The Illinois School for the Deaf, located in Jacksonville, Illinois, is a state-operated pre-kindergarten, elementary and high school for the deaf and hard-of-hearing. ISD uses both English and American Sign Language, with a policy modeled after the Wisconsin School for the Deaf.
Illinois School For The Deaf ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Illinois for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is ≤10% (which is lower than the Illinois state average of 28%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is ≤10% (which is lower than the Illinois state average of 32%).
Quick Facts (2026)
- School Type: Special education school
- Grades: Prekindergarten-12
- Math Proficiency: ≤10%
- Reading Proficiency: ≤10%
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
School Overview
The teacher population of 36 teachers has declined by 20% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-12
Total Students (19-20)
160 students
Total Classroom Teachers
36 teachers
Year Founded
1839
Colors
White, Orange/Black
Campus Size
50 acres
School Motto
The Illinois School for the Deaf will provide an environment in which students will thrive and succeed to their optimal potential.
School Rankings
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)≤10%
28%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)≤10%
32%
Student-Teacher Ratio
n/a
13:1
American Indian
(19-20)1%
n/a
Asian
(19-20)3%
5%
Hispanic
(19-20)21%
26%
Black
(19-20)22%
17%
White
(19-20)45%
48%
Hawaiian
(19-20)n/a
n/a
Two or more races
(19-20)8%
4%
Eligible for Free Lunch (19-20)
59%
47%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (11-12)
14%
27%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Tigers
Frequently Asked Questions
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
≤10% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 28% IL state average), while ≤10% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 32% IL state average).
How many students attend Illinois School For The Deaf?
160 students attend Illinois School For The Deaf.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
45% of Illinois School For The Deaf students are White, 22% of students are Black, 21% of students are Hispanic, 8% of students are Two or more races, 3% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What grades does Illinois School For The Deaf offer ?
Illinois School For The Deaf offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-12
What school district is Illinois School For The Deaf part of?
Illinois School For The Deaf is part of Dept Of Human Services School District.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
It has been a long time since my son, Robert Graves attended the Illinois School for the Deaf. I believe he graduated in 1992 or 1993. It was a learning experience for both Robert and myself. I would rate the school and dedicated teachers A-1. I would like to know if it is possible to get a copy of Roberts diploma. Somehow throughout the years, his diploma got lost. Would very much appreciate it. Thank you! Pat Schwengels........Roberts mother.
Review Illinois School For The Deaf. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.
