Schools in Barry, IL

The city of Barry, Illinois is home to two schools: Western Barry Elementary and Western High School, both part of the Western CUSD 12 district. While Western High School has experienced volatility in its ranking and performance, Western Barry Elementary has shown relatively strong test scores in English Language Arts, though its math proficiency rates are lower.

Western High School ranked 347 out of 698 Illinois high schools in the 2024-2025 school year, earning a 3-star rating from SchoolDigger. However, its ranking dropped significantly the following year, falling to 513 out of 697 Illinois high schools and earning only a 1-star rating. This volatility in ranking and performance is an area that warrants further investigation. In contrast, Western Barry Elementary had 48.7% of its students proficient or better in English Language Arts, outperforming the district and state averages, though its math proficiency rates were lower at 32.8%.

Both schools face challenges, such as high chronic absenteeism rates of 25.4% and a significant portion of students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch, at 59.84% for Western Barry Elementary and 55.56% for Western High School. These socioeconomic factors can impact educational outcomes, and the district may need to consider how to allocate resources and support to address the needs of these students. Overall, the schools in Barry, Illinois present a mixed picture, with areas of strength and areas for improvement that the district can focus on to enhance the educational experiences and outcomes for all students.