Best Public Schools in Bloomington, IL

The city of Bloomington, Illinois is home to 14 schools, including 11 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and 1 high school. The data reveals stark differences in academic performance across the district, with some schools like Benjamin Elementary School consistently ranking among the top in the state, while others such as Sheridan Elementary School struggle with very low proficiency rates.

The middle school years appear to be a crucial factor in student success, as evidenced by the strong performance of Evans Junior High School, which ranks in the top 25% of Illinois middle schools. Meanwhile, Bloomington High School stands out for its relatively high graduation rate of 77.4%, though its overall academic performance is average.

The data also reveals significant disparities in resources and student populations across the Bloomington School District 87 and the McLean County Unified School District 5. Schools with higher percentages of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch tend to have lower test scores, suggesting a strong link between socioeconomic status and academic achievement. District leaders may need to further investigate these equity concerns and work to ensure all students in Bloomington have access to a quality education.