoga Jr/Sr High School Neoga | 18.3 mi | 3.9 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 62401 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$76,098
Median Home Value
$195,800
Median Rent
$722/mo
Population
19,371
College Educated
29.3%
Homeownership
74.8%
Avg Commute
15.9 min
Poverty Rate
11%
Median Age
40.2
Community Profile
The community surrounding Central Grade School has a median household income of $76,098. It is an area where 29% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $195,800, with a median rent of $722/month. The area has a poverty rate of 11.0%. Residents enjoy a short average commute of 16 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 |
|---|---|
| Columbus Manor Elem School Oak Lawn, IL | 7.7 |
| Crow Island Elem School Winnetka, IL | 7.7 |
| Dawes Elementary School Evanston, IL | 7.7 |
| Forest Road Elem School La Grange Park, IL | 7.7 |
| Forrestal Elem School Great Lakes, IL | 7.7 |
| Hawthorn Townline Elem Sch Vernon Hills, IL | 7.7 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Central Grade School
What grades does Central Grade School serve?
Central Grade School serves students in grades 2nd through 5th.
How many students attend Central Grade School?
Central Grade School has an enrollment of approximately 503 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Central Grade School?
The student-teacher ratio at Central Grade School is 12.3:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Central Grade School rank in IL?
Central Grade School is ranked #590 out of 3,813 schools in IL.
What is Central Grade School's MySchoolScout rating?
Central Grade School has a composite rating of 7.7 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.
What are the test scores at Central Grade School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Central Grade School has 18.5% math proficiency and 30.0% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Central Grade School a charter school?
No, Central Grade School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Central Grade School a Title I school?
No, Central Grade School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Central Grade School?
59.4% of students at Central Grade School qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Effingham). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 2nd – 5th
- Enrollment
- 503
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 12.3:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 41
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 59.4%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Fringe Rural
- County
- Effingham County
- Phone
- (217) 540-1400
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Effingham CUSD 40- District Enrollment
- 2,281
- Schools in District
- 6
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $15,130
- District Rank
- #1 of 6
Other Schools in This District
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
Get school insights in your inbox
New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.