Ed. M. Stotlar House · Photo: Nyttend · Public domainMarion’s public schools score below 61% of Illinois districts on tests and graduation
In Marion, 20% of tested students are proficient in math, below the Illinois average (26%). The grade covers the public school district serving Marion, from kindergarten through graduation, on state tests and graduation. Each state writes its own tests, so this is the one TownRatings grade compared within Illinois, not nationally.
From Illinois state tests taken in spring 2021, when nearly all of students in the tested grades sat them, and the class of 2023’s four-year graduation rate, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education.
Marion’s schools, in brief
Better than its incomes would predict
Among the 1152 Illinois towns with household incomes within a quarter of Marion’s, its schools beat 50%, higher than their 39% against all the state’s districts. The grade ↓
Above the state in reading, below in math
Reading proficiency is 37% and math 20% in spring 2021, against 30% and 26% statewide; 78% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 88%. Test scores ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $13,659 per student, against $21,567 across Illinois (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
Four elementary schools, then one middle and one high school
Which elementary school depends on the address; from grade 6 the district’s path is Marion Jr High School, then Marion High School. See the path ↓
Choice beyond the district
Agape Christian High School (private) is in town. Every school ↓
Written from the figures on this page. Tests are from 2020–21, graduation from the class of 2023; each school’s own letter uses 2020–21 results.
What’s behind Marion’s grade
C+: better than 39% of Illinois school districts, #524 of 768 Illinois towns. Test scores are above the Illinois average; graduation is below it.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Marion, with each school’s own grade.
6th grade in Marion
Marion Jr High School
Grades 6–8 · 742 students · 15:1 students per teacher
7th grade in Marion
Marion Jr High School
Grades 6–8 · 742 students · 15:1 students per teacher
8th grade in Marion
Marion Jr High School
Grades 6–8 · 742 students · 15:1 students per teacher
9th grade in Marion
Marion High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,075 students · 15:1 students per teacher
10th grade in Marion
Marion High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,075 students · 15:1 students per teacher
11th grade in Marion
Marion High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,075 students · 15:1 students per teacher
12th grade in Marion
Marion High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,075 students · 15:1 students per teacher
Marion’s public schools are run by Marion Community Unit School District 2, which also serves Creal Springs, Pittsburg and Spillertown. Parts of Marion (4% of its land) are served by Carterville Community Unit School District 5 instead. To confirm the school for a specific address, ask the district.
The district
Spending and class size are shown but don’t count toward the grade. Each district’s own page has every school.
Well above the state in reading
Marion vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the Illinois towns that share Marion’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Marion | C+ | Marion Community Unit School District 2 |
Every school in Marion
7 schools. Each public school’s letter compares its own 2020–21 reading and math results with Illinois’s other public schools (the newest school-level results we have).
Left off: 4 public programs with fewer than 25 students (Williamson Co Learning Cntr, Williamson Co Intensive Program, Roe 21 Alop and ROE 21 Senior's Plus ALOP).
Questions about Marion’s schools
Are Marion’s schools good?
On Illinois’s tests they score below most of the state: the public schools Marion children attend score below 61% of Illinois’s school districts on tests and graduation, a C+ Schools grade, #524 of 768 Illinois towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 50%. Tests are from 2020–21, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Marion in?
Marion Community Unit School District 2, which runs grades PK–12 and enrolls 3,684 students in 7 schools (2024–25). Small parts of Marion are served by Carterville Community Unit School District 5.
Where do Marion kids go to high school?
Marion High School, with 1,075 students; its own test results earn a C+.
What is Marion’s graduation rate?
78% of the class of 2023 in Marion Community Unit School District 2 graduated in four years, against 88% across Illinois.
How much does Marion spend per student?
$13,659 in Marion Community Unit School District 2 (FY2024), against $21,567 across Illinois. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in Marion?
Yes: Agape Christian High School (religious, grades 9–12, 85 students).
Parents talk
What Marion families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Marion → They have their own page.
School data: state test results (2020–21, with participation) and four-year graduation rates (class of 2023) reported to the U.S. Department of Education (EDFacts via ED Data Express); each school’s own letter uses its 2020–21 results (EDFacts via the Urban Institute); schools and enrollment from NCES (2024–25; private schools 2023–24); spending from the Census Bureau’s school finance survey (FY2024). The School Grade is our own summary, graded within Illinois. Stars are from neighbors.