For the 2026 school year, there are 8 public elementary schools serving 3,750 students in 62521, IL.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in 62521, IL are Johns Hill Magnet School, Montessori Academy For Peace and Michael E Baum Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public elementary schools in zipcode 62521 have an average math proficiency score of 4% (versus the Illinois public elementary school average of 27%), and reading proficiency score of 6% (versus the 30% statewide average). Elementary schools in 62521, IL have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Illinois public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 73% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Illinois public elementary school average of 56% (majority Hispanic).
Best 62521, IL Public Elementary Schools (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Johns Hill Magnet School
Magnet School
(Math: 8% | Reading: 10%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1025 E Johns Ave
Decatur, IL 62521
(217) 362-3350
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:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
4735 E Cantrell St
Decatur, IL 62521
(217) 362-3390
Decatur, IL 62521
(217) 362-3390
Gr: PK-8 | 586 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 54%
Rank: #3 - 43. - 4.
Michael E Baum Elementary School
(Math: ≤5% | Reading: ≤5%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
801 S Lake Ridge Ave
Decatur, IL 62521
(217) 362-3521
Decatur, IL 62521
(217) 362-3521
Gr: K-6 | 313 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 68%
Rank: #3 - 43. - 4.
South Shores Elementary School
(Math: ≤5% | Reading: ≤5%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
2500 S Franklin Street Rd
Decatur, IL 62521
(217) 362-3321
Decatur, IL 62521
(217) 362-3321
Gr: K-6 | 335 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 74%
Rank: #55.
Muffley Elementary School
(Math: 2% | Reading: 5%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
88 S Country Club Rd
Decatur, IL 62521
(217) 362-3341
Decatur, IL 62521
(217) 362-3341
Gr: K-6 | 386 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 66%
Rank: #66.
Dennis Lab School
(Math: 2% | Reading: 4%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
300 Meadow Terrace Pl, Dennis
Decatur, IL 62521
(217) 362-3511
Decatur, IL 62521
(217) 362-3511
Gr: K-8 | 579 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 72%
Rank: #77.
American Dreamer Stem Academy
(Math: 2% | Reading: 3%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
2115 S Taylor Rd
Decatur, IL 62521
(217) 362-3380
Decatur, IL 62521
(217) 362-3380
Gr: K-8 | 423 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 84%
Rank: #88.
Hope Academy
(Math: ≤1% | Reading: 2%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
955 N Illinois St
Decatur, IL 62521
(217) 362-3280
Decatur, IL 62521
(217) 362-3280
Gr: K-8 | 501 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 80%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in 62521, IL?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in 62521, IL include Johns Hill Magnet School, Montessori Academy For Peace and Michael E Baum Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in 62521?
8 public elementary schools are located in 62521.
What is the racial composition of students in 62521?
62521 public elementary schools minority enrollment is 73% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Illinois public elementary schools average of 56% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles
Media Literacy as a Core Skill: How to Tell if a School Teaches It Well
Learn how to evaluate whether a public school teaches media literacy effectively, from fact-checking and source evaluation to digital citizenship and critical thinking.
Screen Time, Paper Learning, and the New Back-to-Basics Debate
Explore why some public schools are reducing screen time, bringing back paper learning, and rethinking the balance between technology and traditional instruction.
Student Data, AI Tools, and Privacy: Questions to Ask Your District
Learn how public schools use AI, protect student data, and the key privacy questions every parent should ask their school district in 2026.