For the 2025-26 school year, there are 8 public schools serving 2,156 students in Cass County, IL (there are , serving 207 private students). 91% of all K-12 students in Cass County, IL are educated in public schools (compared to the IL state average of 88%).
The top ranked public schools in Cass County, IL are A-c Central Elementary School, Virginia Jr/ Sr High School and Virginia Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Cass County, IL public schools have an average math proficiency score of 12% (versus the Illinois public school average of 27%), and reading proficiency score of 16% (versus the 30% statewide average). Schools in Cass County have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Illinois public schools.
Minority enrollment is 54% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Illinois public school average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Cass County (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
A-c Central Elementary School
(Math: 40-49% | Reading: 60-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
191 S Bluff St
Chandlerville, IL 62627
(217) 458-2224
Chandlerville, IL 62627
(217) 458-2224
Gr: PK-4 | 131 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 3%
Rank: #22.
Virginia Jr/ Sr High School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
651 S Morgan St
Virginia, IL 62691
(217) 452-3087
Virginia, IL 62691
(217) 452-3087
Gr: 6-12 | 145 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: #33.
Virginia Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
651 S Morgan St
Virginia, IL 62691
(217) 452-3363
Virginia, IL 62691
(217) 452-3363
Gr: PK-5 | 187 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #44.
A-c Central High School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: 21-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
501 W Buchanan St
Ashland, IL 62612
(217) 476-3312
Ashland, IL 62612
(217) 476-3312
Gr: 9-12 | 106 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Rank: #55.
A-c Central Middle School
(Math: 6-9% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
601 W Buchanan St
Ashland, IL 62612
(217) 476-3312
Ashland, IL 62612
(217) 476-3312
Gr: 5-8 | 91 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Rank: #66.
Gard Elementary School
(Math: 6-9% | Reading: ≤5%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
400 E 15th St
Beardstown, IL 62618
(217) 323-1364
Beardstown, IL 62618
(217) 323-1364
Gr: K-4 | 488 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 75%
Rank: #77.
Beardstown Jr/sr High School
(Math: 4% | Reading: 7%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
500 E 15th St
Beardstown, IL 62618
(217) 323-3665
Beardstown, IL 62618
(217) 323-3665
Gr: 5-12 | 837 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 71%
Rank: n/an/a
1301 Grand Ave
Beardstown, IL 62618
(217) 323-3585
Beardstown, IL 62618
(217) 323-3585
Gr: PK | 171 students Student-teacher ratio: 34:1 Minority enrollment: 86%
Cass County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Beardstown Charter School Learn Academy (Closed 2016)
Charter School
515 Canal St
Beardstown, IL 62618
(217) 323-4529
Beardstown, IL 62618
(217) 323-4529
Gr: 9-12 | 27 students Student-teacher ratio: 27:1 Minority enrollment: 41%
10143 N Bluff Springs Rd
Beardstown, IL 62618
(217) 323-1805
Beardstown, IL 62618
(217) 323-1805
Gr: 1-4 | 123 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 44%
Cbs Alternative School (Closed 2010)
Alternative School
9496 Il Rt 125
Beardstown, IL 62618
(217) 323-4723
Beardstown, IL 62618
(217) 323-4723
651 S Morgan St
Virginia, IL 62691
(217) 452-3085
Virginia, IL 62691
(217) 452-3085
Gr: 6-8 | 50 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Cass County, IL?
The top ranked public schools in Cass County, IL include A-c Central Elementary School, Virginia Jr/ Sr High School and Virginia Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Cass County?
8 public schools are located in Cass County.
What percentage of students in Cass County go to public school?
91% of all K-12 students in Cass County are educated in public schools (compared to the IL state average of 88%).
What is the racial composition of students in Cass County?
Cass County public schools minority enrollment is 54% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Illinois public schools average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Cass County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Cass County include: Beardstown Jr/sr High School vs. A-c Central High School, A-c Central Middle School vs. A-c Central High School, A-c Central High School vs. A-c Central Middle School
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