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)
(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.
Trico Elementary School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
16343 Highway 4
Campbell Hill, IL 62916
(618) 426-1111
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:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
311 Hurst Rd
De Soto, IL 62924
(618) 867-2317
De Soto, IL 62924
(618) 867-2317
Gr: PK-8 | 198 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: n/an/a
114 S 8th St
Elkville, IL 62932
(618) 568-1321
Elkville, IL 62932
(618) 568-1321
Gr: PK-2 | 102 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 20%
Rank: n/an/a
593 Ava Rd
Murphysboro, IL 62966
(618) 684-3781
Murphysboro, IL 62966
(618) 684-3781
Gr: PK | 64 students Minority enrollment: 25%
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%
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?
Popular comparisons of public preschools in Jackson County include: Unity Point Elementary School vs. Giant City Elementary School, Parrish Elementary School vs. Giant City Elementary School, Giant City Elementary School vs. Unity Point Elementary School
Recent Articles
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.