- Pershing Early Learning Center — Grades PK–PK · 416 students
- Stephen Decatur Middle School — Grades 7–8 · 413 students
- MacArthur High School — Grades 9–12 · 1,059 students
- Eisenhower High School — Grades 9–12 · 909 students
- Johns Hill Magnet School — Grades K–8 · 627 students
- Montessori Academy for Peace — Grades PK–8 · 586 students
- Dennis Lab School — Grades K–8 · 579 students
- Parsons Elementary School — Grades K–6 · 505 students
- Hope Academy — Grades K–8 · 501 students
- Franklin Grove Elem School — Grades K–6 · 461 students
- American Dreamer STEM Academy — Grades K–8 · 423 students
- Muffley Elem School — Grades K–6 · 386 students
- South Shores Elem School — Grades K–6 · 335 students
- Robertson Charter School — Grades PK–8 · 327 students
- Michael E Baum Elem School — Grades K–6 · 313 students
- Decatur Pub. Schs. Alt. Education — Grades K–12
| Metric | Decatur School District 61 | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 7,974 | 3,700 | ↑ Larger than avg |
| Number of Schools | 17 | 6 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $17,000/yr (est.) | $13,700/yr | State avg est. |
| District Type | Public School District | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 1/10 — Poor | — | Below average |
| District | Rating | Percentile | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Decatur School District 61 (this district) | 1/10 | 1st | 7,974 |
| Harvard Community Unit School District 50 | 1/10 | 5th | 2,510 |
| North Shore School District 112 / Highland Park High School District 113 | 10/10 | 99th | 3,222 |
| Warren Township High School District 121 | 9/10 | 83rd | 3,758 |
🔢 Show the math behind this rating
Ranked against 763 rated districts in IL → 1st percentile → 1/10.
Source: Illinois State Board of Education IAR, grades 3–8 ELA & Math Proficiency Rate, 2023–24 school year. Full methodology →
About Decatur School District 61
Decatur School District 61 serves zip code 62523, covering Decatur, Illinois with grades K–12. Whether you’re researching a move, evaluating a home purchase, or preparing to enroll a child, the sections below give you a complete picture of this district’s resources, size, and what its rating means for your family.
Understanding the 1/10 Rating
Decatur School District 61 has earned an overall SchoolDistrictFinder rating of 1/10, placing it in the low-rated tier. Our ratings are based on state assessment results — the share of students scoring proficient or above in reading and math, as reported in Illinois’ IAR (Illinois Assessment of Readiness) grades 3–8 ELA & Math assessments (2023–24 school year). We average each district’s reading and math proficiency, then rank it against other districts in the same state to produce a 1–10 score. Because Illinois is compared only against itself, the rating reflects how this district performs relative to its in-state peers.
Decatur School District 61 holds a low overall rating, with reading and math proficiency among the lowest in Illinois on state assessments. Test results reflect many factors beyond the classroom, including community and economic conditions; a low score is a signal to research carefully, not a verdict on any individual school or teacher. Families in this area should research all available alternatives: inter-district transfers, charter schools, and magnet programs. Contact the district directly to understand exactly what programs are available at your assigned school.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 62523
Children in zip code 62523 are assigned to Decatur School District 61 for public school enrollment, covering grades K–12. School assignments are address-specific — your elementary, middle, and high school placements depend on your exact street address within zip code 62523, not just your neighborhood. Two homes on opposite ends of the same zip code may be assigned to different schools within the same district.
To confirm your specific school assignments, contact Decatur School District 61 at the number listed on the district website or visit the district’s official website. Typical enrollment documents include proof of residency (lease or deed plus a utility bill), your child’s birth certificate, current immunization records, and prior school records. If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, bring that documentation to enrollment — Illinois districts are required to continue services within a reasonable period. Fall enrollment windows typically open in late winter or early spring; contact the district for exact dates and required steps.
School Districts and Home Values in Decatur
School district quality is one of the most consistent factors in residential home pricing. Because Decatur School District 61 serves zip code 62523, buyers should factor school district quality into their overall evaluation of homes in zip code 62523. District boundaries are address-specific — verify the exact district assignment for any property you’re seriously considering rather than assuming based on the neighborhood. A single block can place two adjacent homes in different districts with different ratings and different annual property tax implications.
Use the property tax estimator on this page to calculate estimated annual tax obligations based on your target purchase price. In Illinois, property taxes are a primary funding source for public schools — your tax payments directly support Decatur School District 61 programs and staff. Understanding both district quality and the associated tax burden is essential financial due diligence before committing to any home in zip code 62523.
Data Sources and Accuracy
All district information on this page is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data (CCD) 2024–2025, the U.S. Department of Education’s annual census of all public school districts — the same dataset used by researchers, journalists, and policymakers to analyze American public education. District boundaries, school assignments, phone numbers, and per-pupil expenditure figures are updated annually when NCES publishes new data, typically in spring. Always verify your specific school assignment and enrollment requirements directly with Decatur School District 61 before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 62523 data.