Serving 579 students in grades Kindergarten-8, Dennis Lab 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 2% (which is lower than the Illinois state average of 27%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 4% (which is lower than the Illinois state average of 30%).
The student-teacher ratio of 17:1 is higher than the Illinois state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 72% 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-8
- Enrollment: 579 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Minority Enrollment: 72%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in IL
- Math Proficiency: 2% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 4% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 20-24% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Dennis Lab School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Illinois for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
School Overview
Dennis Lab School's student population of 579 students has declined by 8% over five school years.
The teacher population of 35 teachers has grown by 20% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-8
Total Students
579 students
Total Classroom Teachers
35 teachers
School Rankings
Dennis Lab 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 Dennis Lab School is 0.65, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.69. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#3509 out of 3542 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
2%
27%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
4%
30%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-24%
50%
Student-Teacher Ratio
17:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
n/a
6%
Hispanic
8%
29%
Black
50%
16%
White
28%
45%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
14%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
39%
43%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (15-16)
8%
3%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Decatur SD 61 School District
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dennis Lab School's ranking?
Dennis Lab School is ranked #3509 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?
2% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 27% IL state average), while 4% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 30% IL state average).
How many students attend Dennis Lab School?
579 students attend Dennis Lab School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
50% of Dennis Lab School students are Black, 28% of students are White, 14% of students are Two or more races, and 8% of students are Hispanic.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Dennis Lab School?
Dennis Lab School has a student ration of 17:1, which is higher than the Illinois state average of 13:1.
What grades does Dennis Lab School offer ?
Dennis Lab School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-8
What school district is Dennis Lab School part of?
Dennis Lab School is part of Decatur SD 61 School District.
School Reviews
Review Dennis Lab 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
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.
