For the 2026 school year, there are 3 public preschools serving 1,277 students in Champaign, IL.
The top-ranked public preschools in Champaign, IL are International Prep Academy and Garden Hills Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Champaign, IL public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 20% (versus the Illinois public pre school average of 23%), and reading proficiency score of 17% (versus the 25% statewide average). Pre schools in Champaign have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Illinois public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 87% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Illinois public preschool average of 58% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Preschools in Champaign, IL (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
International Prep Academy
(Math: 27% | Reading: 24%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1605 W Kirby Ave
Champaign, IL 61821
(217) 351-3995
Champaign, IL 61821
(217) 351-3995
Gr: PK-8 | 650 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 85%
Rank: #22.
Garden Hills Elementary School
(Math: ≤5% | Reading: 6-9%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
2001 Garden Hills Dr
Champaign, IL 61821
(217) 351-3872
Champaign, IL 61821
(217) 351-3872
Gr: PK-8 | 359 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 93%
Rank: n/an/a
809 N Neil St
Champaign, IL 61820
(217) 351-3881
Champaign, IL 61820
(217) 351-3881
Gr: PK | 268 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 84%
Champaign, Illinois Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Education For Employment Sys 330 High School (Closed 2013)
Vocational School
3 Henson Place
Champaign, IL 61820
(217) 355-1382
Champaign, IL 61820
(217) 355-1382
Gr: 9-12
R E A D Y Middle School (Closed 2006)
Alternative School
512 W Church Street
Champaign, IL 61820
(217) 239-0322
Champaign, IL 61820
(217) 239-0322
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public preschools in Champaign, IL?
The top-ranked public preschools in Champaign, IL include International Prep Academy and Garden Hills Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in Champaign?
3 public preschools are located in Champaign.
What is the racial composition of students in Champaign?
Champaign public preschools minority enrollment is 87% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Illinois public preschools average of 58% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles
Year-Round Schooling in 2026: Updated Parent Guide
Explore the latest 2026 data, trends, costs, and parent planning tips in the ongoing debate over year-round schooling vs the traditional calendar.
No Child Left Behind: Past, Present, and Future of U.S. School Policy
Explore how No Child Left Behind evolved into ESSA, what it means for 2025‑26 schooling, and what parents need to know about testing, admissions planning, and funding.
Understanding Public School Fees & Optional Costs Guide
Discover what public school fees are required versus optional, with 2026 updates for parents, students, and educators on budgeting and planning.