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Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Ford County Public High Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 3 public high schools serving 645 students in Ford County, IL.
The top-ranked public high schools in Ford County, IL are Gcms High School and Paxton-buckley-loda High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Ford County, IL public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 19% (versus the Illinois public high school average of 26%), and reading proficiency score of 26% (versus the 29% statewide average). High schools in Ford County have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of Illinois public high schools.
Ford County, IL public high school have a Graduation Rate of 90%, which is more than the Illinois average of 87%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Gcms High School, with ≥95% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in Illinois or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 14% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Illinois public high school average of 55% (majority Hispanic).

Best Public High Schools in Ford County (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Gcms High School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
815 N Church St
Gibson City, IL 60936
(217) 784-4292
Gr: 9-12 | 275 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #22.
Paxton-buckley-loda High School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
700 Panther Way
Paxton, IL 60957
(217) 379-4331
Gr: 9-12 | 378 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: n/an/a
Panther Academy
Alternative School
430 S High St
Paxton, IL 60957
(217) 379-3314
Gr: 9-12

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public high schools in Ford County, IL?
The top-ranked public high schools in Ford County, IL include Gcms High School and Paxton-buckley-loda High School.
How many public high schools are located in Ford County?
3 public high schools are located in Ford County.
What is the racial composition of students in Ford County?
Ford County public high schools minority enrollment is 14% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Illinois public high schools average of 55% (majority Hispanic).

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