For the 2026 school year, there are 3 public preschools serving 1,304 students in Carbondale, IL.
The top-ranked public preschools in Carbondale, IL are Giant City Elementary School and Unity Point Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Carbondale, IL public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 35% (versus the Illinois public pre school average of 22%), and reading proficiency score of 51% (versus the 25% statewide average). Pre schools in Carbondale have an average ranking of 9/10, which is in the top 20% of Illinois public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 54% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Illinois public preschool average of 59% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Preschools in Carbondale, IL (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Giant City Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
1062 Boskydell Rd
Carbondale, IL 62902
(618) 457-5391
Carbondale, IL 62902
(618) 457-5391
Gr: PK-8 | 218 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 26%
Rank: #22.
Unity Point Elementary School
(Math: 31% | Reading: 48%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
4033 S Illinois Ave
Carbondale, IL 62903
(618) 529-4151
Carbondale, IL 62903
(618) 529-4151
Gr: PK-8 | 620 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 45%
Rank: n/an/a
121 N Parrish Ln
Carbondale, IL 62901
(618) 457-5781
Carbondale, IL 62901
(618) 457-5781
Gr: PK-1 | 466 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 79%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public preschools in Carbondale, IL?
The top-ranked public preschools in Carbondale, IL include Giant City Elementary School and Unity Point Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in Carbondale?
3 public preschools are located in Carbondale.
What is the racial composition of students in Carbondale?
Carbondale public preschools minority enrollment is 54% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Illinois public preschools average of 59% (majority Hispanic).
Which public preschools in Carbondale are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public preschools in Carbondale include: Unity Point Elementary School vs. Giant City Elementary School, Parrish Elementary School vs. Giant City Elementary School, Giant City Elementary School vs. Unity Point Elementary School
Recent Articles
Media Literacy as a Core Skill: How to Tell if a School Teaches It Well
Learn how to evaluate whether a public school teaches media literacy effectively, from fact-checking and source evaluation to digital citizenship and critical thinking.
Screen Time, Paper Learning, and the New Back-to-Basics Debate
Explore why some public schools are reducing screen time, bringing back paper learning, and rethinking the balance between technology and traditional instruction.
Student Data, AI Tools, and Privacy: Questions to Ask Your District
Learn how public schools use AI, protect student data, and the key privacy questions every parent should ask their school district in 2026.