For the 2026 school year, there are 3 public schools serving 968 students in Chester, IL (there are , serving 232 private students). 81% of all K-12 students in Chester, IL are educated in public schools (compared to the IL state average of 88%).
The top-ranked public schools in Chester, IL are Chester Elementary School and Chester High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Chester, IL public schools have an average math proficiency score of 18% (versus the Illinois public school average of 27%), and reading proficiency score of 31% (versus the 30% statewide average). Schools in Chester have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Illinois public schools.
Minority enrollment is 16% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Illinois public school average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Chester, IL (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Chester Elementary School
(Math: 20% | Reading: 34%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
650 Opdyke St
Chester, IL 62233
(618) 826-2354
Chester, IL 62233
(618) 826-2354
Gr: PK-8 | 637 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: #22.
Chester High School
(Math: 6-9% | Reading: 10-14%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1901 Swanwick St
Chester, IL 62233
(618) 826-2302
Chester, IL 62233
(618) 826-2302
Gr: 9-12 | 331 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: n/an/a
Okaw Regional Voc System
Vocational School
1 Taylor St Rm 101
Chester, IL 62233
(618) 680-0154
Chester, IL 62233
(618) 680-0154
Gr: 9-12
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Chester, IL?
The top-ranked public schools in Chester, IL include Chester Elementary School and Chester High School.
How many public schools are located in Chester?
3 public schools are located in Chester.
What percentage of students in Chester go to public school?
81% of all K-12 students in Chester are educated in public schools (compared to the IL state average of 88%).
What is the racial composition of students in Chester?
Chester public schools minority enrollment is 16% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Illinois public schools average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles
Esports Programs in Public Schools: Benefits & Funding
Explore how esports programs in public schools support academic achievement, boost student engagement, and operate through sustainable funding models and partnerships.
Apprenticeship Pathways in High School: Alternatives to College
Explore apprenticeship pathways in high school as practical alternatives to traditional college routes, including benefits, programs, and career outcomes.
FAFSA Changes and High School College Counseling
Explore how recent FAFSA changes are reshaping high school college counseling, financial aid planning, and what families should expect in the 2026 application cycle.
