PRAIRIE CENTRAL UPPER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Prairie Central Upper Elementary is a Title I public middle school that is part of the Prairie Central CUSD 8 school district, located in Forrest, IL with about 284 students offering grade levels from 5th Grade to 6th Grade. A Title I school provides supplemental financial assistance to school districts for children from low-income families. Its purpose is to provide all children significant opportunity to receive a fair, equitable, and high-quality education. With about 21 teachers, Prairie Central Upper Elementary has a student/teacher ratio of about 13:1. The national average for public schools is about 15:1. A lower student/teacher ratio is a key factor that determines how much a teacher can devote his/her time to each individual student thus improving, or reducing (in the event of a higher student/teacher ratio) the attention each student is given for their educational needs.

Prairie Central Upper Elementary, located in Forrest, Illinois, serves as a key educational facility within the Prairie Central Community Unit School District #8. The school is dedicated to bridging the academic transition for students in the middle elementary grades—typically serving students in grades 3 through 5—by providing a structured environment that focuses on foundational learning and social-emotional development.

As part of a rural district, the school emphasizes a community-centered approach to education, fostering close relationships between staff, students, and local families. The curriculum is designed to balance rigorous core academics, such as reading, mathematics, and science, with opportunities for personal growth, aiming to prepare students for the academic expectations of the district’s middle and high school levels. Through its commitment to a supportive learning climate, Prairie Central Upper Elementary strives to instill a sense of pride and academic curiosity in its student body.

For more information, contact Prairie Central Upper Elementary at (815) 657-8238 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.