Best 62521 Illinois Public Middle Schools

For the 2026-27 school year, there are 5 public middle schools serving 2,716 students in 62521, IL.
The top-ranked public middle schools in 62521, IL are Johns Hill Magnet School, Montessori Academy For Peace and Dennis Lab School. 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 4% (versus the Illinois public middle school average of 24%), and reading proficiency score of 6% (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 74% 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 (2026-27)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Johns Hill Magnet School
Magnet School
(Math: 8% | Reading: 10%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
1025 E Johns Ave
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:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
4735 E Cantrell St
Decatur, IL 62521
(217) 362-3390
Gr: PK-8 | 586 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 54%
Rank: #33.
Dennis Lab School
(Math: 2% | Reading: 4%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
300 Meadow Terrace Pl, Dennis
Decatur, IL 62521
(217) 362-3511
Gr: K-8 | 579 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 72%
Rank: #44.
American Dreamer Stem Academy
(Math: 2% | Reading: 3%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
2115 S Taylor Rd
Decatur, IL 62521
(217) 362-3380
Gr: K-8 | 423 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 84%
Rank: #55.
Hope Academy
(Math: ≤1% | Reading: 2%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
955 N Illinois St
Decatur, IL 62521
(217) 362-3280
Gr: K-8 | 501 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 80%
[+] Show Closed Public Schools in 62521 Illinois

62521, Illinois Public Schools (Closed)

School
Location
Quick Facts
575 North Brush College Rd
Decatur, IL 62521
(217) 424-3184
Gr: K-6 | 169 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 42%
2115 S Taylor Rd
Decatur, IL 62521
(217) 362-3390
Gr: PK-6
300 Meadow Terrace Pl
Decatur, IL 62521
(217) 362-3275
Gr: K-12
1 College Park
Decatur, IL 62521
(217) 875-7211
Gr: 9-12
1800 E Lake Shore Dr
Decatur, IL 62521
(217) 464-5000
Gr: 1-11
2610 Salem Sch Rd
Decatur, IL 62521
(217) 864-2615
Gr: K-3 | 90 students Minority enrollment: 3%
4735 E Cantrell St
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
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 Johns Hill Magnet School, Montessori Academy For Peace and Dennis Lab School.
How many public middle schools are located in 62521?
5 public middle schools are located in 62521.
What is the racial composition of students in 62521?
62521 public middle schools minority enrollment is 74% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Illinois public middle schools average of 61% (majority Hispanic).

Recent Articles

How Much Choice Do High School Students Have?
How Much Choice Do High School Students Have?
Learn how graduation requirements, prerequisites, electives, staffing, scheduling conflicts, AP courses, dual enrollment, and career pathways determine how much control high school students have over schedules each year.
Does Your Child Need More Recess?
Does Your Child Need More Recess?
Explore whether your child may benefit more from recess than another academic period, including research on attention, learning, physical activity, stress, social development, and school-day balance today.
Combined Grade Classrooms, What Parents Should Know
Combined Grade Classrooms, What Parents Should Know
Learn how combined-grade classrooms work, why public schools use them, potential benefits and challenges, and the questions parents should ask before enrolling their child in one today.

Quick Links