For the 2026 school year, there are 9 public schools serving 2,261 students in Effingham, IL (there are 3 private schools, serving 925 private students). 74% of all K-12 students in Effingham, IL are educated in public schools (compared to the IL state average of 88%).
The top-ranked public schools in Effingham, IL are Tristar Academy Safe School Program, Central Grade School and Effingham High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Effingham, IL public schools have an average math proficiency score of 27% (versus the Illinois public school average of 27%), and reading proficiency score of 27% (versus the 30% statewide average). Schools in Effingham have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Illinois public schools.
Minority enrollment is 14% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Illinois public school average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Effingham, IL (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Tristar Academy Safe School Program
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
1901 S 4th St Ste 215
Effingham, IL 62401
(217) 342-2865
Effingham, IL 62401
(217) 342-2865
Gr: 6-9
Rank: #22.
Central Grade School
(Math: 32% | Reading: 29%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
3901 S Banker St.
Effingham, IL 62401
(217) 540-1400
Effingham, IL 62401
(217) 540-1400
Gr: 2-5 | 547 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: #33.
Effingham High School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1301 W Grove Ave
Effingham, IL 62401
(217) 540-1100
Effingham, IL 62401
(217) 540-1100
Gr: 9-12 | 712 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: #44.
Effingham Junior High School
(Math: 26% | Reading: 24%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
600 S Henrietta St
Effingham, IL 62401
(217) 540-1300
Effingham, IL 62401
(217) 540-1300
Gr: 6-8 | 458 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: #5 - 65. - 6.
Aspire Alternative High School
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20% )
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1901 S 4th St Ste 215
Effingham, IL 62401
(217) 342-2865
Effingham, IL 62401
(217) 342-2865
Gr: 9-12
Rank: #5 - 65. - 6.
Fresh Start Treatment & Learning
Special Education School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20% )
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
215 N 1st St
Effingham, IL 62401
(844) 999-9005
Effingham, IL 62401
(844) 999-9005
Gr: K-12
Rank: n/an/a
3224 S Banker St
Effingham, IL 62401
(217) 540-1460
Effingham, IL 62401
(217) 540-1460
Gr: K | 175 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Rank: n/an/a
215 N 1st St
Effingham, IL 62401
(217) 540-1380
Effingham, IL 62401
(217) 540-1380
Gr: PK | 121 students Student-teacher ratio: 24:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: n/an/a
211 W Douglas Ave
Effingham, IL 62401
(217) 540-1530
Effingham, IL 62401
(217) 540-1530
Gr: 1-2 | 248 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Effingham, IL?
The top-ranked public schools in Effingham, IL include Tristar Academy Safe School Program, Central Grade School and Effingham High School.
How many public schools are located in Effingham?
9 public schools are located in Effingham.
What percentage of students in Effingham go to public school?
74% of all K-12 students in Effingham are educated in public schools (compared to the IL state average of 88%).
What is the racial composition of students in Effingham?
Effingham public schools minority enrollment is 14% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Illinois public schools average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles
Media Literacy as a Core Skill: How to Tell if a School Teaches It Well
Learn how to evaluate whether a public school teaches media literacy effectively, from fact-checking and source evaluation to digital citizenship and critical thinking.
Screen Time, Paper Learning, and the New Back-to-Basics Debate
Explore why some public schools are reducing screen time, bringing back paper learning, and rethinking the balance between technology and traditional instruction.
Student Data, AI Tools, and Privacy: Questions to Ask Your District
Learn how public schools use AI, protect student data, and the key privacy questions every parent should ask their school district in 2026.