Pulaski County Schools & Education
Pulaski County, Illinois
NCES + U.S. Census BureauSchool Score
81/100
Higher = better
Rating
High Performing
Graduation Rate
92.6%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
92.6%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 88.8%
Per-Pupil Spending
$10,361
National avg $13,239
State avg $9,250
School Score
81/100
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
#14
of 102 counties (1 = best)
Education Advisory: Pulaski County
School Verdict
Pulaski County is a high-performing district with a school score of 81/100 and a graduation rate of 92.6%, reflecting strong academic outcomes.
Funding Context
Pulaski County spends $10,361 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 Pulaski County is not available.
Neighbor Context
Its school score is 28% above the Illinois average, and its graduation rate exceeds the state average by 3.8 percentage points, while per-pupil spending is 12% higher than the state norm.
Education Overview
About Schools in Pulaski County, Illinois
Education Excellence Across Five Schools
Pulaski County features five public schools across three districts, serving a total student body of 797. The system includes two elementary schools and three high schools, which often house middle-level grades. The small total enrollment ensures that students receive significant individual attention in a purely rural setting.
Top-Tier Performance and Higher Investment
Pulaski County shines with a 92.6% graduation rate, far exceeding both the state average of 88.8% and the national average of 87.0%. The county's per-pupil spending of $10,361 is notably higher than the state's $9,250 average. This investment pays off with a school score of 62.2, which is significantly higher than the Illinois average of 58.1.
Meridian and Century Lead the Way
Meridian CUSD 101 is the county's largest district, educating 460 students, followed by Century CUSD 100 with 337 students. The county does not host any charter schools, maintaining a focus on traditional district-led education. A specialized special education district also operates within the county to provide essential services without direct enrollment.
Small Rural Campuses with Big Results
Every school in Pulaski County is located in a rural setting, offering a peaceful and focused learning environment. With an average school size of just 199 students, the largest facility is Meridian Elementary with 236 children. This small-scale approach contributes to the county's high academic scores and strong community ties.
Secure a High-Quality Education
Pulaski County is a standout choice for families seeking top-performing rural schools that outpace state averages. High graduation rates and strong investment per student make this an excellent region for long-term home investment. Look for properties in the Meridian or Century districts to take advantage of these highly-rated academic programs.
School Overview
Total Schools
5
in Pulaski County
Total Enrollment
797
students
School Districts
3
districts
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
Student-Teacher Ratio
—
county average
Free Lunch (Median)
—
of students countywide
School Type Breakdown
3 School Districts in Pulaski County
Meridian CUSD 101
Century CUSD 100
Jamp Spec Educ Services
5 Public Schools in Pulaski County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meridian Elementary School | Meridian CUSD 101 | PK–5 | Primary | 236 |
| Meridian High School | Meridian CUSD 101 | 6–12 | High | 224 |
| Century Elementary School | Century CUSD 100 | PK–5 | Primary | 169 |
| Century Jr/Sr High School | Century CUSD 100 | 6–12 | High | 168 |
| Grand Chain Alternative Center | Jamp Spec Educ Services | 6–12 | Special Education | 0 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$10,361
State avg $9,250
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do schools in Pulaski County rate?
What is the graduation rate in Pulaski County?
How much does Pulaski County spend per student?
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Pulaski County, Illinois — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Pulaski County, Illinois?
Pulaski County features five public schools across three districts, serving a total student body of 797. The system includes two elementary schools and three high schools, which often house middle-level grades. The small total enrollment ensures that students receive significant individual attention in a purely rural setting.
How do schools in Pulaski County perform academically?
Pulaski County shines with a 92.6% graduation rate, far exceeding both the state average of 88.8% and the national average of 87.0%. The county's per-pupil spending of $10,361 is notably higher than the state's $9,250 average. This investment pays off with a school score of 62.2, which is significantly higher than the Illinois average of 58.1.
What are the major school districts in Pulaski County, Illinois?
Meridian CUSD 101 is the county's largest district, educating 460 students, followed by Century CUSD 100 with 337 students. The county does not host any charter schools, maintaining a focus on traditional district-led education. A specialized special education district also operates within the county to provide essential services without direct enrollment.
What is the school experience like in Pulaski County?
Every school in Pulaski County is located in a rural setting, offering a peaceful and focused learning environment. With an average school size of just 199 students, the largest facility is Meridian Elementary with 236 children. This small-scale approach contributes to the county's high academic scores and strong community ties.
How can I find homes near good schools in Pulaski County, Illinois?
Pulaski County is a standout choice for families seeking top-performing rural schools that outpace state averages. High graduation rates and strong investment per student make this an excellent region for long-term home investment. Look for properties in the Meridian or Century districts to take advantage of these highly-rated academic programs.
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.