For the 2026 school year, there are 7 public preschools serving 2,222 students in Jackson County, IL.
The top-ranked public preschools in Jackson County, IL are Giant City Elementary School, Unity Point Elementary School and Trico Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Jackson County, IL public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 29% (versus the Illinois public pre school average of 23%), and reading proficiency score of 40% (versus the 25% statewide average). Pre schools in Jackson County have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of Illinois public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 40% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Illinois public preschool average of 58% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Preschools in Jackson County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Giant City Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
1062 Boskydell Rd
Carbondale, IL 62902
(618) 457-5391
Carbondale, IL 62902
(618) 457-5391
Gr: PK-8 | 242 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
Rank: #22.
Unity Point Elementary School
(Math: 31% | Reading: 48%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
4033 S Illinois Ave
Carbondale, IL 62903
(618) 529-4151
Carbondale, IL 62903
(618) 529-4151
Gr: PK-8 | 660 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 45%
Rank: #33.
Trico Elementary School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
16343 Highway 4
Campbell Hill, IL 62916
(618) 426-1111
Campbell Hill, IL 62916
(618) 426-1111
Gr: PK-5 | 466 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 20%
Rank: #44.
Desoto Elementary School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
311 Hurst Rd
De Soto, IL 62924
(618) 867-2317
De Soto, IL 62924
(618) 867-2317
Gr: PK-8 | 192 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: n/an/a
114 S 8th St
Elkville, IL 62932
(618) 568-1321
Elkville, IL 62932
(618) 568-1321
Gr: PK-2 | 107 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Rank: n/an/a
593 Ava Rd
Murphysboro, IL 62966
(618) 684-3781
Murphysboro, IL 62966
(618) 684-3781
Gr: PK | 80 students Student-teacher ratio: 40:1 Minority enrollment: 33%
Rank: n/an/a
121 N Parrish Ln
Carbondale, IL 62901
(618) 457-5781
Carbondale, IL 62901
(618) 457-5781
Gr: PK-1 | 475 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 76%
Jackson County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Iyc Murphysboro High School (Closed 2014)
Alternative School
636 Elza Brantley Dr
Murphysboro, IL 62966
(618) 684-8500
Murphysboro, IL 62966
(618) 684-8500
Gr: 7-12
593 Ava Road
Murphysboro, IL 62966
(618) 684-6273
Murphysboro, IL 62966
(618) 684-6273
Gr: K-5 | 161 students Minority enrollment: 15%
504 2nd St
Grand Tower, IL 62942
(618) 565-2211
Grand Tower, IL 62942
(618) 565-2211
Gr: K-4 | 56 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
Tri-county-mcelvain (Closed 2013)
Special Education School
593 Ava Rd
Murphysboro, IL 62966
(618) 684-8972
Murphysboro, IL 62966
(618) 684-8972
Gr: K-12
801 S Lewis Ln
Carbondale, IL 62901
(618) 457-5393
Carbondale, IL 62901
(618) 457-5393
Gr: 4-5 | 272 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 68%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public preschools in Jackson County, IL?
The top-ranked public preschools in Jackson County, IL include Giant City Elementary School, Unity Point Elementary School and Trico Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in Jackson County?
7 public preschools are located in Jackson County.
What is the racial composition of students in Jackson County?
Jackson County public preschools minority enrollment is 40% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Illinois public preschools average of 58% (majority Hispanic).
Which public preschools in Jackson County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public preschools in Jackson County include: Unity Point Elementary School vs. Giant City Elementary School, Parrish Elementary School vs. Giant City Elementary School, Giant City Elementary School vs. Unity Point Elementary School
Recent Articles
Spring Parent-Teacher Conferences: Key Questions
Spring Parent-Teacher Conferences: Questions Every Parent Should Ask to support academic growth, social development, and 2026 classroom goals.
Prepare for Spring Tests Without Anxiety
Learn how to prepare for spring standardized tests without increasing anxiety using proven strategies for families and schools.
Why Public Schools Are Launching Marketing Campaigns in 2026
Discover why public schools are launching marketing campaigns in 2026 and how enrollment shifts, school choice, and funding pressures are driving change.