Best Elementary Schools in Zip Code 62401

The 62401 zip code area in Illinois is home to 4 elementary schools that serve students from early childhood through 5th grade. These schools, which are part of the Effingham CUSD 40 district, vary in their academic performance, student demographics, and resource allocation, but all face common challenges related to chronic absenteeism and socioeconomic factors.

Among the standout schools in the area is Central Grade School, which boasts the largest student enrollment and the highest test scores across multiple subjects and grade levels, outperforming both the district and state averages. In contrast, the Early Learning Center stands out for its low student-teacher ratio and high per-student spending, suggesting a focus on early childhood education. The other schools, South Side Grade School and Effingham Unit 40 Preschool, also contribute to the educational landscape in the area, with varying strengths and areas for improvement.

Across the schools, common challenges include high chronic absenteeism rates, which exceed the state average, and significant populations of students from low-income families, as evidenced by the high rates of free and reduced lunch recipients. These socioeconomic factors may impact student learning and achievement, as reflected in the relatively low test scores, especially in mathematics, compared to state averages. However, the data also suggests a consistent level of performance across the Effingham CUSD 40 district, which is ranked 370 out of 811 districts in Illinois and has a 3-star rating from SchoolDigger.