The top reported proficiency rate is 47% in Math. The lowest is 46% in English language arts.
Original Research by School Decision on Herscher Intermediate Sch
Herscher Intermediate School serves students in grades 2 through 4, forming one part of Herscher Community Unit School District 2, which spans multiple campuses across southwestern Kankakee County. The school sits in a small rural village with a settled population and a local economy anchored by small business and natural gas infrastructure. The school itself is entering a transition: a new single-story building is under construction and scheduled to open in the fall of 2027, bringing modern classroom pods, a competition-sized gymnasium, and an outdoor classroom to replace the aging facility currently in use.
On state assessments, the school's proficiency rates are below state midpoints across the grades tested. In third-grade math and reading, about half of students demonstrated proficiency. Fourth-grade math comes in slightly above that threshold, while fourth-grade reading trails at roughly half. Fifth-grade results are not reported, likely because the school serves only through fourth grade at present. When compared to other districts in Kankakee County, Herscher's overall proficiency index sits slightly above the county median, positioning it in the middle range of peer districts rather than at the low or high end. Student participation in state testing is strong, exceeding ninety percent in all reported grades, suggesting consistent attendance and engagement with assessment.
The enrollment is modest in size, with students concentrated in grades 2 and 3. The student body is predominantly white, with a small representation of Hispanic students and students identifying as two or more races; counts of students receiving free or reduced-price meals and students with individualized education plans are not publicly reported for the school. Grade configuration places second through fourth graders here, with kindergarten and first grade located elsewhere in the district, a structure common in rural consolidated districts serving multiple towns.
Herscher village itself is a self-described "Small Town America" place with Main Street commerce, walkable blocks, and a settled rural character. Population has held roughly steady over recent decades. New housing is being built incrementally in nearby subdivisions with city utilities, but this is modest, in-fill development rather than rapid expansion. Housing values in the area are below state benchmarks, making the community accessible to working families. The district is a significant local employer alongside small businesses and a natural gas pipeline operation.
The new school facility will represent a material improvement in the learning environment and is a point of local investment worth noting. The district conducted a public process around the school's location, ultimately choosing to build in Herscher after community advocacy. Parents considering the school can expect continuity in the current academic profile alongside the physical upgrade arriving in 2027. A parent may want to look into further with the school the specific programs and supports in place to address proficiency gaps in reading and math, particularly for students in the lower-performing grades.
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