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Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Jackson County Public Middle Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 11 public middle schools serving 2,246 students in Jackson County, IL.
The top-ranked public middle schools in Jackson County, IL are Giant City Elementary School, Unity Point Elementary School and Elverado Junior High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Jackson County, IL public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 19% (versus the Illinois public middle school average of 24%), and reading proficiency score of 27% (versus the 29% statewide average). Middle schools in Jackson County have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Illinois public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 40% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Illinois public middle school average of 61% (majority Hispanic).

Best Public Middle Schools in Jackson County (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Giant City Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
1062 Boskydell Rd
Carbondale, IL 62902
(618) 457-5391
Gr: PK-8 | 218 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 26%
Rank: #22.
Unity Point Elementary School
(Math: 31% | Reading: 48%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
4033 S Illinois Ave
Carbondale, IL 62903
(618) 529-4151
Gr: PK-8 | 620 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 45%
Rank: #33.
Elverado Junior High School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
190 Harrison St
Vergennes, IL 62994
(618) 684-3527
Gr: 6-8 | 69 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #44.
Desoto Elementary School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
311 Hurst Rd
De Soto, IL 62924
(618) 867-2317
Gr: PK-8 | 198 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: #55.
Trico Jr High School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
16533 Highway 4
Campbell Hill, IL 62916
(618) 426-1111
Gr: 6-8 | 182 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 20%
Rank: #66.
Carbondale Middle School
(Math: 10% | Reading: 15%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
1150 E Grand Ave
Carbondale, IL 62901
(618) 457-2174
Gr: 6-8 | 457 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 75%
Rank: #77.
Murphysboro Middle School
(Math: 12% | Reading: 10%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
2125 Spruce St
Murphysboro, IL 62966
(618) 684-3041
Gr: 6-8 | 422 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 29%
Rank: n/an/a
Cope Alternative School
Alternative School
1725b Shomaker Dr
Murphysboro, IL 62966
(618) 687-7290
Gr: 6-12
Rank: n/an/a
Five County Regional Alternative
Alternative School
101 Spero Dr
Murphysboro, IL 62966
(618) 687-7290
Gr: 6-12
Rank: n/an/a
Jackson/perry Middle School Taoep
Alternative School
1725b Shomaker Dr
Murphysboro, IL 62966
(618) 687-7290
Gr: 6-8
Rank: n/an/a
Tcse Aspire Academy
Special Education School
805 N 16th St
Murphysboro, IL 62966
(618) 684-2109
Gr: K-12

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public middle schools in Jackson County, IL?
The top-ranked public middle schools in Jackson County, IL include Giant City Elementary School, Unity Point Elementary School and Elverado Junior High School.
How many public middle schools are located in Jackson County?
11 public middle schools are located in Jackson County.
What is the racial composition of students in Jackson County?
Jackson County public middle schools minority enrollment is 40% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Illinois public middle schools average of 61% (majority Hispanic).
Which public middle schools in Jackson County are often viewed compared to one another?

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