The top reported proficiency rate is 59% in English language arts. The lowest is 34% in Math.
Original Research by School Decision on Lebanon High School
Lebanon High School is a mid-sized rural middle and high school serving grades six through twelve in St. Clair County. The school sits in Lebanon, a small college town anchored by McKendree University, located within a short drive of Scott Air Force Base. The town retains a preserved historic downtown and draws many families for its compact, walkable character and proximity to the base.
The school's enrollment is small, drawing its students primarily from the immediate area. About two-thirds of the student body is white, with a substantial share of Black students and smaller representations of other groups. Free-or-reduced-price lunch eligibility rates were not available, so a parent may want to ask the school directly about the share of economically disadvantaged students served.
State testing results are available only for grades six through eight, as Illinois does not test in high school using the same format. The math results show considerable variation by grade level. Sixth graders achieved modest proficiency. Seventh-grade math was notably stronger, while eighth graders showed the lowest math proficiency of the tested grades. English language arts results were similarly mixed: sixth grade showed moderate performance, but seventh graders performed well above the midpoint, and eighth graders achieved proficiency at the midpoint. In science, eighth graders met about midpoint proficiency. The school's overall proficiency index placed it above the median among St. Clair County's school districts, a meaningful strength for a small rural school.
High school graduation data and attendance rates were not available in the public record. The school does not appear to offer Advanced Placement courses or detailed dual-credit pathways in the sources reviewed, though parents would benefit from asking directly about college-preparation options, vocational pathways, or partnerships with nearby McKendree University.
The local housing market reflects rural character with median home values modest relative to state and national benchmarks. The broader St. Clair County market has seen increased inventory and some price softening in recent months. Lebanon itself has experienced residential growth tied to military proximity and regional commuting patterns, with several newer subdivisions built over the past decade.
No major district-level curriculum changes or referendums were identified in recent years. The Lebanon CUSD 9 district received a National Blue Ribbon award for Lebanon Elementary in 2023, indicating district-wide strength in elementary instruction.
The school is small enough to allow direct relationships between staff and families, fitting a student who values personalized attention in a rural setting. The mixed grade-level performance in state testing suggests variable readiness by subject and grade, so parents enrolling a middle schooler may want to discuss academic support options with the school. High school pathways and post-secondary planning would be worth clarifying directly with counselors.
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