Average
#2464 of 3,813 schools in IL
Prairie Central High School
High School · Prairie Central CUSD 8
411 N 7th St, Fairbury, IL 61739
Enrollment
518
Student-Teacher
11.8:1
Score
5.5
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
518
Student-Teacher
11.8:1
Score
5.5
Grades
9th – 12th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Illinois schools
#2,464 of 3,813
In Fairbury
#2 of 2
public schools
In district
#4 of 6
Prairie Central CUSD 8
Academic growth
8.2 / 10
Excellent
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Prairie Central High School
High School in Fairbury · grades 9th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Prairie Central Elem School
1.0 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Prairie Central JR High School
4.9 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Prairie Central High School
Prairie Central High School is a public high school in Fairbury, IL, part of Prairie Central CUSD 8. Prairie Central High School serves approximately 518 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 11.8:1 student-teacher ratio. Prairie Central High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.5 out of 10 and ranks #2,464 of 3,813 schools in IL.
Structured state assessment records for Prairie Central High School show 44% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2021) and 47% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
- This school 5.5 · Average
- IL avg 6.6
What Parents Should Know
Prairie Central High 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 · 4/4 metricsView breakdown
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Prairie Central High School — Students at Prairie Central High School score 22% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 29%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
43.6%
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: 8.2/10.
How Prairie Central High School Compares
See how Prairie Central High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
Location
411 N 7th St, Fairbury, IL 61739
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Prairie Central High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Ridgeview High School (rated 6.9/10, 14.2 miles away, in nearby Colfax), which scores notably higher. Another option is Tri-Point High School (rated 6.6/10, 15.4 miles away, in nearby Cullom), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Pontiac High School (rated 5.9/10, 11.0 miles away, in nearby Pontiac), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Fairbury, see our Fairbury schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 16.1 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Prairie Central Elem School Fairbury | 1.0 mi | 6.6 |
| Prairie Central Jr High School Forrest | 4.9 mi | 7.3 |
| Prairie Central Upper Elementary Forrest | 5.0 mi | 6.8 |
| Saunemin Elem School Saunemin | 10.8 mi | 6.9 |
| GRACE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Pontiac | 10.8 mi | 6.2 |
| Washington Elem School Pontiac | 10.7 mi | 5.3 |
| Pontiac Jr High School Pontiac | 10.8 mi | 3.7 |
| Lincoln Elementary School Pontiac | 10.6 mi | 4.2 |
| Pontiac High School Pontiac | 11.0 mi | 5.9 |
| ST MARYS SCHOOL Pontiac | 11.0 mi | 6.8 |
| Central Elem School Pontiac | 11.1 mi | 6.6 |
| Prairie Central Primary West Chenoa | 11.2 mi | 4.8 |
| Prairie Central Primary East Chatsworth | 11.2 mi | 4.4 |
| Ridgeview High School Colfax | 14.2 mi | 6.9 |
| Ridgeview Jr High School Colfax | 14.2 mi | 4.5 |
| Ridgeview Elementary School Colfax | 14.2 mi | 4.3 |
| Odell Grade School Odell | 17.4 mi | 5.0 |
| ST PAUL SCHOOL Odell | 17.4 mi | 4.8 |
| Tri-Point High School Cullom | 15.4 mi | 6.6 |
| Lexington Jr High School Lexington | 16.1 mi | 4.9 |
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 |
|---|---|
| Athens Sr High School Athens, IL | 5.5 |
| NAZARETH ACADEMY La Grange Park, IL | 5.5 |
| Univ of Chicago Chtr-Woodlawn Chicago, IL | 5.5 |
| Vienna High School Vienna, IL | 5.5 |
| Carver Military Academy HS Chicago, IL | 5.4 |
| Heyworth Jr-Sr High School Heyworth, IL | 5.4 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Prairie Central High School
What grades does Prairie Central High School serve?
Prairie Central High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend Prairie Central High School?
Prairie Central High School has an enrollment of approximately 518 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Prairie Central High School?
The student-teacher ratio at Prairie Central High School is 11.8:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Prairie Central High School rank in IL?
Prairie Central High School ranks #2,464 of 3,813 schools in IL.
What is Prairie Central High School's MySchoolScout rating?
Prairie Central High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.5 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 High School?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Prairie Central High School has 44% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2021) and 47% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
Is Prairie Central High School a charter school?
No, Prairie Central High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Prairie Central High School a Title I school?
No, Prairie Central High School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Prairie Central High School?
43.6% of students at Prairie Central High 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
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 518
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 11.8:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 44
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 43.6%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Rural
- County
- Livingston County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 27.0%
- Phone
- (815) 692-2355
Resources & Links
District
Prairie Central CUSD 8- District Enrollment
- 1,722
- Schools in District
- 6
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $15,986
- District Rank
- #4 of 6
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