South Shores Elementary School (Ranked Bottom 50% for 2025-26)

Home > Illinois > Macon County > Decatur

South Shores Elementary School

601 N Church St
Decatur, IL 62522

( shown in map)

Bottom 50%

Serving 338 students in grades Kindergarten-6, South Shores Elementary School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Illinois for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).

The percentage of students achieving is ≤5% (which is lower than the Illinois state average of 27%). The percentage of students achieving is ≤5% (which is lower than the Illinois state average of 30%).

The student-teacher ratio of 21:1 is higher than the Illinois state level of 13:1.

Minority enrollment is 69% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Illinois state average of 55% (majority Hispanic and Black).

Quick Facts (2025-26)

Grades: Kindergarten-6
Enrollment: 338 students
Student-Teacher Ratio: 21:1
Minority Enrollment: 69%
: Bottom 50% in IL
: ≤5% (Btm 50%)
: ≤5% (Btm 50%)
: ≤10% (Btm 50%)
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education

Top Rankings

South Shores Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Illinois for:

School Overview

South Shores Elementary School's student population of 338 students has grown by 21% over five school years.

The teacher population of 16 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.

Grades Offered

Grades Kindergarten-6

View Data

Distribution of Students By Grade Trends
Grade	South Shores Elementary School
Kind	50
1	48
2	50
3	51
4	48
5	52
6	39

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School Data: Full School Dataset XML | Full School Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Total Students

338 students

View Data

Total Students Trends Over Years (1987-2023)
Year	South Shores Elementary School
2023	328
2022	334
2021	324
2020	279
2019	279
2018	284
2017	284
2016	278
2015	301
2014	277
2013	294
2012	329
2011	355
2010	349
2009	357
2008	364
2007	365
2006	383
2005	387
2004	338
2003	346
2002	369
2001	350
2000	300
1999	309
1998	325
1997	274
1996	291
1995	267
1994	301
1993	308
1992	324
1991	331
1990	312
1989	320
1988	295
1987	309

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School Data: Full School Dataset XML | Full School Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Gender %

Total Classroom Teachers

16 teachers

View Data

Total Classroom Teachers Trends Over Years (1991-2023)
Year	South Shores Elementary School
2023	20
2022	17
2020	16
2019	16
2018	15
2017	15
2016	16
2015	15
2014	14
2013	27
2011	18
2010	19
2009	18
2008	19
2007	19
2006	18
2005	18
2004	16
2003	17
2002	18
2001	14
2000	16
1999	14
1998	14
1997	14
1996	14
1995	13
1994	14
1993	13
1992	13
1991	13

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School Data: Full School Dataset XML | Full School Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

School Rankings

South Shores Elementary School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 3,542 schools in Illinois (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).

The of South Shores Elementary School is 0.65, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.70. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.

This School

State Level (IL)

#3352 out of 3542 schools
(Bottom 50%)

View Data

Overall School Rank Trends Over Years (2012-2023)
Year	South Shores Elementary School
2023	#3352
2022	#3268
2021	#3437
2019	#3425
2018	#3459
2017	#3317
2016	#3341
2015	#3233
2014	#2954
2013	#3051
2012	#2876

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School Data: Full School Dataset XML | Full School Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

≤5%

27%

View Data

Math Proficiency Comparison Over Years (2011-2023)
Year	South Shores Elementary School	Illinois	Decatur School District 61
2023	5%	27%	4%
2021	5%	28%	3%
2019	5%	33%	7%
2018	7%	32%	8%
2017	5%	32%	8%
2016	5%	31%	8%
2015	5%	29%	9%
2014	32%	59%	39%
2013	37%	58%	38%
2012	67%	80%	68%
2011	67%	80%	73%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School Data: Full School Dataset XML | Full School Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

≤5%

30%

View Data

Reading and Language Arts Proficiency Comparison Over Years (2011-2022)
Year	South Shores Elementary School	Illinois	Decatur School District 61
2022	5%	30%	6%
2021	5%	32%	6%
2019	12%	38%	12%
2018	7%	37%	8%
2017	17%	38%	15%
2016	12%	36%	15%
2015	17%	38%	17%
2014	42%	57%	39%
2013	42%	58%	42%
2012	62%	75%	62%
2011	62%	75%	67%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School Data: Full School Dataset XML | Full School Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

