The top reported proficiency rate is 41% in English language arts. The lowest is 12% in Math.
Original Research by School Decision on Central Jr High School
Central Junior High School serves seventh and eighth grade in West Frankfort, a small former coal-mining city in southern Illinois that has experienced long-term population decline. The school enrolls a small cohort of students, with similar numbers in each grade, drawn largely from the local community and surrounding area.
On state assessments, Central's performance in math is notably low. In seventh grade, only a small share of students scored at proficient or above; eighth grade showed a modest improvement but remained well below typical proficiency levels. English language arts results are stronger. Seventh graders achieved proficiency at a level approaching two in five, and eighth graders performed somewhat better, with four in ten meeting the standard. Science proficiency in eighth grade sat close to the ELA rate. Overall, the school's proficiency index places it in the bottom quartile when compared to other districts in Franklin County. Participation rates on state tests are high, with nearly full attendance at testing sessions.
The student body is predominantly white, with very small populations of other racial and ethnic groups. Reliable data on free-or-reduced-price lunch eligibility, special education enrollment, and English learner population were not available. The school is a regular public school with no charter or magnet designation.
West Frankfort itself offers a small-town setting anchored by a historic downtown and a modest commercial Main Street corridor, where most residents own their homes. The town's identity remains tied to its coal heritage, and it has been shrinking for decades; population peaked during the coal boom and has declined steadily since. Housing values have decreased modestly in recent years, and the median home in the area is substantially below the state benchmark. The nearest hospital sits about a short drive north in Benton. Employment in the area centers on health care, retail, and manufacturing, with regional employers including several automotive parts suppliers and other manufacturers.
The district recently completed a roof replacement at the high school and moved to address roofing needs at the elementary and intermediate schools. For the 2025 levy, the district proposed a modest increase in total property taxes extended, raising household costs for families in the district. A new three-year teachers' contract was approved in late 2025 with annual salary step increases that lock in staffing stability moving forward.
A parent considering this school should be aware that academic performance, particularly in math, is significantly below state averages and warrants direct conversation with the school about instructional approaches and student support systems. The setting is a declining rural community with limited commercial vitality but stable civic anchors like the public library and parks. The school itself is small enough that families would likely have direct familiarity with its leadership and operations.
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