Gard Elementary School

Located at 400 E 15th St, in Beardstown, Illinois, Gard Elementary School is a sprawling elementary school that instructs 711 students (grades pre-K through 4), part of Beardstown CUSD 15. Compared to the state average of about 381 students per school, that is 87% bigger than typical.

Within Beardstown CUSD 15, which oversees 3 schools and 1,702 students, Gard Elementary School is one campus in the system.

On the student-mix side, Gard Elementary School reports that the largest single group is Hispanic at 38%, but no single group is in the majority. Beyond that, the school reports 21% multiracial, 20% Black, 20% White. By comparison, Cass County as a whole is about 23% Hispanic, so the school skews considerably more Hispanic than its surroundings.

In terms of school funding signals, The school lists 38 full-time-equivalent teachers, for a student-teacher ratio near 18.7:1. Statewide, the average ratio sits near 13.9:1, putting Gard Elementary School higher than the state norm the norm. About 77% of enrolled students meet the income threshold for free or reduced-price lunch, often used as a Title I proxy. Set against Cass County (around 69%), the school's rate is meaningfully above typical.

After controlling for student poverty, Gard Elementary School falls in the UNDERPERFORMING tier of the BeatsExpectations residual. Given its student profile, a typical campus would land near 27.0%; this one comes in at 12.3%, -14.7 points off the demographic line.

In the surrounding community, Cass County reports that median household income runs about $68,125, 21% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and the poverty rate sits near 10%. Gard Elementary School is one of 8 public schools in Cass County (combined enrollment of about 2,352 students).

The closest other public school is Beardstown Jr/Sr High School, roughly 0.1 miles away. Within five miles, there are 2 other public schools. Ranking that nearby cluster on reported proficiency puts Gard Elementary School at 7th of 7; the average score across the group is 32.6%.

The school occupies a town-based site.

Looking at the recent track record. Gard Elementary School's enrollment has edged up 33% since 2018, when it stood at 535 (now 711). Over the same period, the Hispanic share fell from 53% to 38%. The student-to-teacher ratio rose from 15.0:1 in 2018 to 18.7:1 today.

Inside the community feed, the page collects discussion, questions, and updates around classroom updates, athletics, and weather closures. Parents, students, alumni, and staff are welcome to weigh in.