The top reported proficiency rate is 36% in English language arts. The lowest is 31% in Math.
Original Research by School Decision on Lincoln Elem School
Lincoln Elem School serves grades 3 through 5 in East Peoria, a small suburb of the Peoria area that sits on river-valley bluffs across the Illinois River. The school enrolls a modest number of students across its three grades and reflects the demographic makeup of East Peoria: predominantly white, with smaller shares of Hispanic, multiracial, and Black students. The specific counts of students in free-or-reduced-price lunch and special education populations were not available in the data provided.
The school's academic performance, based on the most recent Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) results and Illinois Science Assessment (ISA) data, shows proficiency rates that sit below typical district and state standards. In grade 3 math, students reaching proficiency on the IAR was around half; in grade 4, the proficiency rate dropped substantially to a quarter; by grade 5, it fell further to around one in six. English language arts performance tracks similarly: grade 3 and 4 students showed proficiency rates near one-third, while grade 5 saw a modest uptick to around two in five. Science results at grade 5 showed roughly one-third of students meeting proficiency on the ISA. All students took the assessments; participation was complete. When compared against the other school districts in Tazewell County, Lincoln's overall proficiency index falls into the bottom quartile, placing it substantially below the county median.
These results suggest that academic attainment at Lincoln faces real headwinds. A parent considering this school may want to look into further detail with the district about what targeted support exists, what curriculum changes are underway, or whether there are district-wide initiatives aimed at improving proficiency in elementary math and reading. The pattern of declining performance as students move from grade 3 through grade 5 in mathematics is worth exploring directly.
The East Peoria housing market has grown considerably active. Home values in the area have risen and remain moderate for Illinois when compared to the state benchmark, while the local real estate market shows brisk listing activity and strong buyer interest. The area continues its decades-long shift toward mixed-use development, especially in the Levee District where multifamily housing is being added alongside commercial space. A recent property tax decision by East Peoria Grade School District 86 to hold its 2024 levy flat, even as Tazewell County property assessments were rising, is expected to effectively lower the school-district portion of homeowners' property tax bills going forward—a meaningful factor for families evaluating a move. Illinois school districts typically make up the largest share of property tax bills, so this matters for household budgets.
East Peoria itself has low walkability and is car-dependent for daily life, though the city is investing in civic amenities like the recently opened Fondulac District Library and has directed development capital toward mixed-use areas with residential units near retail. Major regional employers include Caterpillar, OSF HealthCare, hospitality, and Illinois Central College. The city offers over substantial acreage of parkland and recreation, including riverfront access and turf fields for year-round sports tournaments added to the EastSide Centre in 2024.
Lincoln Elem operates as a regular public school without charter or magnet status. State assessment score data was the primary academic measure available; data on discipline, attendance, staffing, or course-specific programs was not provided. This school fits families seeking a neighborhood elementary option in an affordable, growing suburb with active real estate development and modest school tax pressure, though it warrants direct conversation with the district about academic improvement efforts given current proficiency levels.
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