For the 2026 school year, there are 2 public middle schools serving 862 students in 62521, IL.
The top-ranked public middle schools in 62521, IL are American Dreamer Stem Academy and Hope Academy. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public middle schools in zipcode 62521 have an average math proficiency score of 1% (versus the Illinois public middle school average of 24%), and reading proficiency score of 2% (versus the 29% statewide average). Middle schools in 62521, IL have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Illinois public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 81% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Illinois public middle school average of 61% (majority Hispanic).
Best 62521, IL Public Middle Schools (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
American Dreamer Stem Academy
(Math: 2% | Reading: 3%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
2115 S Taylor Rd
Decatur, IL 62521
(217) 362-3380
Decatur, IL 62521
(217) 362-3380
Gr: K-8 | 364 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 83%
Rank: #22.
Hope Academy
(Math: ≤1% | Reading: 2%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
955 N Illinois St
Decatur, IL 62521
(217) 362-3280
Decatur, IL 62521
(217) 362-3280
Gr: K-8 | 498 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 80%
62521, Illinois Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
575 North Brush College Rd
Decatur, IL 62521
(217) 424-3184
Decatur, IL 62521
(217) 424-3184
Gr: K-6 | 169 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 42%
Garfield Elementary School (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
300 Meadow Terrace Pl
Decatur, IL 62521
(217) 362-3275
Decatur, IL 62521
(217) 362-3275
Gr: K-12
Heartland Region Efedual Credit High School (Closed 2013)
Vocational School
1 College Park
Decatur, IL 62521
(217) 875-7211
Decatur, IL 62521
(217) 875-7211
Gr: 9-12
Middle and High marys adolescent Educational program (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
1800 E Lake Shore Dr
Decatur, IL 62521
(217) 464-5000
Decatur, IL 62521
(217) 464-5000
Gr: 1-11
2610 Salem Sch Rd
Decatur, IL 62521
(217) 864-2615
Decatur, IL 62521
(217) 864-2615
Gr: K-3 | 90 students Minority enrollment: 3%
4735 E Cantrell St
Decatur, IL 62521
(217) 362-3201
Decatur, IL 62521
(217) 362-3201
Gr: 7-8 | 482 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 58%
400 S Maffit St
Decatur, IL 62521
(217) 424-3205
Decatur, IL 62521
(217) 424-3205
Gr: PK-6 | 331 students Minority enrollment: 70%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public middle schools in 62521, IL?
The top-ranked public middle schools in 62521, IL include American Dreamer Stem Academy and Hope Academy.
How many public middle schools are located in 62521?
2 public middle schools are located in 62521.
What is the racial composition of students in 62521?
62521 public middle schools minority enrollment is 81% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Illinois public middle schools average of 61% (majority Hispanic).
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.