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Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Coles County Public Elementary Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 12 public elementary schools serving 3,360 students in Coles County, IL.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Coles County, IL are Carl Sandburg Elementary School, Arland D Williams Jr Elementary School and Mattoon Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Coles County, IL public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 15% (versus the Illinois public elementary school average of 27%), and reading proficiency score of 23% (versus the 30% statewide average). Elementary schools in Coles County have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Illinois public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 21% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is less than the Illinois public elementary school average of 56% (majority Hispanic).

Best Public Elementary Schools in Coles County (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Carl Sandburg Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
1924 Reynolds Dr
Charleston, IL 61920
(217) 639-4000
Gr: 1-3 | 555 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 27%
Rank: #22.
Arland D Williams Jr Elementary School
(Math: 18% | Reading: 32%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
1709 S 9th St
Mattoon, IL 61938
(217) 238-2800
Gr: K-5 | 653 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 26%
Rank: #33.
Mattoon Middle School
(Math: 17% | Reading: 25%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
1200 S 9th St
Mattoon, IL 61938
(217) 238-5800
Gr: 6-8 | 610 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #4 - 54. - 5.
Lerna Bridges
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20% )
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
10 Third St
Lerna, IL 62440
(217) 235-4867
Gr: 6-12
Rank: #4 - 54. - 5.
Life Academy
Special Education School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20% )
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
2405 Champaign Ave
Mattoon, IL 61938
(844) 999-9003
Gr: PK-12
Rank: #66.
Ashmore Elementary School
(Math: 11-19% | Reading: 11-19%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
313 S Ohio St
Ashmore, IL 61912
(217) 349-3000
Gr: K-4 | 74 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Rank: #77.
Lake Crest Elementary School
(Math: 6-9% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
310 Teeter St
Oakland, IL 61943
(217) 346-2166
Gr: PK-8 | 185 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 1%
Rank: #88.
Jefferson Elementary School
(Math: 13% | Reading: 15%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
801 Jefferson Ave
Charleston, IL 61920
(217) 639-7000
Gr: 4-6 | 698 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
Rank: #99.
Riddle Elementary School
(Math: 9% | Reading: 20%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
4201 Western Ave
Mattoon, IL 61938
(217) 238-3800
Gr: K-5 | 589 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: n/an/a
Eastern Il Efe System
Vocational School
121 S 17th St Fl 3
Mattoon, IL 61938
(217) 258-6283
Gr: K-12
Rank: n/an/a
Lerna Taoep
Alternative School
10 3rd St
Charleston, IL 61920
(217) 235-4867
Gr: 6-12
Rank: n/an/a
Shelbyville Taoep
Alternative School
730 7th St
Charleston, IL 61920
(217) 348-0151
Gr: 6-12

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Coles County, IL?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Coles County, IL include Carl Sandburg Elementary School, Arland D Williams Jr Elementary School and Mattoon Middle School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Coles County?
12 public elementary schools are located in Coles County.
What is the racial composition of students in Coles County?
Coles County public elementary schools minority enrollment is 21% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is less than the Illinois public elementary schools average of 56% (majority Hispanic).
Which public elementary schools in Coles County are often viewed compared to one another?

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