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Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Ottawa Public Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 13 public schools serving 3,504 students in Ottawa, IL (there are 2 private schools, serving 399 private students). 91% of all K-12 students in Ottawa, IL are educated in public schools (compared to the IL state average of 88%).
The top-ranked public schools in Ottawa, IL are Mckinley Elementary School, Rutland Elementary School and Wallace Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Ottawa, IL public schools have an average math proficiency score of 21% (versus the Illinois public school average of 27%), and reading proficiency score of 28% (versus the 30% statewide average). Schools in Ottawa have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Illinois public schools.
Minority enrollment is 25% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Illinois public school average of 55% (majority Hispanic).

Best Public Schools in Ottawa, IL (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Mckinley Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
1320 State St
Ottawa, IL 61350
(815) 433-1907
Gr: PK-4 | 364 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 20%
Rank: #22.
Rutland Elementary School
(Math: 30-39% | Reading: 30-39%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
3231 N Il Route 71
Ottawa, IL 61350
(815) 433-2949
Gr: PK-8 | 70 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: #33.
Wallace Elementary School
(Math: 32% | Reading: 32%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
1463 N 33rd Rd
Ottawa, IL 61350
(815) 433-2986
Gr: PK-8 | 420 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #44.
Jefferson Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
1709 Columbus St
Ottawa, IL 61350
(815) 434-0726
Gr: PK-4 | 304 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 36%
Rank: #55.
Deer Park C C Elementary School
(Math: 21-39% | Reading: 20-29%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
2350 E 1025th Rd
Ottawa, IL 61350
(815) 434-6930
Gr: K-8 | 44 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #66.
Lincoln Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
1110 W Main St
Ottawa, IL 61350
(815) 434-1250
Gr: PK-4 | 387 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 33%
Rank: #77.
Ottawa Township High School
(Math: 17% | Reading: 25%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
211 E Main St
Ottawa, IL 61350
(815) 433-1323
Gr: 9-12 | 1,223 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 24%
Rank: #88.
Central Intermediate School
(Math: 15% | Reading: 22%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
711 E Mckinley Rd
Ottawa, IL 61350
(815) 433-3761
Gr: 5-6 | 339 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 27%
Rank: #99.
Shepherd Middle School
(Math: 12% | Reading: 25%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
701 E Mckinley Rd
Ottawa, IL 61350
(815) 433-1133
Gr: 7-8 | 353 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 30%
Rank: n/an/a
Lasalle Co Detention Center 6-8
Alternative School
707 Etna Rd
Ottawa, IL 61350
(815) 434-8300
Gr: 6-8
Rank: n/an/a
Lasalle Co Detention Center 9-12
Alternative School
707 Etna Rd
Ottawa, IL 61350
(815) 434-8300
Gr: 9-12
Rank: n/an/a
Lmp Regional Office Of Education
Alternative School
119 W Madison St Ste 102
Ottawa, IL 61350
(815) 434-0780
Gr: 4-12
Rank: n/an/a
Roe 35 Regional Work Study Progra
Alternative School
321 W Main St
Ottawa, IL 61350
(815) 258-4765
Gr: 12

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public schools in Ottawa, IL?
The top-ranked public schools in Ottawa, IL include Mckinley Elementary School, Rutland Elementary School and Wallace Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Ottawa?
13 public schools are located in Ottawa.
What percentage of students in Ottawa go to public school?
91% of all K-12 students in Ottawa are educated in public schools (compared to the IL state average of 88%).
What is the racial composition of students in Ottawa?
Ottawa public schools minority enrollment is 25% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Illinois public schools average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Ottawa are often viewed compared to one another?

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