- Jefferson Middle School — 0.2 mi · Grades 6–8 · 517 students
- Laketown Elem School — 0.8 mi · Grades K–5 · 135 students
- Harvard Park Elem School — 0.8 mi · Grades K–5 · 370 students
- Southern View Elem School — 1.1 mi · Grades K–5 · 171 students
- Springfield Southeast High Sch — 1.2 mi · Grades 9–12 · 1,229 students
- Springfield Ball Charter School — 1.3 mi · Grades K–8 · 394 students
- Iles Elem School — 1.4 mi · Grades 1–8 · 414 students
- Early Learning Center — 1.4 mi · Grades PK–PK · 549 students
| Metric | Springfield School District 186 | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 13,066 | 3,544 | ↑ Larger than avg |
| Number of Schools | 35 | 7 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $24,749/yr | $17,619/yr | ↑ 40% above avg |
| District Type | Public School District | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 3/10 — Below Average | — | Below average |
| District | Rating | Percentile | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Springfield School District 186 (this district) | 3/10 | 20th | 13,066 |
| Rochester Community Unit School District 3A | 6/10 | 52nd | 2,074 |
| Ball-Chatham Community Unit School District 5 | 7/10 | 68th | 4,655 |
| Riverton Community Unit School District 14 | 4/10 | 30th | 1,249 |
🔢 Show the math behind this rating
Ranked against 763 rated districts in IL → 20th percentile → 3/10.
Source: Illinois State Board of Education IAR, grades 3–8 ELA & Math Proficiency Rate, 2023–24 school year. Full methodology →
About Springfield School District 186
Springfield School District 186 serves zip code 62703, covering Springfield, 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 3/10 Rating
Springfield School District 186 has earned an overall SchoolDistrictFinder rating of 3/10, placing it in the below average tier. 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.
Springfield School District 186 carries a below-average rating, with reading and math proficiency rates below typical Illinois benchmarks on state assessments. A below-average score reflects test performance relative to other districts — not necessarily teaching quality or school culture, and some of these districts have schools with strong communities and dedicated staff. Families should research specific school quality, visit in person, and ask about available programs. Also ask about open enrollment and magnet options that may offer alternatives to the default attendance-zone assignment.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 62703
Children in zip code 62703 are assigned to Springfield School District 186 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 62703, 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 Springfield School District 186 at the number listed on the district website 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 Springfield
School district quality is one of the most consistent factors in residential home pricing. Because Springfield School District 186 serves zip code 62703, buyers should factor school district quality into their overall evaluation of homes in zip code 62703. 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 Springfield School District 186 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 62703.
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 Springfield School District 186 before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 62703 data.