Pope County Schools & Education
Pope County, Illinois
School Score
47/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
84.0%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
84.0%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 88.8%
Per-Pupil Spending
$8,556
National avg $13,239
State avg $9,250
School Score
47/100
Higher = better
State avg 63/100
State School Rank
#90
of 102 counties (1 = best)
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Education Overview
About Schools in Pope County, Illinois
Consolidated Quality in Pope County
Pope County operates a streamlined education system consisting of just two public schools within a single county-wide district. This focused infrastructure serves 486 students, divided between one elementary and one high school. Every student in the county benefits from the unified resources of the Pope Co CUD 1 district.
Dedicated Efforts with Targeted Resources
The county reports a graduation rate of 84.0%, which is below the Illinois state average of 88.8% and the national 87.0% benchmark. Per-pupil spending stands at $8,556, roughly $700 less than the state average and significantly lower than the national $13,000 average. The composite school score of 53.7 reflects the challenges and opportunities of a small, rural district.
A Unified District Experience
Pope Co CUD 1 manages 100% of the county's public education, offering a consistent experience for all local families. There are no charter schools, ensuring that all community resources and tax dollars are funneled into these two central campuses. This unified approach simplifies the educational journey for students from kindergarten through high school.
True Rural Education for Every Student
Both schools in the county are classified as rural, reflecting the area's natural landscapes and small population. Pope County Elementary is the larger of the two with 319 students, while the high school remains very intimate with only 167 students. This environment fosters a tight community where every student and family is part of the same educational circle.
Simplified Living and Schooling
For families who value a small, consistent school environment, Pope County offers a rare unified district experience. Moving here means your children will grow up with the same cohort of peers from the first day of elementary through high school graduation. Explore homes in this scenic rural county for a truly connected community lifestyle.
School Overview
Total Schools
2
in Pope County
Total Enrollment
486
students
School Districts
1
district
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
School Type Breakdown
1 School District in Pope County
Pope Co CUD 1
2 Public Schools in Pope County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pope County Elementary School | Pope Co CUD 1 | PK–8 | Primary | 319 |
| Pope Co High School | Pope Co CUD 1 | 9–12 | High | 167 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$8,556
State avg $9,250
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Pope County, Illinois — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Pope County, Illinois?
Pope County operates a streamlined education system consisting of just two public schools within a single county-wide district. This focused infrastructure serves 486 students, divided between one elementary and one high school. Every student in the county benefits from the unified resources of the Pope Co CUD 1 district.
How do schools in Pope County perform academically?
The county reports a graduation rate of 84.0%, which is below the Illinois state average of 88.8% and the national 87.0% benchmark. Per-pupil spending stands at $8,556, roughly $700 less than the state average and significantly lower than the national $13,000 average. The composite school score of 53.7 reflects the challenges and opportunities of a small, rural district.
What are the major school districts in Pope County, Illinois?
Pope Co CUD 1 manages 100% of the county's public education, offering a consistent experience for all local families. There are no charter schools, ensuring that all community resources and tax dollars are funneled into these two central campuses. This unified approach simplifies the educational journey for students from kindergarten through high school.
What is the school experience like in Pope County?
Both schools in the county are classified as rural, reflecting the area's natural landscapes and small population. Pope County Elementary is the larger of the two with 319 students, while the high school remains very intimate with only 167 students. This environment fosters a tight community where every student and family is part of the same educational circle.
How can I find homes near good schools in Pope County, Illinois?
For families who value a small, consistent school environment, Pope County offers a rare unified district experience. Moving here means your children will grow up with the same cohort of peers from the first day of elementary through high school graduation. Explore homes in this scenic rural county for a truly connected community lifestyle.
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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.