Adams County Schools & Education
Adams County, Illinois
School Score
54/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
92.4%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
92.4%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 88.8%
Per-Pupil Spending
$6,926
National avg $13,239
State avg $9,250
School Score
54/100
Higher = better
State avg 63/100
State School Rank
#75
of 102 counties (1 = best)
Explore Adams County across the ByCounty Network
Education Overview
About Schools in Adams County, Illinois
A Robust Rural-Town Network
Adams County maintains 23 public schools across five districts, serving 8,920 students. The infrastructure is well-distributed between 11 elementary, 3 middle, and 9 high schools to support a mix of town and rural communities.
Strong Outcomes on Lean Budgets
Despite a per-pupil expenditure of $6,926—well below the national average of $13,000—Adams County achieves an impressive 92.4% graduation rate. This performance surpasses both the Illinois state average of 88.8% and the national benchmark of 87.0%.
Quincy Schools Lead the Region
Quincy SD 172 is the county's dominant provider, managing 9 schools and 6,345 students, which represents over 70% of total enrollment. There are currently no charter schools in operation within the county's borders.
The Balance of Town and Country
Education here is split between 12 rural and 11 town-based locales, with an average school size of 469 students. Quincy Sr High School is the largest campus with 1,924 students, while smaller elementary schools like Colonel George Iles offer more intimate settings.
Relocate for High Graduation Rates
Families looking for high-performing schools in a town-and-country setting should explore the Quincy area. These schools deliver graduation rates that beat state benchmarks, making the region a top choice for education-focused homebuyers.
School Overview
Total Schools
23
in Adams County
Total Enrollment
8,920
students
School Districts
5
districts
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
School Type Breakdown
5 School Districts in Adams County
Quincy SD 172
Central CUSD 3
CUSD 4
Liberty CUSD 2
Payson CUSD 1
23 Public Schools in Adams County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quincy Sr High School | Quincy SD 172 | 9–12 | High | 1,924 |
| Quincy Jr High School | Quincy SD 172 | 6–8 | Middle | 1,348 |
| Lincoln-Douglas Elementary School | Quincy SD 172 | KG–5 | Primary | 588 |
| Thomas S Baldwin Elem Sch | Quincy SD 172 | KG–5 | Primary | 563 |
| Colonel George Iles Elem Sch | Quincy SD 172 | KG–5 | Primary | 519 |
| Sarah Atwater Denman Elem | Quincy SD 172 | KG–5 | Primary | 500 |
| Dr. Abby Fox Rooney Elem Sch | Quincy SD 172 | KG–5 | Primary | 496 |
| Early Childhood | Quincy SD 172 | PK–KG | Primary | 407 |
| Liberty Elementary School | Liberty CUSD 2 | PK–6 | Primary | 366 |
| Unity Elementary School | CUSD 4 | PK–4 | Primary | 298 |
| Seymour Elementary School | Payson CUSD 1 | PK–6 | Primary | 270 |
| Liberty High School | Liberty CUSD 2 | 7–12 | High | 268 |
| Central High School | Central CUSD 3 | 9–12 | High | 248 |
| Central Junior High School | Central CUSD 3 | 5–8 | Middle | 246 |
| Seymour High School | Payson CUSD 1 | 7–12 | High | 223 |
| Unity Middle School | CUSD 4 | 5–8 | Middle | 184 |
| Unity High School | CUSD 4 | 9–12 | High | 182 |
| Central Elementary Grade School | Central CUSD 3 | PK–2 | Primary | 180 |
| Central 3-4 Middle School | Central CUSD 3 | 3–4 | Primary | 110 |
| Adams County RSSP | Adam/Brwn/Cass/Morgn/Pik/Sctt ROE | 7–12 | Alternative | 0 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$6,926
State avg $9,250
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Adams County, Illinois — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Adams County, Illinois?
Adams County maintains 23 public schools across five districts, serving 8,920 students. The infrastructure is well-distributed between 11 elementary, 3 middle, and 9 high schools to support a mix of town and rural communities.
How do schools in Adams County perform academically?
Despite a per-pupil expenditure of $6,926—well below the national average of $13,000—Adams County achieves an impressive 92.4% graduation rate. This performance surpasses both the Illinois state average of 88.8% and the national benchmark of 87.0%.
What are the major school districts in Adams County, Illinois?
Quincy SD 172 is the county's dominant provider, managing 9 schools and 6,345 students, which represents over 70% of total enrollment. There are currently no charter schools in operation within the county's borders.
What is the school experience like in Adams County?
Education here is split between 12 rural and 11 town-based locales, with an average school size of 469 students. Quincy Sr High School is the largest campus with 1,924 students, while smaller elementary schools like Colonel George Iles offer more intimate settings.
How can I find homes near good schools in Adams County, Illinois?
Families looking for high-performing schools in a town-and-country setting should explore the Quincy area. These schools deliver graduation rates that beat state benchmarks, making the region a top choice for education-focused homebuyers.
Counties with Similar School Profile
Data Sources
Education data sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. School scores are derived composite metrics.
Data is informational only. Coverage varies by county and reporting year. Not for use as the sole basis for educational decisions.