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Best Urbana Public Elementary Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 10 public elementary schools serving 2,933 students in Urbana, IL.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Urbana, IL are Leal Elementary School, Thomas Paine Elementary School and Yankee Ridge Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Urbana, IL public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 8% (versus the Illinois public elementary school average of 27%), and reading proficiency score of 11% (versus the 30% statewide average). Elementary schools in Urbana have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Illinois public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 75% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Illinois public elementary school average of 55% (majority Hispanic).

Best Public Elementary Schools in Urbana, IL (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Leal Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
312 W Oregon St
Urbana, IL 61801
(217) 384-3618
Gr: K-5 | 375 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 61%
Rank: #22.
Thomas Paine Elementary School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
1801 James Cherry Dr
Urbana, IL 61802
(217) 384-3602
Gr: K-5 | 362 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 67%
Rank: #33.
Yankee Ridge Elementary School
(Math: 6-9% | Reading: 10-14%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
2102 S Anderson St
Urbana, IL 61801
(217) 384-3608
Gr: K-5 | 461 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 74%
Rank: #44.
Urbana Middle School
(Math: 7% | Reading: 10%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
1201 S Vine St
Urbana, IL 61801
(217) 384-3685
Gr: 6-8 | 911 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 75%
Rank: #55.
Wiley Elementary School
(Math: 6-9% | Reading: ≤5%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
1602 S Anderson St
Urbana, IL 61801
(217) 384-3670
Gr: K-5
Rank: #66.
M L King Jr Elementary School
(Math: ≤5% | Reading: 6-9%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
1108 Fairview Ave
Urbana, IL 61801
(217) 384-3675
Gr: K-5 | 307 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 88%
Rank: #77.
Dr Preston L Williams Jr Elementary School
(Math: ≤1% | Reading: 5%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
2102 E Washington St
Urbana, IL 61802
(217) 384-3628
Gr: K-5 | 517 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 81%
Rank: n/an/a
Champaign Co Detention Center
Alternative School
400 Art Bartell Rd
Urbana, IL 61802
(217) 384-3780
Gr: 6-12
Rank: n/an/a
Juvenile Detention Center
Alternative School
400 Art Bartell Rd
Urbana, IL 61802
(217) 384-3780
Gr: 6-11
Rank: n/an/a
Urbana Gerber School
Alternative School
1301 N Cunnigham Ave
Urbana, IL 61801
(217) 367-4064
Gr: K-12

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Urbana, IL?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Urbana, IL include Leal Elementary School, Thomas Paine Elementary School and Yankee Ridge Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Urbana?
10 public elementary schools are located in Urbana.
What is the racial composition of students in Urbana?
Urbana public elementary schools minority enrollment is 75% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Illinois public elementary schools average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Which public elementary schools in Urbana are often viewed compared to one another?

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