| Index | Ottawa | Illinois | National |
| Average Test Scores | 33% | 33% | 48% |
| Student/Teacher ratio | 17:1 | 18:1 | 16:1 |
| Total public schools | 11 | 3,938 | 79,221 |
| Total private schools | 3 | 1,438 | 24,874 |
| Total post-secondary schools | n/a | 306 | 7,963 |
| Index | Ottawa | Illinois | National |
| Completed 8th grade | 84.2% | 86.2% | 84.3% |
| Completed high school | 82.8% | 84.7% | 83.0% |
| Completed some college | 52.9% | 61.8% | 59.4% |
| Completed associate degree | 29.1% | 40.7% | 38.5% |
| Completed bachelors | 18.9% | 32.9% | 30.3% |
| Completed masters | 6.8% | 12.7% | 11.5% |
| Completed professional degree | 2.4% | 3.4% | 3.3% |
| Completed doctorate | 0.6% | 1.2% | 1.3% |
There are a total of 11 public schools, 3 private schools and n/a post-secondary schools in Ottawa. Using the proficiency score averages, the average test scores for Ottawa, IL schools is 33%. The average student to teacher ratio is 17:1. In Ottawa, IL, an average of 84.2% of students have completed 8th grade and an average of 82.8% have completed high school.
| City | Population | Avg. Test Scores | National Avg. |
| Newark, IL | 1,325 | 50% | 3.5% |
| Grand Ridge, IL | 650 | 50% | 3.1% |
| Sheridan, IL | 2,829 | 40% | 16.7% |
| Seneca, IL | 2,534 | 40% | 17.4% |
| Mendota, IL | 6,927 | 33% | 31.9% |
| Ottawa, IL | 18,742 | 33% | 32.3% |
| City | Population | Avg. Test Scores | National Avg. |
| Twinsburg, OH | 18,754 | 83% | 73.4% |
| Hawthorne, NJ | 18,762 | 52% | 9.2% |
| Berea, OH | 18,713 | 71% | 47.4% |
| Seminole, FL | 18,772 | 61% | 27.1% |
| Ansonia, CT | 18,709 | 31% | 35.8% |
| Ottawa, IL | 18,742 | 33% | 32.3% |
Here are the best places to live in Illinois
Top 10 cities in Illinois with the best education system
Top 10 best public schools in Ottawa
10 Best cities in Illinois for employment