Serving 313 students in grades Kindergarten-6, Michael E Baum 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 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 ≤5% (which is lower than the Illinois state average of 30%).
The student-teacher ratio of 18:1 is higher than the Illinois state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 68% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Illinois state average of 55% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: Kindergarten-6
- Enrollment: 313 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1
- Minority Enrollment: 68%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in IL
- Math Proficiency: ≤5% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: ≤5% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 20-29% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Michael E Baum Elementary School serves the eastern part of Decatur, IL, encompassing approximately 8.3 square miles. Families in this area can typically expect a drive of 10 to 12 minutes to reach the school, with the furthest edge of the attendance zone located about 5.4 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
School Overview
Michael E Baum Elementary School's student population of 313 students has grown by 15% over five school years.
The teacher population of 17 teachers has declined by 5% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-6
Total Students
313 students
Total Classroom Teachers
17 teachers
Year Founded
1975
School Rankings
Michael E Baum 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 diversity score of Michael E Baum Elementary School is 0.69, 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
#3352 out of 3542 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤5%
27%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤5%
30%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-29%
50%
Student-Teacher Ratio
18:1
13:1
American Indian
1%
n/a
Asian
n/a
6%
Hispanic
4%
29%
Black
41%
16%
White
32%
45%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
22%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)51.4%
29.7%
Eligible for Free Lunch
67%
43%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (13-14)
3%
3%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
School Mascot
Baum Bears
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Michael E Baum Elementary School's ranking?
Michael E Baum 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 Michael E Baum Elementary School often compared to?
Michael E Baum Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Hope Academy, Pasadena Lakes Elementary School, American Dreamer Stem Academy 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 Michael E Baum Elementary School?
313 students attend Michael E Baum Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
41% of Michael E Baum Elementary School students are Black, 32% of students are White, 22% 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 Michael E Baum Elementary School?
Michael E Baum Elementary School has a student ration of 18:1, which is higher than the Illinois state average of 13:1.
What grades does Michael E Baum Elementary School offer ?
Michael E Baum Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-6
What school district is Michael E Baum Elementary School part of?
Michael E Baum Elementary School is part of Decatur SD 61 School District.
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