Average
#1500 of 3,813 schools in IL
Top 39% in state
Prairie Central Elem School
Elementary School · Prairie Central CUSD 8
600 S 1st St, Fairbury, IL 61739
Enrollment
368
Student-Teacher
13.1:1
Score
6.6
Grades
2nd – 4th
Enrollment
368
Student-Teacher
13.1:1
Score
6.6
Grades
2nd – 4th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Illinois schools
#1,500 of 3,813
In Fairbury
#1 of 2
public schools
In district
#3 of 6
Prairie Central CUSD 8
School environment
8.1 / 10
Excellent
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Prairie Central Elem School
Elementary School in Fairbury · grades 2nd – 4th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Prairie Central High School
1.0 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Prairie Central JR High School
5.6 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Prairie Central Elem School
Prairie Central Elem School is a public elementary school in Fairbury, IL, part of Prairie Central CUSD 8. Prairie Central Elem School serves approximately 368 students, and covers grades 2nd-4th, and has a 13.1:1 student-teacher ratio. Prairie Central Elem School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.6 out of 10 and ranks #1,500 of 3,813 schools in IL.
Structured state assessment records for Prairie Central Elem School show 54% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2021) and 52% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
- This school 6.6 · Average
- District avg 5.3
- IL avg 6.2
What Parents Should Know
Prairie Central Elem School sits in a rural area, which can mean longer drives for some families. Rural schools are often community anchors with smaller classes, but check transportation, after-school options, and access to specialized services before you commit.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Prairie Central Elem School — Students at Prairie Central Elem School score 30% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 29%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
44%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores IL EDFACTS (2021-22)
Based on 27 test records from IL state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage 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: 5.5/10.
How Prairie Central Elem School Compares
See how Prairie Central Elem School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Location
600 S 1st St, Fairbury, IL 61739
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Prairie Central Elem School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Saunemin Elem School (rated 6.9/10, 11.8 miles away, in nearby Saunemin), which scores slightly higher. Another option is ST MARYS SCHOOL (rated 6.8/10, 11.4 miles away, in nearby Pontiac), with a very similar rating. Additionally, Central Elem School (rated 6.6/10, 11.4 miles away, in nearby Pontiac), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Fairbury, see our Fairbury schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 15.3 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Prairie Central High School Fairbury | 1.0 mi | 5.5 |
| Prairie Central Jr High School Forrest | 5.6 mi | 7.3 |
| Prairie Central Upper Elementary Forrest | 5.6 mi | 6.8 |
| Washington Elem School Pontiac | 11.1 mi | 5.3 |
| Lincoln Elementary School Pontiac | 10.9 mi | 4.2 |
| GRACE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Pontiac | 11.3 mi | 6.2 |
| Pontiac Jr High School Pontiac | 11.2 mi | 3.7 |
| Pontiac High School Pontiac | 11.4 mi | 5.9 |
| ST MARYS SCHOOL Pontiac | 11.4 mi | 6.8 |
| Central Elem School Pontiac | 11.4 mi | 6.6 |
| Saunemin Elem School Saunemin | 11.8 mi | 6.9 |
| Ridgeview High School Colfax | 13.2 mi | 6.9 |
| Ridgeview Jr High School Colfax | 13.2 mi | 4.5 |
| Ridgeview Elementary School Colfax | 13.2 mi | 4.3 |
| Prairie Central Primary West Chenoa | 10.6 mi | 4.8 |
| Prairie Central Primary East Chatsworth | 11.8 mi | 4.4 |
| ST PAUL SCHOOL Odell | 18.2 mi | 4.8 |
| Odell Grade School Odell | 18.2 mi | 5.0 |
| Lexington Jr High School Lexington | 15.3 mi | 4.9 |
| Lexington High School Lexington | 15.3 mi | 5.8 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 61739 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$68,635
Median Home Value
$160,400
Median Rent
$753/mo
Population
4,673
College Educated
21.1%
Homeownership
70.8%
Avg Commute
15.9 min
Poverty Rate
3.8%
Median Age
37.3
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Albert Einstein Elem School Hanover Park, IL | 6.6 |
| Anne M Jeans Elem School Willowbrook, IL | 6.6 |
| Arthur Grade School Arthur, IL | 6.6 |
| Bert H Fulton School Tinley Park, IL | 6.6 |
| Central Elem School Pontiac, IL | 6.6 |
| Dean Street Elem School Woodstock, IL | 6.6 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Prairie Central Elem School
What grades does Prairie Central Elem School serve?
Prairie Central Elem School serves students in grades 2nd through 4th.
How many students attend Prairie Central Elem School?
Prairie Central Elem School has an enrollment of approximately 368 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Prairie Central Elem School?
The student-teacher ratio at Prairie Central Elem School is 13.1:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Prairie Central Elem School rank in IL?
Prairie Central Elem School ranks #1,500 of 3,813 schools in IL.
What is Prairie Central Elem School's MySchoolScout rating?
Prairie Central Elem School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.6 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Prairie Central Elem School?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Prairie Central Elem School has 54% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2021) and 52% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
Is Prairie Central Elem School a charter school?
No, Prairie Central Elem School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Prairie Central Elem School a Title I school?
No, Prairie Central Elem School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Prairie Central Elem School?
44.0% of students at Prairie Central Elem 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.
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Neighborhood Context
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Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 2nd – 4th
- Enrollment
- 368
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 13.1:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 28
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 44.0%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Rural
- County
- Livingston County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 11.4%
- Phone
- (815) 692-2623
Resources & Links
District
Prairie Central CUSD 8- District Enrollment
- 1,722
- Schools in District
- 6
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $15,986
- District Rank
- #3 of 6
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