Hillsboro Community Unit School District #3

         For many years, residents of the City of Hillsboro and the surrounding communities that make up the Hillsboro School District have consistently supported education and educational-related projects. This is evidenced through the commitment that these communities have made over the past seventy-five years. 

         This commitment, exhibited by leaders from Hillsboro and its surrounding communities including Schram City, Taylor Springs, Butler, Irving, Coffeen, Panama, Donnellson, and other rural areas have helped establish and support an outstanding school for our students.   

        Educational records of the Hillsboro community report that the first educational facility in Montgomery County was established as the Hillsboro Academy in 1837 in Hillsboro. In the 1840's, the Academy became the first Lutheran College in Illinois. Historical reports indicate that “. . . ultimately Illinois State University and Carthage College evolved from this college . . ." when the college was moved to Springfield in 1852. 

        During 1997, the Hillsboro School District expanded significantly with the annexation of the Witt Unit School District. The Hillsboro District now serves nearly 1,700 students located within a 266 square mile area. A population of over 11,500 residents are located within the school district boundaries located in Montgomery and Bond counties. The school district is strategically located nearly 45 minutes away from Springfield and about an hour from metro St. Louis, Missouri. 

        The Hillsboro Community School District #3 provides classes for students in grades Pre-kindergarten (ages 3-5) through Grade 12.  In addition there are resources, parenting classes, and home visits for families with children from birth to three.  The District provides special education classes, remedial classes, and gifted classes for students. 

        The District is made up of one high school, one junior high, one elementary schools all in Hillsboro.  In addition we have one two Pre-K buildings:  one in Coffeen and one in Hillsboro.  The Community High School in Hillsboro is located on 80 acres of land, containing athletic fields, woodlands, four classroom buildings and the transportation maintance building. The elementary schools are located in residential neighborhoods. Each building has a large (8-13 acres) playground and picnic area. The professional staff of the District includes 140 certified teachers, over 75 support staff and bus drivers, and 8 administrators. 

        The Hillsboro Community Unit School District enjoys a very good relationship with members of the community. Members of the public are invited to use school facilities such as computer labs, Makerspace areas and gyms on a regular basis. Members of the public participate in collaboration and planning as our schools continue to provide for our students in the ever-changing world of work. The District currently operates a nationally-recognized Pre-Kindergarten Program at our Coffeen school and at the HCCDC Center.   

        The District is currently spending approximately $450,000 each year on technology and technology programs to provide engaged learning activities for students. The District is spending over $90,000 per year in staff development and other staff workshop programs and classes to improve teaching and student learning and achievement. Nearly $1,250,000 in grants from federal and state sources are utilized each year to improve the educational offerings for young people within the school district. 

        The Hillsboro Community School District community contains a large labor force. Many individuals work in St. Louis, Springfield, Greenville, Vandalia, or Litchfield. The area has a diversified economic base and ranks as an important center for commercial, legal, and industrial activity. Service industries employ 35% of the labor force; manufacturing accounts for 16% of employment for Hillsboro area residents; and retail trade employs 12% of the labor force. 

       Major employers within the Hillsboro School District include: Hillsboro Community Unit School District #3; Graham Correctional Center; Hurst-Rosche Engineers, Inc.; Ameren of Illinois; M & M Service Company; Hillsboro Hospital; two health care centers; Fusion Aquatics, Bank of Hillsboro with 11 branch locations; Atlas 46, Roger Jennings, Inc.; Mid-State Special Education Cooperative; Journal News, and a host of smaller distributors and businesses. 

       Please visit here to learn more about our district and our four individual schools.