Serving 579 students in grades Kindergarten-8, Dennis Lab 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 proficiency in math is 2% (which is lower than the Illinois state average of 27%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 4% (which is lower than the Illinois state average of 30%).
The student-teacher ratio of 17:1 is higher than the Illinois state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 72% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Illinois state average of 55% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: Kindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 579 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Minority Enrollment: 72%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in IL
- Math Proficiency: 2% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 4% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 20-24% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Dennis Elementary School serves the west part of Decatur, IL, covering an area of approximately 2.7 square miles. Most families typically live within a 5-10 minute drive, with the furthest edge of the attendance zone located about 2.3 miles from the school.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
School Overview
Dennis Lab School's student population of 579 students has declined by 8% over five school years.
The teacher population of 35 teachers has grown by 20% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-8
Total Students
579 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
35 teachers
Showing 2015–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
School Calendar
School Rankings
Dennis Lab School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 3,542 schools in Illinois (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Dennis Lab 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.
Overall Testing Rank
#3509 out of 3542 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
2%
27%
Showing 2012–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
4%
30%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-24%
50%
Student-Teacher Ratio
17:1
13:1
Showing 2015–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
8%
29%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 28-year historical data available below ↓
Black
50%
16%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
White
28%
45%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
14%
4%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 15-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)53.5%
29.7%
Eligible for Free Lunch
39%
43%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 24-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (13-14)
8%
3%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dennis Lab School's ranking?
Dennis Lab School is ranked #3509 out of 3,542 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Illinois.
What schools are Dennis Lab School often compared to?
Dennis Lab Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Meridian Elementary School, Franklin Grove Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
2% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 27% IL state average), while 4% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 30% IL state average).
How many students attend Dennis Lab School?
579 students attend Dennis Lab School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
50% of Dennis Lab School students are Black, 28% of students are White, 14% of students are Two or more races, and 8% of students are Hispanic.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Dennis Lab School?
Dennis Lab School has a student ration of 17:1, which is higher than the Illinois state average of 13:1.
What grades does Dennis Lab School offer ?
Dennis Lab School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-8
What school district is Dennis Lab School part of?
Dennis Lab School is part of Decatur SD 61 School District.
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