For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public schools serving 1,238 students in Paxton, IL.
The top-ranked public schools in Paxton, IL are Paxton-buckley-loda Jr High School, Clara Peterson Elementary School and Paxton-buckley-loda High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Paxton, IL public schools have an average math proficiency score of 27% (versus the Illinois public school average of 27%), and reading proficiency score of 26% (versus the 30% statewide average). Schools in Paxton have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Illinois public schools.
Minority enrollment is 17% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Illinois public school average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Paxton, IL (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Paxton-buckley-loda Jr High School
(Math: 36% | Reading: 28%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
700 Panther Way
Paxton, IL 60957
(217) 379-9202
Paxton, IL 60957
(217) 379-9202
Gr: 6-8 | 279 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #22.
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%
Rank: #33.
Paxton-buckley-loda High School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
700 Panther Way
Paxton, IL 60957
(217) 379-4331
Paxton, IL 60957
(217) 379-4331
Gr: 9-12 | 374 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Paxton, Illinois 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 schools in Paxton, IL?
The top-ranked public schools in Paxton, IL include Paxton-buckley-loda Jr High School, Clara Peterson Elementary School and Paxton-buckley-loda High School.
How many public schools are located in Paxton?
4 public schools are located in Paxton.
What is the racial composition of students in Paxton?
Paxton public schools minority enrollment is 17% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Illinois public schools average of 55% (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.