≤10%

50%

Student-Teacher Ratio

21:1

13:1

View Data

Student-Teacher Ratio Comparison Over Years (1991-2023)
Year	South Shores Elementary School	Illinois	Decatur School District 61
2023	16:1	14:1	20:1
2022	20:1	14:1	20:1
2020	17:1	15:1	20:1
2019	17:1	15:1	20:1
2018	19:1	16:1	20:1
2017	19:1	15:1	20:1
2016	17:1	16:1	22:1
2015	20:1	16:1	18:1
2014	20:1	16:1	21:1
2013	11:1	13:1	12:1
2011	20:1	16:1	20:1
2010	19:1	16:1	19:1
2009	20:1	16:1	20:1
2008	19:1	18:1	21:1
2007	19:1	17:1	19:1
2006	21:1	16:1	21:1
2005	22:1	16:1	21:1
2004	21:1	17:1	23:1
2003	20:1	16:1	22:1
2002	21:1	16:1	23:1
2001	25:1	16:1	20:1
2000	19:1	16:1	20:1
1999	22:1	16:1	21:1
1998	23:1	17:1	21:1
1997	20:1	17:1	21:1
1996	21:1	17:1	21:1
1995	21:1	17:1	21:1
1994	22:1	18:1	22:1
1993	24:1	18:1	23:1
1992	26:1	17:1	22:1
1991	25:1	17:1	23:1

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School Data: Full School Dataset XML | Full School Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

American Indian

Asian

n/a

View Data

Asian Student Percentage Comparison Over Years (2006-2022)
Year	South Shores Elementary School	Illinois	Decatur School District 61
2022	1%	5%	1%
2008	3%	5%	3%
2007	3%	5%	3%
2006	3%	5%	2%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School Data: Full School Dataset XML | Full School Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Hispanic

28%

View Data

Hispanic Student Percentage Comparison Over Years (2002-2023)
Year	South Shores Elementary School	Illinois	Decatur School District 61
2023	3%	27%	5%
2022	3%	27%	4%
2021	5%	27%	4%
2020	4%	26%	5%
2019	4%	26%	5%
2018	2%	26%	3%
2017	2%	26%	3%
2016	2%	26%	3%
2014	1%	25%	3%
2013	1%	24%	3%
2012	3%	24%	3%
2011	1%	23%	2%
2010	3%	22%	4%
2009	3%	22%	4%
2008	3%	21%	4%
2007	5%	20%	4%
2006	3%	19%	3%
2005	3%	18%	3%
2004	1%	18%	1%
2003	1%	17%	1%
2002	1%	16%	1%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School Data: Full School Dataset XML | Full School Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Black

48%

16%

View Data

Black Student Percentage Comparison Over Years (1991-2023)
Year	South Shores Elementary School	Illinois	Decatur School District 61
2023	48%	17%	50%
2022	48%	17%	49%
2021	47%	17%	48%
2020	44%	17%	47%
2019	44%	17%	47%
2018	48%	17%	47%
2017	48%	17%	47%
2016	46%	17%	46%
2015	44%	17%	45%
2014	39%	17%	45%
2013	41%	18%	45%
2012	44%	18%	45%
2011	40%	18%	45%
2010	39%	20%	47%
2009	37%	20%	47%
2008	34%	20%	46%
2007	35%	20%	45%
2006	37%	20%	46%
2005	35%	20%	44%
2004	40%	21%	46%
2003	38%	21%	45%
2002	39%	21%	44%
2001	53%	21%	42%
2000	58%	21%	41%
1999	50%	21%	40%
1998	54%	21%	38%
1997	47%	20%	38%
1996	38%	21%	37%
1995	34%	20%	36%
1994	31%	21%	35%
1993	34%	21%	33%
1992	31%	21%	32%
1991	31%	21%	32%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School Data: Full School Dataset XML | Full School Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

White

31%

45%

View Data

White Student Percentage Comparison Over Years (1991-2023)
Year	South Shores Elementary School	Illinois	Decatur School District 61
2023	33%	45%	32%
2022	36%	47%	33%
2021	34%	47%	34%
2020	39%	48%	37%
2019	39%	48%	37%
2018	38%	49%	39%
2017	38%	49%	39%
2016	42%	49%	39%
2015	43%	49%	39%
2014	46%	50%	40%
2013	43%	50%	41%
2012	41%	51%	42%
2011	47%	51%	42%
2010	56%	53%	46%
2009	60%	53%	46%
2008	60%	54%	47%
2007	57%	55%	48%
2006	57%	56%	49%
2005	61%	57%	51%
2004	59%	57%	52%
2003	61%	58%	53%
2002	60%	59%	54%
2001	47%	60%	56%
2000	42%	61%	57%
1999	49%	62%	58%
1998	45%	63%	60%
1997	53%	64%	62%
1996	62%	64%	63%
1995	66%	65%	63%
1994	69%	65%	64%
1993	66%	65%	66%
1992	69%	66%	67%
1991	68%	66%	67%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School Data: Full School Dataset XML | Full School Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Hawaiian

n/a

Two or more races

16%

View Data

Two or More Races Student Percentage Comparison Over Years (2013-2023)
Year	South Shores Elementary School	Illinois	Decatur School District 61
2023	15%	4%	12%
2022	12%	4%	13%
2021	14%	4%	12%
2020	13%	4%	11%
2019	13%	4%	11%
2018	12%	3%	11%
2017	12%	3%	11%
2016	10%	3%	11%
2015	13%	3%	10%
2014	14%	3%	11%
2013	15%	3%	10%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School Data: Full School Dataset XML | Full School Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

