Top Rankings
Decatur School District 61 ranks among the top 20% of public school district in Illinois for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
Most diverse schools (Top 1%)
Community Size
Largest student body (number of students) (Top 1%)
For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public preschools serving 1,346 students in Decatur School District 61. This district's average pre testing ranking is 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of public pre schools in Illinois.
Public Preschools in Decatur School District 61 have an average math proficiency score of 6% (versus the Illinois public pre school average of 23%), and reading proficiency score of 11% (versus the 25% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 71% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Illinois public preschool average of 58% (majority Hispanic).
Overview
This School District
This State (IL)
# Schools
17 Schools
1,386 Schools
# Students
7,827 Students
511,993 Students
# Teachers
424 Teachers
38,166 Teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
19:1
19:1
Student By Grade
District Rank
Decatur School District 61, which is ranked within the bottom 50% of all 864 school districts in Illinois (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data) for the 2022-2023 school year.
The school district's graduation rate of 72% has decreased from 74% over five school years.
Overall District Rank
#852 out of 865 school districts
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
4%
27%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
6%
30%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
21%
50%
Graduation Rate
72%
87%
Students by Ethnicity:
Diversity Score
0.65
0.70
% American Indian
n/a
n/a
% Asian
1%
4%
% Hispanic
6%
32%
% Black
51%
18%
% White
28%
42%
% Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
% Two or more races
14%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
District Revenue and Spending
The revenue/student of $16,962 in this school district is less than the state median of $22,423. The school district revenue/student has grown by 17% over four school years.
The school district's spending/student of $20,754 is less than the state median of $21,662. The school district spending/student has grown by 41% over four school years.
Total Revenue
$133 MM
$41,381 MM
Spending
$162 MM
$39,976 MM
Revenue / Student
$16,962
$22,423
Spending / Student
$20,754
$21,662
Best Decatur School District 61 Public Preschools (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Montessori Academy For Peace
(Math: 6% | Reading: 11%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
601 N Church St
Decatur, IL 62522
(217) 362-3390
Decatur, IL 62522
(217) 362-3390
Gr: PK-8 | 639 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 53%
Rank: #22.
Robertson Charter School
Charter School
(Math: ≤5% | Reading: 11%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
2240 E Geddes Ave
Decatur, IL 62526
(217) 428-7072
Decatur, IL 62526
(217) 428-7072
Gr: PK-8 | 332 students Student-teacher ratio: 55:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: n/an/a
300 E Eldorado St
Decatur, IL 62523
(217) 362-3301
Decatur, IL 62523
(217) 362-3301
Gr: PK | 375 students Student-teacher ratio: 27:1 Minority enrollment: 76%
Recent Articles
Year-Round Schooling in 2026: Updated Parent Guide
Explore the latest 2026 data, trends, costs, and parent planning tips in the ongoing debate over year-round schooling vs the traditional calendar.
No Child Left Behind: Past, Present, and Future of U.S. School Policy
Explore how No Child Left Behind evolved into ESSA, what it means for 2025‑26 schooling, and what parents need to know about testing, admissions planning, and funding.
Understanding Public School Fees & Optional Costs Guide
Discover what public school fees are required versus optional, with 2026 updates for parents, students, and educators on budgeting and planning.
