Giant City Elem School

Set in Carbondale, Illinois, Giant City Elem School is a compact elementary-level community, overseen by Giant City CCSD 130. It serves 218 students across grades pre-K through 8. Compared to the state average of about 381 students per school, that is 43% leaner than typical.

Operationally, Giant City Elem School answers to Giant City CCSD 130, which sets policy, hires staff, and reports enrollment to the state.

Demographically, Giant City Elem School shows that White students make up the majority at 74%. Beyond that, the school logs 10% multiracial, 9% Hispanic, 5% Black. That composition is broadly in line with Jackson County as a whole.

On the resource side, On paper, Giant City Elem School has 16 full-time-equivalent teachers, translating to a class-load average of around 13.6:1. The state averages about 13.9:1, putting this campus right in line with peers. About 39% of enrolled students meet the income threshold for free or reduced-price lunch, a commonly cited indicator of low-income enrollment. That share is south of Jackson County's rate of about 73%.

After controlling for student poverty, Giant City Elem School sits in the middle band of the BeatsExpectations distribution. Schools with this campus's student mix typically land near 49.3%; this one delivers 61.1%.

In the area at large, the surrounding county (Jackson County) records that median household income runs about $48,763, about 36% of the adult population holds a bachelor's degree or above, and roughly 11% of residents live below the federal poverty line. Across Jackson County's 32 public schools (combined enrollment of about 6,811 students), Giant City Elem School is one campus in the mix.

The closest other public school is Unity Point Elem School, roughly 3.0 miles away. Counting just inside five miles, 5 other public schools cluster around Giant City Elem School. Among the 8 schools in that immediate cluster with test data (this one included), Giant City Elem School ranks 2nd on composite proficiency, ahead of the local average of 39.2%.

Geographically, the school is in a low-density area.

Looking at the recent track record. Giant City Elem School's enrollment has expanded 3% since 2018, when it stood at 211 (now 218). White enrollment moved from 83% to 74% across the same window.

On the community side, the feed for Giant City Elem School typically covers classroom updates, athletics, and weather closures. Parents, students, alumni, and staff are welcome to weigh in.