Community Unit School District No. 4 is a district steeped in tradition and the proud home of the Crestwood Eagles. The district is located within the city limits of Paris, Ill., in Edgar County and covers an area of 234.5 square miles. The district was formed after a successful consolidation vote in 1948 that combined 21 small rural districts around the city of Paris. Crestwood School was built on a 50 acre site in 1955. Currently, the school houses 560 pre-kindergarten through eighth grade students, with 250 high school students attending Paris District 95 through an exclusive tuition agreement.

Crestwood School offers a quality education program. Success is proven by test scores, placements in academic contests, and the accomplishments of students in high school and beyond. Staff members are trained in the latest research-based teaching methods and implement a curriculum aligned with the state learning standards. Crestwood offers a Gifted and Talented program in grades two through eight. Three of the past six years, the Scholastic Bowl Team has earned a trip to the state finals. The district has had several teams place in regional Learning Olympiad contests and Team Quest contests, as well as teams that have advanced to state levels.

Crestwood School is proud of its extracurricular activities. A variety of sports are available for student participation including baseball, basketball, softball, volleyball, cheerleading, and track. Crestwood boasts nine girls' state basketball tournament titles and holds the Illinois girls' records for the most state appearances, most wins at state tournaments, and most state tournament titles. The boys' basketball team is competitive as well, earning its first state championship in 2005. The boys' track team placed third at state in 2004, breaking two state tournament records in the process. In addition to sports programs, the district offers a fine arts program with chorus, band, Art Club, and biennial musicals that would rival many high school productions. Crestwood also sponsors an active Science Club and Yearbook Club and other student groups such as Student Council and Bus Patrol.

With its small family-like atmosphere and caring, dedicated staff, Crestwood School is a great place to receive an education. Parents are active supporters of the school, and the spirit of volunteering continues in later years through a program for grandparents called Eagle Helpers.

The district operates its own transportation system with a fleet of 21 buses, as all students are eligible for transportation services. A full-time nurse is on staff and present in the building during school hours.

The building has sustained major renovation projects over the last five years. Recently completed was the addition of all new windows, along with new floor coverings, energy-efficient lighting, and ceiling tile throughout the entire facility. A new gymnasium floor was installed, as well as new bleachers. The electrical capacity to the building was increased and an extensive new playground was added. In addition, the school boasts several new features designed for the safety of students. While doing this the district has maintained one of the lowest tax rates in the area at 3.76.

The Board of Education, administration, staff, and parents in the district have worked to ensure that the school remains a source of pride for the community in future years.