For the 2026-27 school year, there are 8 public elementary schools serving 3,750 students in 62521, IL.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in 62521, IL are Johns Hill Magnet School, Montessori Academy For Peace and Michael E Baum Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public elementary schools in zipcode 62521 have an average math proficiency score of 4% (versus the Illinois public elementary school average of 27%), and reading proficiency score of 6% (versus the 30% statewide average). Elementary schools in 62521, IL have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Illinois public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 73% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Illinois public elementary school average of 56% (majority Hispanic).
Best 62521, IL Public Elementary Schools (2026-27)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Johns Hill Magnet School
Magnet School
(Math: 8% | Reading: 10%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1025 E Johns Ave
Decatur, IL 62521
(217) 362-3350
Decatur, IL 62521
(217) 362-3350
Gr: K-8 | 627 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 85%
Rank: #22.
Montessori Academy For Peace
(Math: 6% | Reading: 11%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
4735 E Cantrell St
Decatur, IL 62521
(217) 362-3390
Decatur, IL 62521
(217) 362-3390
Gr: PK-8 | 586 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 54%
Rank: #3 - 43. - 4.
Michael E Baum Elementary School
(Math: ≤5% | Reading: ≤5%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
801 S Lake Ridge Ave
Decatur, IL 62521
(217) 362-3521
Decatur, IL 62521
(217) 362-3521
Gr: K-6 | 313 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 68%
Rank: #3 - 43. - 4.
South Shores Elementary School
(Math: ≤5% | Reading: ≤5%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
2500 S Franklin Street Rd
Decatur, IL 62521
(217) 362-3321
Decatur, IL 62521
(217) 362-3321
Gr: K-6 | 335 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 74%
Rank: #55.
Muffley Elementary School
(Math: 2% | Reading: 5%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
88 S Country Club Rd
Decatur, IL 62521
(217) 362-3341
Decatur, IL 62521
(217) 362-3341
Gr: K-6 | 386 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 66%
Rank: #66.
Dennis Lab School
(Math: 2% | Reading: 4%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
300 Meadow Terrace Pl, Dennis
Decatur, IL 62521
(217) 362-3511
Decatur, IL 62521
(217) 362-3511
Gr: K-8 | 579 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 72%
Rank: #77.
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 | 423 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 84%
Rank: #88.
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 | 501 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 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 elementary schools in 62521, IL?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in 62521, IL include Johns Hill Magnet School, Montessori Academy For Peace and Michael E Baum Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in 62521?
8 public elementary schools are located in 62521.
What is the racial composition of students in 62521?
62521 public elementary schools minority enrollment is 73% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Illinois public elementary schools average of 56% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles
Does Your Public School Have Enough Nurses?
Learn whether your public school has enough nurses, how staffing affects student safety, chronic illness management, emergency care, and what parents should ask about available school health services today.
When Your Child Falls Behind Without Special Education
Learn what happens when your child falls behind academically but doesn't qualify for special education, including available school interventions, parent rights, tutoring options, and practical strategies for securing support.
When Your Child Finishes Classwork Faster Than Others
Discover why some children finish classwork faster than classmates, how teachers manage early finishers, and what parents can do to ensure meaningful learning, appropriate challenges, and continued academic growth.