Mercer County Schools & Education
Mercer County, Illinois
NCES + U.S. Census BureauSchool Score
76/100
Higher = better
Rating
High Performing
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
$9,158
National avg $13,239
State avg $9,250
School Score
76/100
Higher = better
State avg 63/100
Student-Teacher Ratio
N/A
National avg 15.8 : 1
Free Lunch (Median)
N/A
National median 48.2%
State School Rank
#23
of 102 counties (1 = best)
Education Advisory: Mercer County
School Verdict
Mercer County is a high-performing district with a school score of 76/100 and a graduation rate of 92.4%, reflecting strong academic outcomes.
Funding Context
Mercer County spends $9,158 per student, which is on the lower end of adequate and may require careful resource allocation to maintain quality.
Attainment Context
Educational attainment data for Mercer County is not available.
Neighbor Context
Its school score is 20% above the Illinois average, and its graduation rate exceeds the state average by 3.6 percentage points, while per-pupil spending is 1% lower than the state norm.
Education Overview
About Schools in Mercer County, Illinois
Streamlined Districts Serving Mercer Students
Mercer County supports 1,994 students across 8 public schools, including four elementary, two middle, and one high school. The county operates through just two main school districts, creating a highly organized educational framework.
Exceeding State Graduation Benchmarks
With a 92.4% graduation rate, Mercer County significantly outperforms both the state average of 88.8% and the national average of 87.0%. The county invests $9,158 per pupil, nearly matching the Illinois state average for educational spending.
Sherrard and Mercer County Districts
Sherrard CUSD 200 is the largest district by enrollment with 1,371 students across 5 schools. Mercer County School District 404 follows with 1,294 students, and no charter schools operate within the county boundaries.
Rural and Town Diversity
The county features five rural and three town-based schools, with Mercer County High School serving as the largest campus at 404 students. An average school size of 249 students ensures that educators can focus on individual student success.
A Top Choice for Graduation Success
With graduation rates exceeding 92%, Mercer County is a premier destination for families prioritizing academic completion. Consider the high-performing Sherrard or Mercer County districts when evaluating your next home purchase.
School Overview
Total Schools
8
in Mercer County
Total Enrollment
1,994
students
School Districts
2
districts
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
Student-Teacher Ratio
—
county average
Free Lunch (Median)
—
of students countywide
School Type Breakdown
2 School Districts in Mercer County
Sherrard CUSD 200
Mercer County School District 404
8 Public Schools in Mercer County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mercer County High School | Mercer County School District 404 | 9–12 | High | 404 |
| Apollo Elem School | Mercer County School District 404 | KG–5 | Primary | 335 |
| Mercer County Jr High School | Mercer County School District 404 | 6–8 | Middle | 299 |
| Winola Elementary School | Sherrard CUSD 200 | PK–4 | Primary | 273 |
| Sherrard Elementary School | Sherrard CUSD 200 | KG–4 | Primary | 237 |
| Matherville Intermediate School | Sherrard CUSD 200 | 5–6 | Middle | 190 |
| New Boston Elem School | Mercer County School District 404 | KG–5 | Primary | 175 |
| Mercer County ELC | Mercer County School District 404 | PK | Other | 81 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$9,158
State avg $9,250
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do schools in Mercer County rate?
What is the graduation rate in Mercer County?
How much does Mercer County spend per student?
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Mercer County, Illinois — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Mercer County, Illinois?
Mercer County supports 1,994 students across 8 public schools, including four elementary, two middle, and one high school. The county operates through just two main school districts, creating a highly organized educational framework.
How do schools in Mercer County perform academically?
With a 92.4% graduation rate, Mercer County significantly outperforms both the state average of 88.8% and the national average of 87.0%. The county invests $9,158 per pupil, nearly matching the Illinois state average for educational spending.
What are the major school districts in Mercer County, Illinois?
Sherrard CUSD 200 is the largest district by enrollment with 1,371 students across 5 schools. Mercer County School District 404 follows with 1,294 students, and no charter schools operate within the county boundaries.
What is the school experience like in Mercer County?
The county features five rural and three town-based schools, with Mercer County High School serving as the largest campus at 404 students. An average school size of 249 students ensures that educators can focus on individual student success.
How can I find homes near good schools in Mercer County, Illinois?
With graduation rates exceeding 92%, Mercer County is a premier destination for families prioritizing academic completion. Consider the high-performing Sherrard or Mercer County districts when evaluating your next home purchase.
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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.