For the 2025-26 school year, there are 3 public preschools serving 1,208 students in Ford County, IL.
The top-ranked public preschools in Ford County, IL are Gcms Elementary School, Tri Point Elementary School and Clara Peterson Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Ford County, IL public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 26% (versus the Illinois public pre school average of 23%), and reading proficiency score of 29% (versus the 25% statewide average). Pre schools in Ford County have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Illinois public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 16% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Illinois public preschool average of 58% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Preschools in Ford County (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Gcms Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
902 N Church St
Gibson City, IL 60936
(217) 784-4278
Gibson City, IL 60936
(217) 784-4278
Gr: PK-5 | 498 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: #22.
Tri Point Elementary School
(Math: 21-39% | Reading: 21-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
101 Main St
Kempton, IL 60946
(815) 253-6299
Kempton, IL 60946
(815) 253-6299
Gr: PK-3 | 125 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: #33.
Clara Peterson Elementary School
(Math: 21% | Reading: 26%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
580 E Franklin St
Paxton, IL 60957
(217) 379-2531
Paxton, IL 60957
(217) 379-2531
Gr: PK-5 | 585 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Ford County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
P O Box 50
Paxton, IL 60957
(217) 386-2712
Paxton, IL 60957
(217) 386-2712
Gr: 4-5 | 225 students Minority enrollment: 4%
Po Box 50
Paxton, IL 60957
(217) 379-2000
Paxton, IL 60957
(217) 379-2000
Gr: 3-5 | 268 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public preschools in Ford County, IL?
The top-ranked public preschools in Ford County, IL include Gcms Elementary School, Tri Point Elementary School and Clara Peterson Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in Ford County?
3 public preschools are located in Ford County.
What is the racial composition of students in Ford County?
Ford County public preschools minority enrollment is 16% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Illinois public preschools average of 58% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles
Charter Schools vs Public Schools 2025: Key Differences & Trends
Explore updated 2025 insights comparing charter schools vs public schools, enrollment, academic outcomes, funding, and real-world examples for families and educators.
Are Public Schools Ready for the 21st Century? 2025 Update
Explore 2025 insights on whether public schools are ready for the 21st century, covering performance, technology, equity, funding, and future-ready learning.
Public School Open House & Enrollment Season Guide
A parent-focused guide to the public school open house and enrollment season, with expert questions, timelines, and decision tips.
