- Central Elementary School — 7.7 mi · Grades 1–4 · 227 students
- Central High School — 9.9 mi · Grades 9–12 · 220 students
- Central Junior High School — 9.9 mi · Grades 5–8 · 221 students
- Central Early Childhood — 11.1 mi · Grades PK–K · 75 students
| Metric | Central CUSD 3 | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 784 | 3,544 | ↓ Smaller than avg |
| Number of Schools | 4 | 7 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $16,832/yr | $17,619/yr | ≈ Near avg |
| District Type | Public School District | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 5/10 — Average | — | Near average |
| District | Rating | Percentile | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central CUSD 3 (this district) | 5/10 | 47th | 784 |
| Community Unit School District 4 | 7/10 | 64th | 664 |
| Quincy School District 172 | 3/10 | 27th | 6,345 |
| Liberty Community Unit School District 2 | 7/10 | 62nd | 634 |
🔢 Show the math behind this rating
Ranked against 763 rated districts in IL → 47th percentile → 5/10.
Source: Illinois State Board of Education IAR, grades 3–8 ELA & Math Proficiency Rate, 2023–24 school year. Full methodology →
About Central CUSD 3
Central CUSD 3 serves zip code 62359, covering Paloma, 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 Central CUSD 3 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.
Central CUSD 3 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 62359
Children in zip code 62359 are assigned to Central CUSD 3 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 62359, 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 Central CUSD 3 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 Paloma
Research consistently shows that district assignment affects residential property values. Because Central CUSD 3 serves zip code 62359, buyers should factor school district quality into their overall evaluation of homes in zip code 62359. 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 Central CUSD 3 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 62359.
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 Central CUSD 3 before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 62359 data.