Best Public Schools in Sparta, IL

The city of Sparta, Illinois is home to two schools: Sparta Lincoln School, an elementary school serving grades PK-8, and Sparta High School, a high school serving grades 9-12. Both schools are part of the Sparta CUSD 140 district and face significant academic and socioeconomic challenges.

Sparta Lincoln School has a low statewide ranking, with proficiency rates on state assessments that are significantly below state averages across all grade levels and subject areas. The school also has a high chronic absenteeism rate of 30% and a high percentage of students (69.26%) receiving free or reduced-price lunch, indicating a high level of economic disadvantage among the student population. Similarly, Sparta High School has a low statewide ranking, with proficiency rates on the SAT that are significantly below state averages in both English Language Arts and Mathematics.

Both schools face systemic challenges, with the district as a whole ranking low among Illinois school districts. Addressing the root causes of the underperformance, such as the high chronic absenteeism rates and the socioeconomic challenges faced by the student population, will be crucial for improving the academic outcomes of these schools. The district may need to evaluate the effectiveness of its resource allocation and consider targeted interventions to address the specific needs of these underperforming schools.