Patoka Elem School

Patoka Elem School is one of the very small elementary-level communitys in Patoka, Illinois, overseen by Patoka CUSD 100, with 96 students on its rolls from grades pre-K through 5. Compared to the state average of about 381 students per school, that is 75% smaller than typical.

Within Patoka CUSD 100, which oversees 3 schools and 201 students, Patoka Elem School is one campus in the system.

In terms of who attends, Patoka Elem School reports that nearly all students (96%) are White. Beyond that, the school logs 3% multiracial.

In terms of school funding signals, On paper, Patoka Elem School has 10 full-time-equivalent teachers, translating to a class-load average of around 9.6:1. Statewide, the average ratio sits near 13.9:1, putting Patoka Elem School tighter than the state norm the norm. An estimated 47% of students are eligible for free or reduced-price lunch, often used as a Title I proxy. By comparison, Marion County runs at roughly 64%, so the school's eligibility rate is below the surrounding baseline.

With demographic context factored in, Patoka Elem School tracks the demographic baseline. The model predicts 44.5% given the school's FRL share; actual proficiency is 41.2%.

Around the school, Marion County reports that median household earnings sit near $61,240, roughly 17% of adults have completed at least a four-year degree, and census figures put the poverty rate at about 11%. Patoka Elem School is one of 27 public schools in Marion County (combined enrollment of about 5,636 students).

Patoka Jr High School is the nearest neighboring public school, about 0.0 miles from this campus. 2 of the 8 nearest public schools sit inside a five-mile radius. Ranking that nearby cluster on reported proficiency puts Patoka Elem School at 2nd of 9; the average score across the group is 25.3%.

Geographically, the school is in a rural area.

Looking at the recent track record. Over the past 7-year window, the student count declined 33%: 143 students in 2018 compared to 96 in 2025. Over the same period, the White share decreased from 100% to 96%. Class-load math has tightened: from 13.7:1 in 2018 to 9.6:1 in 2025.

In the discussion threads here, the feed for Patoka Elem School typically covers enrollment questions, classroom assignments, and PTA news. The community welcomes input from current and former families.