Schools & Families in Mattoon

Mattoon's family fit centers on genuinely affordable housing set against a mid-tier public high school grade and real, disclosed, reviewer-sourced safety concerns following a past incident.

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A mid-tier public school district

Mattoon Community Unit School District No. 2 carries a 3.32/5 Niche rating (19 reviews). Mattoon High School carries an Overall Niche Grade of B- (888 students, 17:1 ratio) -- a genuinely mid-tier figure, neither top-ranked nor bottom-tier.

Real, disclosed safety-sentiment concerns following a past incident

Safety at Mattoon High School has been a real, disclosed concern for students, especially following a past school-shooting incident. The school has since implemented safety protocols including banning backpacks in classrooms and conducting drills, though some students feel more comprehensive measures are needed.

A genuinely older community than a typical college town

Mattoon's own median age (40.8) and 65-plus share (19.3%) reflect a genuinely more settled community than Charleston's EIU-adjacent college-town character, roughly 10 miles away -- relevant context for families weighing peer-community age profile.

Key takeaways

Mattoon High School carries a mid-tier B- Niche grade (3.32/5 district rating).
Real, disclosed reviewer-sourced safety concerns followed a past school-shooting incident, alongside implemented safety protocols.
Mattoon's community skews genuinely older (median age 40.8) than a typical EIU-adjacent college town.
Confirm current, specific school and safety data directly with Mattoon CUSD 2 before relocating.

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Last reviewed: 2026-08-25. Independent research; not financial, tax, or legal advice -- confirm current figures with a local professional before making a decision.