Top Rankings
Springfield School District 186 ranks among the top 20% of public school district in Illinois for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
Most diverse schools (Top 1%)
Community Size
Largest student body (number of students) (Top 1%)
For the 2026 school year, there is 1 public charter school serving 394 students in Springfield School District 186. This district's average charter testing ranking is 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of public charter schools in Illinois.
Public Charter School in Springfield School District 186 have an average math proficiency score of 16% (versus the Illinois public charter school average of 10%), and reading proficiency score of 28% (versus the 14% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 60% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Illinois public charter school average of 97% (majority Black).
Overview
This School District
This State (IL)
# Schools
35 Schools
135 Schools
# Students
12,920 Students
60,138 Students
# Teachers
1,002 Teachers
3,533 Teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
13:1
Student By Grade
District Rank
Springfield School District 186, which is ranked within the bottom 50% of all 864 school districts in Illinois (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data) for the 2022-2023 school year.
The school district's graduation rate of 63% has decreased from 79% over five school years.
Overall District Rank
#628 out of 865 school districts
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
18%
27%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
21%
30%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
36%
50%
Graduation Rate
63%
87%
Students by Ethnicity:
Diversity Score
0.66
0.55
% American Indian
n/a
n/a
% Asian
3%
1%
% Hispanic
4%
42%
% Black
45%
53%
% White
35%
3%
% Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
% Two or more races
13%
1%
All Ethnic Groups
District Revenue and Spending
The revenue/student of $20,809 in this school district is less than the state median of $22,423. The school district revenue/student has grown by 5% over four school years.
The school district's spending/student of $20,492 is less than the state median of $21,662. The school district spending/student has grown by 11% over four school years.
Total Revenue
$269 MM
$41,381 MM
Spending
$265 MM
$39,976 MM
Revenue / Student
$20,809
$22,423
Spending / Student
$20,492
$21,662
Best Springfield School District 186 Public Charter Schools (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Springfield Ball Charter School
Charter School
(Math: 16% | Reading: 28%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
2530 E Ash St
Springfield, IL 62703
(217) 525-3275
Springfield, IL 62703
(217) 525-3275
Gr: K-8 | 394 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 60%
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.
