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Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Jackson County Public Preschools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 7 public preschools serving 2,222 students in Jackson County, IL.
The top-ranked public preschools in Jackson County, IL are Giant City Elementary School, Unity Point Elementary School and Trico Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Jackson County, IL public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 29% (versus the Illinois public pre school average of 22%), and reading proficiency score of 40% (versus the 25% statewide average). Pre schools in Jackson County have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of Illinois public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 40% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Illinois public preschool average of 59% (majority Hispanic).

Best Public Preschools 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.
Trico Elementary School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
16343 Highway 4
Campbell Hill, IL 62916
(618) 426-1111
Gr: PK-5 | 477 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
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: n/an/a
Elverado Primary School
114 S 8th St
Elkville, IL 62932
(618) 568-1321
Gr: PK-2 | 102 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 20%
Rank: n/an/a
Mcelvain School
593 Ava Rd
Murphysboro, IL 62966
(618) 684-3781
Gr: PK | 64 students Minority enrollment: 25%
Rank: n/an/a
Parrish Elementary School
121 N Parrish Ln
Carbondale, IL 62901
(618) 457-5781
Gr: PK-1 | 466 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 79%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public preschools in Jackson County, IL?
The top-ranked public preschools in Jackson County, IL include Giant City Elementary School, Unity Point Elementary School and Trico Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in Jackson County?
7 public preschools are located in Jackson County.
What is the racial composition of students in Jackson County?
Jackson County public preschools minority enrollment is 40% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Illinois public preschools average of 59% (majority Hispanic).
Which public preschools in Jackson County are often viewed compared to one another?

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