Western Avenue Elementary School

Welcome back!

Western Avenue Elementary School
1500 South Western Avenue
Geneva, Illinois 60134

630-463-3500 (Office)
630-463-3509 (Fax)

Mr. Ronald Zeman, Principal

History of Western Avenue School

Western Avenue School was built in 1964 on a combination School District/Park District site that measures fourteen acres. The original building housed thirteen classrooms, one of which doubled as an art/music room. In 1988, an addition was constructed providing a total of twenty classrooms including two large kindergarten rooms, separate art and music rooms, and a computer laboratory. As a result of the 1988 addition, Western Avenue School has an exceptional gymnasium facility. In 1995 four additional classrooms were constructed to make room for the increased student population.

The student body of Western Avenue School is characterized by high achievement. Over 84% of the student body scores at or above the 50th percentile on standardized achievement tests in Reading, Mathematics, and Language Arts. The student population is relatively homogeneous with the majority being middle to upper middle class homes. The mix of racial/ethnic backgrounds of the students is consistent with the district norms. Approximately 78% of the students live with both biological parents. The mobility rate of the school is approximately 7-8% indicating a stable environment. Enrollment for the 2005-2006 school year is approximately 590 students.
The 1999-2000 school year brought forth changes in technology at Western Avenue School as two new PC compatible computers were added to each classroom. A complete instructional computer lab was also added during this school year. All computers are part of our wide area network (WAN) as we bring 21st century into our classrooms at Western Avenue School.

The student school day begins at 8:15 a.m. and ends at 2:30 p.m. Double sessions of kindergarten are offered with the morning session dismissing at 10:45 a.m. and the afternoon session running from noon until 2:30 p.m.

The Story of Western Avenue Ducks

It is true that Western Avenue School has a logo of ducks which is pictured above. However, many people have no idea why. Western Avenue has two beautiful and “safe” courtyards. These courtyards were found many years ago in the spring by mallard ducks as they were searching for a place to nest.

The courtyard was a friendly place where the school children watched the eggs hatch. The ducks enjoyed free food and a swimming pool including a ramp for easy access for the ducklings. What a wonderful habitat for her babies. This is the reason that every year in the spring the mallards return to this safe haven to have their offspring. They are a wonderful temporary addition to the Western Avenue family. If you are around in the spring come see the ducklings for yourself.

The Mission of School District #304 is to educate students
within an environment that encourages the desire to
learn and enhance the teaching of skills necessary
to meet the unique academic, personal, physical,
and social needs of each individual.

The school program will reflect the values and ambitions
of the community and all students will be challenged to
develop intellectual and learning skills to their fullest
potential, preparing them to become contributing
members of society.