Harding Grade School

Harding Grade School earns a composite score of 9.2 out of 10 — an Exceptional rating that places it among the strongest schools in the state. Serving 126 students in pre-kindergarten through fourth grade, this Earlville public school ranks 60th out of 3,813 public schools across Illinois, outperforming 98 percent of the state. Within Earlville, it holds the top spot among the city's four public schools.

Academic performance drives much of that standing. Harding posts a 9.3 academic score, reflecting strong proficiency results for the early elementary grades. Its growth score reaches a perfect 10.0 — meaning students here gain ground faster than nearly every comparable school in the state, regardless of where they start.

A 14-to-1 student-teacher ratio supports that trajectory, giving students more direct access to instruction than most elementary classrooms provide. Among Illinois elementary schools specifically, Harding ranks 50th out of 2,326 — a benchmark that confirms this school isn't just strong relative to a small district. It competes at the top of the statewide elementary tier.

For families in the Earlville area evaluating PK–4 options, the numbers make a clear and consistent case.

With an enrollment of 126 students, Harding Grade 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.

Located in a rural area, Harding 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.