- Goodwin Elem School — 0.4 mi · Grades PK–5 · 315 students
- Jewel Middle School — 0.7 mi · Grades 6–8 · 490 students
- Fearn Elementary School — 0.8 mi · Grades K–5 · 492 students
- Smith Elem School — 1.8 mi · Grades PK–5 · 425 students
- Schneider Elem School — 1.9 mi · Grades K–5 · 361 students
- Hope D Wall TMH Child Dev Ctr — 2.1 mi · Grades PK–12
- Hall Elem School — 2.5 mi · Grades PK–5 · 512 students
- Herget Middle School — 2.5 mi · Grades 6–8 · 594 students
| Metric | Aurora West Unit School District 129 | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 11,211 | 3,544 | ↑ Larger than avg |
| Number of Schools | 17 | 7 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $17,236/yr | $17,619/yr | ≈ Near avg |
| District Type | — | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 2/10 — Poor | — | Below average |
| District | Rating | Percentile | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aurora West Unit School District 129 (this district) | 2/10 | 19th | 11,211 |
| Batavia Unit School District 101 | 8/10 | 78th | 5,260 |
| Aurora East Unit School District 131 | 1/10 | 6th | 12,619 |
| Indian Prairie Community Unit School District 204 | 10/10 | 90th | 25,687 |
🔢 Show the math behind this rating
Ranked against 763 rated districts in IL → 19th percentile → 2/10.
Source: Illinois State Board of Education IAR, grades 3–8 ELA & Math Proficiency Rate, 2023–24 school year. Full methodology →
About Aurora West Unit School District 129
Families in zip code 60542 (North Aurora, Illinois) are assigned to Aurora West Unit School District 129 for public education through 12th. 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 2/10 Rating
With a rating of 2/10 (low-rated), Aurora West Unit School District 129 ranks among Illinois’s low-rated-rated school systems. 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.
Aurora West Unit School District 129 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 60542
Children in zip code 60542 are assigned to Aurora West Unit School District 129 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 60542, 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 Aurora West Unit School District 129 at the number listed on the district website or visit the district’s official website. Typical enrollment documents include proof of address, a government-issued birth certificate, immunization records, and any existing school records or IEP documentation. 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 North Aurora
For families considering a purchase in the North Aurora area, district assignment matters financially. Because Aurora West Unit School District 129 serves zip code 60542, buyers should factor school district quality into their overall evaluation of homes in zip code 60542. 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 Aurora West Unit School District 129 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 60542.
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 and phone numbers are updated annually when NCES publishes new data, typically in spring; per-pupil spending comes from the US Census Bureau's Annual Survey of School System Finances, released about two years after the fiscal year it covers. Always verify your specific school assignment and enrollment requirements directly with Aurora West Unit School District 129 before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 60542 data.