Jackson County Schools & Education
Jackson County, Illinois
School Score
64/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
87.5%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
87.5%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 88.8%
Per-Pupil Spending
$10,788
National avg $13,239
State avg $9,250
School Score
64/100
Higher = better
State avg 63/100
State School Rank
#47
of 102 counties (1 = best)
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Education Overview
About Schools in Jackson County, Illinois
A Large, Diverse Educational Hub
Jackson County supports 6,772 students across a robust network of 32 public schools managed by 9 districts. The system is comprehensive, featuring 11 elementary schools, five middle schools, and seven high schools. It also includes 8 specialized special education schools, making it a regional leader in diverse learning needs.
High Investment and Competitive Results
The county invests heavily in its students, with a per-pupil expenditure of $10,788—well above the state average of $9,250. This investment reflects in a graduation rate of 87.5% and a solid school score of 60.4. Both metrics place the county above the state and national averages for academic performance.
Major Educational Providers in the Region
Murphysboro CUSD 186 is the largest active district, serving 1,929 students, followed by Carbondale ESD 95 with 1,546 students. These districts provide a traditional public school experience, as there are no charter schools currently operating in the county. Specialized regional offices also manage several alternative and special education sites.
From Urban Centers to Rural Outposts
Jackson County offers a unique locale mix with 15 rural schools, 10 town schools, and 7 city schools. The average school size is 339 students, though Carbondale Community High School is the largest with 997 students. This variety allows families to choose between a bustling urban campus or a quieter, smaller rural school.
A Diverse Choice for Education-Minded Buyers
Whether you are looking for city living or a rural retreat, Jackson County's schools offer high performance and significant per-pupil investment. The county's school score of 60.4 makes it a standout choice for families in Southern Illinois. Find your perfect home near one of these top-rated districts today.
School Overview
Total Schools
32
in Jackson County
Total Enrollment
6,772
students
School Districts
9
districts
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
School Type Breakdown
9 School Districts in Jackson County
Murphysboro CUSD 186
Carbondale ESD 95
Carbondale CHSD 165
Trico CUSD 176
Unity Point CCSD 140
Elverado CUSD 196
Giant City CCSD 130
DeSoto Cons SD 86
Alxndr/Jcksn/Pulsk/Prry/Union ROE
32 Public Schools in Jackson County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carbondale Comm H S | Carbondale CHSD 165 | 9–12 | High | 997 |
| Unity Point Elem School | Unity Point CCSD 140 | PK–8 | Primary | 637 |
| Murphysboro High School | Murphysboro CUSD 186 | 9–12 | High | 598 |
| Parrish Elem School | Carbondale ESD 95 | PK–1 | Primary | 495 |
| Trico Elementary School | Trico CUSD 176 | PK–5 | Primary | 456 |
| Carbondale Middle School | Carbondale ESD 95 | 6–8 | Middle | 446 |
| Murphysboro Middle School | Murphysboro CUSD 186 | 6–8 | Middle | 444 |
| Carruthers Elementary School | Murphysboro CUSD 186 | 3–5 | Primary | 406 |
| Gen John A Logan Attendance Cntr | Murphysboro CUSD 186 | KG–2 | Primary | 398 |
| Thomas Elementary School | Carbondale ESD 95 | 2–3 | Primary | 305 |
| Lewis School | Carbondale ESD 95 | 4–5 | Primary | 300 |
| Trico Senior High School | Trico CUSD 176 | 9–12 | High | 240 |
| Giant City Elem School | Giant City CCSD 130 | PK–8 | Primary | 239 |
| DeSoto Elementary School | DeSoto Cons SD 86 | PK–8 | Primary | 180 |
| Trico Jr High School | Trico CUSD 176 | 6–8 | Middle | 168 |
| Elverado Primary School | Elverado CUSD 196 | PK–2 | Primary | 113 |
| Elverado High School | Elverado CUSD 196 | 9–12 | High | 112 |
| McElvain School | Murphysboro CUSD 186 | PK | Other | 83 |
| Elverado Intermediate School | Elverado CUSD 196 | 3–5 | Primary | 82 |
| Elverado Junior High School | Elverado CUSD 196 | 6–8 | Middle | 73 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$10,788
State avg $9,250
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Jackson County, Illinois — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Jackson County, Illinois?
Jackson County supports 6,772 students across a robust network of 32 public schools managed by 9 districts. The system is comprehensive, featuring 11 elementary schools, five middle schools, and seven high schools. It also includes 8 specialized special education schools, making it a regional leader in diverse learning needs.
How do schools in Jackson County perform academically?
The county invests heavily in its students, with a per-pupil expenditure of $10,788—well above the state average of $9,250. This investment reflects in a graduation rate of 87.5% and a solid school score of 60.4. Both metrics place the county above the state and national averages for academic performance.
What are the major school districts in Jackson County, Illinois?
Murphysboro CUSD 186 is the largest active district, serving 1,929 students, followed by Carbondale ESD 95 with 1,546 students. These districts provide a traditional public school experience, as there are no charter schools currently operating in the county. Specialized regional offices also manage several alternative and special education sites.
What is the school experience like in Jackson County?
Jackson County offers a unique locale mix with 15 rural schools, 10 town schools, and 7 city schools. The average school size is 339 students, though Carbondale Community High School is the largest with 997 students. This variety allows families to choose between a bustling urban campus or a quieter, smaller rural school.
How can I find homes near good schools in Jackson County, Illinois?
Whether you are looking for city living or a rural retreat, Jackson County's schools offer high performance and significant per-pupil investment. The county's school score of 60.4 makes it a standout choice for families in Southern Illinois. Find your perfect home near one of these top-rated districts today.
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.