For the 2025 school year, there are 10 public schools serving 3,863 students in Marion, IL (there are , serving 89 private students). 98% of all K-12 students in Marion, IL are educated in public schools (compared to the IL state average of 88%).
The top ranked public schools in Marion, IL are Washington Elementary School, Longfellow Elementary School and Jefferson Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Marion, IL public schools have an average math proficiency score of 20% (versus the Illinois public school average of 26%), and reading proficiency score of 34% (versus the 30% statewide average). Schools in Marion have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Illinois public schools.
Minority enrollment is 23% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Illinois public school average of 56% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Marion, IL (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Washington Elementary School
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
420 E Main St
Marion, IL 62959
(618) 993-8534
Marion, IL 62959
(618) 993-8534
Grades: K-5
| 479 students
Rank: #22.
Longfellow Elementary School
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1400 W Hendrickson St
Marion, IL 62959
(618) 993-3230
Marion, IL 62959
(618) 993-3230
Grades: K-5
| 252 students
Rank: #33.
Jefferson Elementary School
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
700 E Boulevard St
Marion, IL 62959
(618) 997-5766
Marion, IL 62959
(618) 997-5766
Grades: PK-5
| 344 students
Rank: #44.
Lincoln Elementary School
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
400 Morningside Dr
Marion, IL 62959
(618) 997-6063
Marion, IL 62959
(618) 997-6063
Grades: K-5
| 493 students
Rank: #55.
Crab Orchard Elementary School
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
19189 Bailey St
Marion, IL 62959
(618) 982-2181
Marion, IL 62959
(618) 982-2181
Grades: PK-8
| 345 students
Rank: #66.
Marion Jr High School
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1609 W Main St
Marion, IL 62959
(618) 997-1317
Marion, IL 62959
(618) 997-1317
Grades: 6-8
| 704 students
Rank: #77.
Marion High School
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1501 S Carbon St
Marion, IL 62959
(618) 993-8196
Marion, IL 62959
(618) 993-8196
Grades: 9-12
| 1,105 students
Rank: #88.
Crab Orchard High School
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
19189 Bailey St
Marion, IL 62959
(618) 982-2181
Marion, IL 62959
(618) 982-2181
Grades: 9-12
| 141 students
Rank: n/an/a
Williamson Co Intensive Program
Special Education School
801 E Reeves St
Marion, IL 62959
(618) 997-2472
Marion, IL 62959
(618) 997-2472
Grades: n/a
| n/a students
Rank: n/an/a
Williamson Co Learning Center
Special Education School
409 S Court St
Marion, IL 62959
(618) 993-2138
Marion, IL 62959
(618) 993-2138
Grades: n/a
| n/a students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Marion, IL?
The top ranked public schools in Marion, IL include Washington Elementary School, Longfellow Elementary School and Jefferson Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Marion?
10 public schools are located in Marion.
What percentage of students in Marion go to public school?
98% of all K-12 students in Marion are educated in public schools (compared to the IL state average of 88%).
What is the racial composition of students in Marion?
Marion public schools minority enrollment is 23% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Illinois public schools average of 56% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Marion are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Marion include: Longfellow Elementary School vs. Washington Elementary School, Washington Elementary School vs. Longfellow Elementary School, Washington Elementary School vs. Jefferson Elementary School
Recent Articles

Parents’ Guide to Special Education
Special education law is not easy to decipher, with several regulations that govern special education services for disabled students. In this article, learn about the core components of the laws, rights, and individual education plans that can help create the best public school environment for your child.

Surveillance Cameras: Violation of Rights or Improved Security?
A school district in Virginia has given the green light to schools that want to install surveillance cameras in common areas like cafeterias and hallways. We’ll look at whether this is a violation of student privacy or the best way to keep order in schools.

Teachers in 19 States Allowed to Physically Punish Students
As of 2014, nineteen states still allow corporal punishment – spanking and paddling the most common choices – in their public schools. However, some argue that not only are these punishments physically harmful, they also are disproportionately administered to students of color. As a result, House democrats have taken up the issue in a new bill that would ban all forms of corporal punishment nationwide.