CCUSD#1 at a Glance

Carlinville CUSD #1 is located in Macoupin County, Illinois.  The communities served by CUSD #1 include Carlinville, a city of almost 6,000 people, Chesterfield, Standard City and Plainview.  Each of the school district’s schools - Carlinville Primary School, Carlinville Intermediate School, Carlinville Middle School and Carlinville High School - are located in Carlinville.  The city of Carlinville, which is located approximately fifty (50) miles south of Springfield, Illinois, and sixty-five (65) miles north of St. Louis, Missouri, is conveniently located near larger metropolitan areas.  It is the county seat of Macoupin County, and is considered an outlying part of the Metro-East region of the greater St. Louis metropolitan area. Our proximity to Springfield and St. Louis provides students with many opportunities throughout the school year.

Our District is an integral part of the Carlinville community where it is based. The community is home to Carlinville Area Hospital, Karmak, and multiple locally owned and operated businesses.  Carlinville is also home to Blackburn College, a small liberal arts institution noted for its student work program. The school district enjoys strong partnerships with several community partners that enhance our ability to serve our community’s children.  For example, the city of Carlinville and the district have long cooperated to provide services. The same can be said for the Carlinville Park District and the schools. The school district actively engages with collaborations with Blackburn College as well.  

Likewise, there are numerous outstanding service organizations that actively support the school district. Included among these service groups are the Lions Club, the Elks Lodge, the Moose Lodge, the Rotary Club, the Masonic Lodge, the American Legion, and the Knights’ of Columbus. These are just a few of the service organizations that support our schools. Carlinville has a strong history of volunteerism and takes pride in the community and schools.

The district, which currently serves just under 1,500 children, has a rich history of offering successful academic and extra-curricular programs.  For instance, two Carlinville CUSD #1 schools have been recognized by the United States Department of Education as Blue Ribbon Schools. Furthermore, on multiple occasions, Carlinville High School has been identified by U.S. News and World Report as among the best high schools in Illinois.


In an effort to maintain the history of excellence, the school district continues to evolve and grow in its academic endeavors. For example, currently the school district is implementing an infusion of technology into the classroom. Additionally, STEM labs are being updated and expanded. Plus, CUSD #1 strives to sustain a quality commitment to teaching the fine arts. In fact, an all-school musical production at Carlinville High School each spring enjoys a rich tradition and significant popularity among students.  Also, the school district continues to offer numerous pathways in the career and technical area with an eye to expand those offerings in the near future.  


During the school year, the District provides several programs such as an after-school program called ACES, running club, and after-school enrichment programs.  Throughout the school year, evening activities for families are also available such as movie, pizza talks, reading and science nights. These are organized by staff and provide many additional fun and enriching experiences for our students and their families


Our outstanding staff is committed and dedicated to providing an academic program that challenges each child as well as meets the social and emotional needs of each individual student. Our talented teachers collaborate extensively to ensure that a safe and nurturing learning environment is provided so that students can develop into independent, productive and responsible lifelong learners that will allow them be successful for life.  

In this era of financial uncertainty, Carlinville CUSD #1 has been able to maintain a Financial Profile rating of Recognition from the Illinois State Board of Education.  This is the highest rating given by the Illinois State Board of Education.  We have been able to improve our facilities and make our entrances more secure as well as improve security systems because of the commitment of the community through the passing of a county school facilities sales tax.

"We are Carlinville" signifies a history of excellence and future full of positive prospects. While we are extremely proud of our history of accomplishments, we remain even more excited about the promise of our future. We know that our schools and community will continue to focus on growing and meeting the needs of all students.

Please browse through our website to learn more about Carlinville CUSD#1. We would be happy to answer any of your questions or tell you more about our District. If you would like to contact us or come visit, please call us at (217) 854-9823.