For the 2026 school year, there are 9 public schools serving 2,491 students in Ford County, IL (there are 1 private school, serving 16 private students). 99% of all K-12 students in Ford County, IL are educated in public schools (compared to the IL state average of 88%).
The top-ranked public schools in Ford County, IL are Gcms Middle School, Gcms Elementary School and Paxton-buckley-loda Jr High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Ford County, IL public schools have an average math proficiency score of 29% (versus the Illinois public school average of 27%), and reading proficiency score of 31% (versus the 30% statewide average). Schools in Ford County have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of Illinois public schools.
Minority enrollment is 16% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Illinois public school average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Ford County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Gcms Middle School
(Math: 34% | Reading: 52%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
316 E 19th St
Gibson City, IL 60936
(217) 784-8731
Gibson City, IL 60936
(217) 784-8731
Gr: 6-8 | 211 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Rank: #22.
Gcms Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
902 N Church St
Gibson City, IL 60936
(217) 784-4278
Gibson City, IL 60936
(217) 784-4278
Gr: PK-5 | 489 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Rank: #33.
Paxton-buckley-loda Jr High School
(Math: 36% | Reading: 28%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
700 Panther Way
Paxton, IL 60957
(217) 379-9202
Paxton, IL 60957
(217) 379-9202
Gr: 6-8 | 288 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: #44.
Tri Point Elementary School
(Math: 21-39% | Reading: 21-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
101 Main St
Kempton, IL 60946
(815) 253-6299
Kempton, IL 60946
(815) 253-6299
Gr: PK-3 | 116 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 20%
Rank: #55.
Gcms High School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
815 N Church St
Gibson City, IL 60936
(217) 784-4292
Gibson City, IL 60936
(217) 784-4292
Gr: 9-12 | 275 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #66.
Tri-point Jr High/elementary
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
519 S Margaret Ave
Piper City, IL 60959
(815) 686-2247
Piper City, IL 60959
(815) 686-2247
Gr: 4-8 | 129 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #77.
Clara Peterson Elementary School
(Math: 21% | Reading: 26%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
580 E Franklin St
Paxton, IL 60957
(217) 379-2531
Paxton, IL 60957
(217) 379-2531
Gr: PK-5 | 564 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #88.
Paxton-buckley-loda High School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
700 Panther Way
Paxton, IL 60957
(217) 379-4331
Paxton, IL 60957
(217) 379-4331
Gr: 9-12 | 378 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Ford County, IL?
The top-ranked public schools in Ford County, IL include Gcms Middle School, Gcms Elementary School and Paxton-buckley-loda Jr High School.
How many public schools are located in Ford County?
9 public schools are located in Ford County.
What percentage of students in Ford County go to public school?
99% of all K-12 students in Ford County are educated in public schools (compared to the IL state average of 88%).
What is the racial composition of students in Ford County?
Ford County public schools minority enrollment is 16% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Illinois public schools average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
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