All Ethnic Groups

0.65

0.70

View Data

Diversity Score Comparison Over Years (1991-2023)
Year	South Shores Elementary School	Illinois	Decatur School District 61
2023	0.64	0.70	0.63
2022	0.63	0.68	0.64
2021	0.65	0.68	0.64
2020	0.64	0.68	0.63
2019	0.64	0.68	0.63
2018	0.62	0.67	0.62
2017	0.62	0.67	0.62
2016	0.61	0.67	0.63
2015	0.61	0.67	0.61
2014	0.62	0.66	0.63
2013	0.63	0.66	0.63
2012	0.64	0.65	0.62
2011	0.61	0.66	0.62
2010	0.57	0.64	0.54
2009	0.54	0.64	0.54
2008	0.55	0.64	0.55
2007	0.58	0.63	0.54
2006	0.56	0.61	0.54
2005	0.54	0.61	0.53
2004	0.50	0.60	0.53
2003	0.49	0.59	0.52
2002	0.49	0.59	0.52
2001	0.50	0.58	0.51
2000	0.49	0.57	0.51
1999	0.51	0.56	0.50
1998	0.51	0.56	0.50
1997	0.50	0.54	0.49
1996	0.48	0.53	0.48
1995	0.45	0.53	0.47
1994	0.43	0.52	0.47
1993	0.45	0.52	0.46
1992	0.43	0.52	0.45
1991	0.44	0.52	0.45

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School Data: Full School Dataset XML | Full School Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Eligible for

46%

43%

View Data

Free Lunch Eligibility Comparison Over Years (2002-2023)
Year	South Shores Elementary School	Illinois	Decatur School District 61
2023	48%	43%	51%
2022	47%	43%	50%
2021	48%	44%	51%
2020	76%	47%	68%
2019	76%	47%	68%
2018	54%	46%	55%
2017	54%	46%	55%
2016	78%	47%	71%
2015	87%	52%	74%
2014	74%	47%	74%
2013	69%	45%	70%
2012	50%	21%	37%
2011	74%	39%	62%
2008	63%	32%	59%
2006	56%	32%	57%
2005	60%	32%	54%
2004	49%	31%	53%
2003	52%	30%	48%
2002	53%	30%	51%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School Data: Full School Dataset XML | Full School Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Eligible for (11-12)

26%

27%

View Data

Reduced-Price Lunch Eligibility Comparison Over Years (2002-2012)
Year	South Shores Elementary School	Illinois	Decatur School District 61
2012	26%	27%	28%
2011	3%	5%	6%
2008	7%	6%	9%
2006	7%	6%	7%
2005	7%	5%	7%
2004	8%	5%	7%
2003	5%	5%	8%
2002	7%	5%	7%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School Data: Full School Dataset XML | Full School Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

School Statewide Testing

School District Name

Decatur School District 61

Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education

Profile last updated: 02/09/2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What is South Shores Elementary School's ranking?

South Shores Elementary School is ranked #3352 out of 3,542 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Illinois.

What schools are South Shores Elementary School often compared to?

South Shores Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Dennis Lab School by visitors of our site.

What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?

≤5% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 27% IL state average), while ≤5% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 30% IL state average).

How many students attend South Shores Elementary School?

338 students attend South Shores Elementary School.

What is the racial composition of the student body?

48% of South Shores Elementary School students are Black, 31% of students are White, 16% of students are Two or more races, 4% of students are Hispanic, and 1% of students are American Indian.

What is the student-teacher ratio of South Shores Elementary School?

South Shores Elementary School has a student ration of 21:1, which is higher than the Illinois state average of 13:1.

What grades does South Shores Elementary School offer ?

South Shores Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-6

What school district is South Shores Elementary School part of?

South Shores Elementary School is part of Decatur School District 61.

School Reviews

Review South Shores Elementary School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:

Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities

Recent Articles

September 21, 2025

Texas Schools Enrollment Trends & Policy in 2025

Latest data and policy changes on Texas public school enrollment growth, funding, and virtual education in 2025.

September 21, 2025

Financial Aid & Hidden Costs in Public Schools

Learn about financial aid and hidden costs in public schools. Discover what parents should budget for beyond tuition-free education.

September 21, 2025

NYC Schools Still Most Segregated in 2025

Despite reforms, New York City schools remain the most segregated in the U.S. in 2025. Here’s what parents and educators need to know.

Quick Facts (2025-26)

Grades: Kindergarten-6
Enrollment: 338 students
Student-Teacher Ratio: 21:1
Minority Enrollment: 69%
: Bottom 50%
: ≤5% (Btm 50%)
: ≤5% (Btm 50%)
: ≤10% (Btm 50%)
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education