Douglas MacArthur High School is a public high school located in Decatur, Illinois. The school serves about 1,184 students from grades 9 to 12 in Decatur Public School District 61.
Serving 1,059 students in grades 9-12, Macarthur High 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 5% (which is lower than the Illinois state average of 27%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 15% (which is lower than the Illinois state average of 30%).
The student-teacher ratio of 20:1 is higher than the Illinois state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 73% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Illinois state average of 55% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,059 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 20:1
- Minority Enrollment: 73%
- Graduation Rate: 77% (Btm 50% in IL)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 5% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 15% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 25-29% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: MacArthur High School serves the west part of Decatur, IL, covering an area of approximately 19.9 square miles. Most students live within a 5-10 minute drive, with an average distance of 2.5 miles to the school's edges and the furthest point being 4.5 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
School Overview
Macarthur High School's student population of 1,059 students has declined by 9% over five school years.
The teacher population of 53 teachers has grown by 6% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
1,059 students
Total Classroom Teachers
53 teachers
Colors
White, Royal blue, Silver
School Rankings
Macarthur High 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 Macarthur High 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
#2954 out of 3542 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
5%
27%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
15%
30%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
25-29%
50%
Student-Teacher Ratio
20:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
1%
6%
Hispanic
7%
29%
Black
51%
16%
White
27%
45%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
14%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
77%
87%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)68.2%
29.7%
Eligible for Free Lunch
51%
43%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (13-14)
3%
3%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Macarthur High School's ranking?
Macarthur High School is ranked #2954 out of 3,542 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Illinois.
What schools are Macarthur High School often compared to?
Macarthur High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Eisenhower High 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 15% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 30% IL state average).
What is the graduation rate of Macarthur High School?
The graduation rate of Macarthur High School is 77%, which is lower than the Illinois state average of 87%.
How many students attend Macarthur High School?
1,059 students attend Macarthur High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
51% of Macarthur High School students are Black, 27% of students are White, 14% of students are Two or more races, 7% of students are Hispanic, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Macarthur High School?
Macarthur High School has a student ration of 20:1, which is higher than the Illinois state average of 13:1.
What grades does Macarthur High School offer ?
Macarthur High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12
What school district is Macarthur High School part of?
Macarthur High School is part of Decatur SD 61 School District.
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