Zip code 60438 is not served by one district. An elementary district and a separate secondary district each cover this area, which is normal in this state — which one your child attends depends on their grade.
| GRADES | DISTRICT | RATING |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-K–8 Elementary | Lansing School District 158 2,517 students · 5 schools | Not rated |
| 9–12 Secondary | Thornton Fractional Township High School District 215 3,310 students · 4 schools | 1/10 |
The elementary district is shown as not rated because our rating set was built per zip code from a single district, so elementary districts in split areas were never scored. We would rather show no rating than a borrowed one.
| Metric | Thornton Fractional Township High School District 215 | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 3,310 | 3,700 | ≈ Near average |
| Number of Schools | 4 | 6 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $17,100/yr (est.) | $13,700/yr | State avg est. |
| District Type | Public School District | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 1/10 — Poor | — | Below average |
| District | Rating | Percentile | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thornton Fractional Township High School District 215 (this district) | 1/10 | 4th | 3,310 |
| Seneca Township High School District 160 | NR | — | 385 |
| Lemont Township High School District 210 | 10/10 | 94th | 1,324 |
| Joliet Township High School District 204 | NR | — | 6,918 |
🔢 Show the math behind this rating
Ranked against 445 rated districts in IL → 4th percentile → 1/10.
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education EDFacts, 2017–18 school year (most recent available for this district). Full methodology →
- Thornton Fractnl So High School — Grades 9–12 · 1,803 students
- Thornton Fractnl No High School — Grades 9–12 · 1,425 students
- Center for Academics and Technolo — Grades 9–12
- Center for Alternative Learning — Grades 9–12
About Thornton Fractional Township High School District 215
Families in zip code 60438 (Lansing, Illinois) are assigned to Thornton Fractional Township High School District 215 for public education through 8th. This overview covers the district’s funding levels, scale, rating, and what to expect from the enrollment process if you’re moving to or within this zip code.
Understanding the 1/10 Rating
Thornton Fractional Township High School District 215 has earned an overall SchoolDistrictFinder rating of 1/10, placing it in the low-rated tier. Our ratings are based on state assessment results — the share of students scoring proficient or above in reading and math, as reported in the U.S. Department of Education’s EDFacts collection (2017–18 school year). We average each district’s reading and math proficiency, then rank it against other districts in the same state to produce a 1–10 score. Because Illinois is compared only against itself, the rating reflects how this district performs relative to its in-state peers.
Thornton Fractional Township High School District 215 holds a low overall rating, with reading and math proficiency among the lowest in Illinois on state assessments. Test results reflect many factors beyond the classroom, including community and economic conditions; a low score is a signal to research carefully, not a verdict on any individual school or teacher. Families in this area should research all available alternatives: inter-district transfers, charter schools, and magnet programs. Contact the district directly to understand exactly what programs are available at your assigned school.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 60438
Children in zip code 60438 are assigned to Thornton Fractional Township High School District 215 for public school enrollment, covering grades Pre-K – 8th. School assignments are address-specific — your elementary, middle, and high school placements depend on your exact street address within zip code 60438, not just your neighborhood. Two homes on opposite ends of the same zip code may be assigned to different schools within the same district.
To confirm your specific school assignments, contact Thornton Fractional Township High School District 215 at (708)585-2300 or visit the district’s official website. Typical enrollment documents include proof of residency (lease or deed plus a utility bill), your child’s birth certificate, current immunization records, and prior school records. If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, bring that documentation to enrollment — Illinois districts are required to continue services within a reasonable period. Fall enrollment windows typically open in late winter or early spring; contact the district for exact dates and required steps.
School Districts and Home Values in Lansing
School district quality is one of the most consistent factors in residential home pricing. Because Thornton Fractional Township High School District 215 serves zip code 60438, buyers should factor school district quality into their overall evaluation of homes in zip code 60438. District boundaries are address-specific — verify the exact district assignment for any property you’re seriously considering rather than assuming based on the neighborhood. A single block can place two adjacent homes in different districts with different ratings and different annual property tax implications.
Use the property tax estimator on this page to calculate estimated annual tax obligations based on your target purchase price. In Illinois, property taxes are a primary funding source for public schools — your tax payments directly support Thornton Fractional Township High School District 215 programs and staff. Understanding both district quality and the associated tax burden is essential financial due diligence before committing to any home in zip code 60438.
Data Sources and Accuracy
All district information on this page is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data (CCD) 2024–2025, the U.S. Department of Education’s annual census of all public school districts — the same dataset used by researchers, journalists, and policymakers to analyze American public education. District boundaries, school assignments, phone numbers, and per-pupil expenditure figures are updated annually when NCES publishes new data, typically in spring. Always verify your specific school assignment and enrollment requirements directly with Thornton Fractional Township High School District 215 before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 60438 data.