Serving 335 students in grades Kindergarten-6, South Shores 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 19:1 is higher than the Illinois state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 74% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Illinois state average of 55% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Kindergarten-6
- Enrollment: 335 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 19:1
- Minority Enrollment: 74%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in IL
- Math Proficiency: ≤5% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: ≤5% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: ≤10% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: South Shores Elementary School serves the southern part of Decatur, IL, encompassing an attendance area of approximately 2.5 square miles, with most students living within a 5 to 10-minute drive from the school. The furthest edge of the zone is about 2.3 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
School Overview
South Shores Elementary School's student population of 335 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 18 teachers has grown by 12% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-6
Total Students
335 students
Total Classroom Teachers
18 teachers
School Rankings
South Shores 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 South Shores Elementary School is 0.64, 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)
≤10%
50%
Student-Teacher Ratio
19:1
13:1
American Indian
1%
n/a
Asian
n/a
6%
Hispanic
4%
29%
Black
51%
16%
White
26%
45%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
18%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)59.4%
29.7%
Eligible for Free Lunch
47%
43%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (10-11)
3%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is South Shores Elementary School's ranking?
South Shores Elementary School is ranked #3352 out of 3,542 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Illinois.
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 South Shores Elementary School?
335 students attend South Shores Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
51% of South Shores Elementary School students are Black, 26% of students are White, 18% 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 South Shores Elementary School?
South Shores Elementary School has a student ration of 19:1, which is higher than the Illinois state average of 13:1.
What grades does South Shores Elementary School offer ?
South Shores Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-6
What school district is South Shores Elementary School part of?
South Shores Elementary School is part of Decatur SD 61 School District.
School Reviews
Review South Shores Elementary School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
The First Six Weeks at a New Public School
The first six weeks reveal how children are adapting to a new public school. Learn which academic, social, emotional, attendance, and routine signals parents should monitor closely.
Will Your Child Receive Enough Individual Attention? Looking Beyond Student-Teacher Ratios
Student-teacher ratios reveal only part of a school’s story. Learn how families can evaluate class size, staffing, teacher access, tutoring, feedback, and personalized support for children today.
What Families Should Ask About AI Use in Public Schools
Families need clear answers about classroom AI. Learn what to ask public schools about teaching, academic integrity, privacy, teacher oversight, equity, and student learning before concerns arise.
