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Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Coles County Public Preschools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public preschools serving 604 students in Coles County, IL.
The top-ranked public preschools in Coles County, IL are Life Academy and Lake Crest Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Coles County, IL public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 7% (versus the Illinois public pre school average of 22%), and reading proficiency score of 22% (versus the 25% statewide average). Pre schools in Coles County have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Illinois public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 17% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Illinois public preschool average of 59% (majority Hispanic).

Best Public Preschools in Coles County (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
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: #22.
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: n/an/a
Franklin Elementary School
1201 S 6th St
Mattoon, IL 61938
(217) 238-8800
Gr: PK | 243 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
Rank: n/an/a
Mark Twain Elementary School
1021 13th St
Charleston, IL 61920
(217) 639-8000
Gr: PK-K | 221 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 28%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public preschools in Coles County, IL?
The top-ranked public preschools in Coles County, IL include Life Academy and Lake Crest Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in Coles County?
4 public preschools are located in Coles County.
What is the racial composition of students in Coles County?
Coles County public preschools minority enrollment is 17% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Illinois public preschools average of 59% (majority Hispanic).

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