For the 2026 school year, there are 10 public schools serving 3,509 students in Carbondale, IL (there are 3 private schools, serving 183 private students). 95% of all K-12 students in Carbondale, IL are educated in public schools (compared to the IL state average of 88%).
The top-ranked public schools in Carbondale, IL are Giant City Elementary School, Unity Point Elementary School and Carbondale Comm High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Carbondale, IL public schools have an average math proficiency score of 21% (versus the Illinois public school average of 27%), and reading proficiency score of 29% (versus the 30% statewide average). Schools in Carbondale have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Illinois public schools.
Minority enrollment is 61% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Illinois public school average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Carbondale, IL (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Giant City Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
1062 Boskydell Rd
Carbondale, IL 62902
(618) 457-5391
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:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
4033 S Illinois Ave
Carbondale, IL 62903
(618) 529-4151
Carbondale, IL 62903
(618) 529-4151
Gr: PK-8 | 620 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 45%
Rank: #33.
Carbondale Comm High School
(Math: 27% | Reading: 32%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1301 E Walnut St
Carbondale, IL 62901
(618) 457-3371
Carbondale, IL 62901
(618) 457-3371
Gr: 9-12 | 1,023 student Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 54%
Rank: #44.
Lewis School
(Math: 10% | Reading: 18%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
801 S Lewis Ln
Carbondale, IL 62901
(618) 457-5393
Carbondale, IL 62901
(618) 457-5393
Gr: 4-5 | 325 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 75%
Rank: #55.
Thomas Elementary School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 10-14%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1025 N Wall St
Carbondale, IL 62901
(618) 457-6226
Carbondale, IL 62901
(618) 457-6226
Gr: 2-3 | 400 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 75%
Rank: #66.
Carbondale Middle School
(Math: 10% | Reading: 15%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1150 E Grand Ave
Carbondale, IL 62901
(618) 457-2174
Carbondale, IL 62901
(618) 457-2174
Gr: 6-8 | 457 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 75%
Rank: n/an/a
Eurma C Hayes Center
Special Education School
441 E Willow St
Carbondale, IL 62901
(618) 684-2109
Carbondale, IL 62901
(618) 684-2109
Rank: n/an/a
121 N Parrish Ln
Carbondale, IL 62901
(618) 457-5781
Carbondale, IL 62901
(618) 457-5781
Gr: PK-1 | 466 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 79%
Rank: n/an/a
Tcse-carbondale High School
Special Education School
330 S Giant City Rd
Carbondale, IL 62902
(618) 457-4722
Carbondale, IL 62902
(618) 457-4722
Rank: n/an/a
Tcse-unity Point Elementary School
Special Education School
4033 S Illinois Ave
Carbondale, IL 62903
(618) 529-4151
Carbondale, IL 62903
(618) 529-4151
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Carbondale, IL?
The top-ranked public schools in Carbondale, IL include Giant City Elementary School, Unity Point Elementary School and Carbondale Comm High School.
How many public schools are located in Carbondale?
10 public schools are located in Carbondale.
What percentage of students in Carbondale go to public school?
95% of all K-12 students in Carbondale are educated in public schools (compared to the IL state average of 88%).
What is the racial composition of students in Carbondale?
Carbondale public schools minority enrollment is 61% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Illinois public schools average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Carbondale are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Carbondale include: Unity Point Elementary School vs. Giant City Elementary School, Parrish Elementary School vs. Giant City Elementary School, Carbondale Middle School vs. Giant City Elementary School
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