- Shawnee Elementary School — 10.6 mi · Grades PK–5 · 136 students
- Shawnee High School — 10.6 mi · Grades 9–12 · 72 students
- Shawnee Jr High School — 10.6 mi · Grades 6–8 · 62 students
| Metric | Shawnee Community Unit School District 84 | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 285 | 3,544 | ↓ Smaller than avg |
| Number of Schools | 3 | 7 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $19,175/yr | $17,619/yr | Small district — per-pupil varies |
| District Type | Public School District | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 1/10 — Poor | — | Below average |
| District | Rating | Percentile | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shawnee Community Unit School District 84 (this district) | 1/10 | 5th | 285 |
| Murphysboro Community Unit School District 186 | 2/10 | 10th | 1,929 |
| Cobden School Unit District 17 | 4/10 | 39th | 465 |
| Trico Community Unit School District 176 | 4/10 | 38th | 864 |
About Shawnee Community Unit School District 84
Families in zip code 62942 (Grand Tower, Illinois) are assigned to Shawnee Community Unit School District 84 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 1/10 Rating
With a rating of 1/10 (low-rated), Shawnee Community Unit School District 84 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.
Shawnee Community Unit School District 84 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 62942
Children in zip code 62942 are assigned to Shawnee Community Unit School District 84 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 62942, 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 Shawnee Community Unit School District 84 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 Grand Tower
For families considering a purchase in the Grand Tower area, district assignment matters financially. Because Shawnee Community Unit School District 84 serves zip code 62942, buyers should factor school district quality into their overall evaluation of homes in zip code 62942. 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 Shawnee Community Unit School District 84 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 62942.
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 Shawnee Community Unit School District 84 before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 62942 data.