- United Elem Sch - North — Grades PK–3 · 186 students
- United Elem Sch - West — Grades PK–3 · 179 students
- United Jr./Sr. High School — Grades 7–12 · 445 students
- United Intermediate School — Grades 4–6 · 198 students
- United Jr High Sch
| Metric | United Community School District 304 | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 945 | 3,700 | ↓ Smaller than avg |
| Number of Schools | 4 | 6 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $17,100/yr (est.) | $13,700/yr | State avg est. |
| District Type | — | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 5/10 — Average | — | Near average |
🔢 Show the math behind this rating
Ranked against 763 rated districts in IL → 46th percentile → 5/10.
Source: Illinois State Board of Education IAR, grades 3–8 ELA & Math Proficiency Rate, 2023–24 school year. Full methodology →
About United Community School District 304
United Community School District 304 serves zip code 61435, covering United, Illinois with grades Pre-K–12th. Whether you’re researching a move, evaluating a home purchase, or preparing to enroll a child, the sections below give you a complete picture of this district’s resources, size, and what its rating means for your family.
Understanding the 5/10 Rating
SchoolDistrictFinder rates United Community School District 304 5 out of 10 — average among Illinois public school districts. Our ratings are based on state assessment results — the share of students scoring proficient or above in reading and math, as reported in Illinois’ IAR (Illinois Assessment of Readiness) grades 3–8 ELA & Math assessments (2023–24 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.
United Community School District 304 falls near the middle of Illinois on state assessment results, with reading and math proficiency close to the state median. Average-rated districts provide foundational public education, and many families find they deliver solid day-to-day learning — particularly when parents stay engaged. If you're considering this area, look beyond the overall rating: visit schools, talk to current parents, and research the specific school your child would attend. Average districts often have individual schools that significantly outperform the district mean.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 61435
Children in zip code 61435 are assigned to United Community School District 304 for public school enrollment, covering grades Pre-K–12th. School assignments are address-specific — your elementary, middle, and high school placements depend on your exact street address within zip code 61435, 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 United Community School District 304 at the number listed on the district website or visit the district’s official website. Typical enrollment documents include a signed lease or mortgage statement, birth certificate, state-required immunization documentation, and recent report cards or transcripts. 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 Gerlaw
Research consistently shows that district assignment affects residential property values. Because United Community School District 304 serves zip code 61435, buyers should factor school district quality into their overall evaluation of homes in zip code 61435. 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 United Community School District 304 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 61435.
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 United Community School District 304 before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 61435 data.