The top reported proficiency rate is 53% in English language arts. The lowest is 26% in Math.
Original Research by School Decision on Washington Intermediate School
Washington Intermediate School serves students in grades four through six in Pekin, an Illinois River city known for mixed residential and industrial character with older downtown blocks and newer single-family neighborhoods. The school enrolls a small student body in the context of its grade band, with the enrollment roughly evenly distributed across the three grades it houses.
The school's student body is predominantly white, with a small share of Hispanic students and very small counts of students from other racial and ethnic backgrounds. Data on free and reduced-price lunch participation, English learner status, and special education enrollment were not available, so a parent cannot see from the public record what share of the school's population qualifies for meal support or speaks another language at home.
Washington Intermediate's state assessment results show a pattern worth examining closely. In English Language Arts, the school's performance is above the middle for its grades: fourth-graders show solid achievement, fifth-graders perform comparably, and sixth-graders fall somewhat but remain near the midpoint. In mathematics, the picture is much weaker. Fourth-grade math proficiency sits below the midpoint, and it drops significantly in fifth and sixth grade, with only a small fraction of students meeting state proficiency standards by sixth grade. In the one science test administered at the school, fifth-grade results fall below the midpoint. When compared to other districts across Tazewell County, Washington's overall proficiency index places it below the county midpoint.
The school operates within Pekin PSD 108, which is implementing Standards-Based Grading and Reporting at both Washington and Wilson Intermediate Schools starting in the 2025-2026 school year. This change means parents will see student progress reported differently than traditional letter grades, with communication centered on mastery of specific standards. The district also participates in the Community Eligibility Provision, providing free breakfast and lunch daily to all enrolled students without application. A parent may want to discuss the math performance trend and any available support with the school directly to understand what interventions or changes are underway.
Pekin itself is in a period of active growth and development. The housing market is tight, with many buyers and limited inventory. The city is finalizing large mixed-use development on the Lutticken Property and has approved new duplex and single-family construction. Home values have risen notably in the past year, and median rental costs are stable. The city operates an extensive park system anchored by Mineral Springs Park, offers public bus transit through CityLink, and counts Pekin Insurance, Carle Health Pekin Hospital, and significant industrial employers among its economic anchors. Manufacturing remains a substantial source of employment in the area.
For a family considering this school, the key question is how the intermediate grades fit their child's needs in mathematics, where the school's proficiency lags. The ELA results suggest stronger ground there. The shift to standards-based reporting is worth understanding before enrollment. The broader community context is one of steady growth and manufacturing-rooted employment, with strong civic anchors and an active redevelopment agenda in downtown and surrounding neighborhoods.
See more original research from School Decision →