For the 2026 school year, there are 10 public schools serving 4,659 students in 62521, IL (there are 3 private schools, serving 377 private students). 92% of all K-12 students in 62521, IL are educated in public schools (compared to the IL state average of 88%).
The top-ranked public schools in 62521, IL are Johns Hill Magnet School, Eisenhower High School and Montessori Academy For Peace. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public schools in zipcode 62521 have an average math proficiency score of 4% (versus the Illinois public school average of 27%), and reading proficiency score of 6% (versus the 30% statewide average). Schools in 62521, IL have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Illinois public schools.
Minority enrollment is 72% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Illinois public school average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Best 62521, IL Public 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.
Eisenhower High School
(Math: ≤5% | Reading: 10-14%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1200 S 16th St
Decatur, IL 62521
(217) 362-3100
Decatur, IL 62521
(217) 362-3100
Gr: 9-12 | 909 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 68%
Rank: #33.
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: #4 - 54. - 5.
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: #4 - 54. - 5.
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: #66.
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: #77.
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: #88.
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: #99.
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%
Rank: n/an/a
Heartland Technical Academy
Vocational School
1 College Park
Decatur, IL 62521
(217) 872-4050
Decatur, IL 62521
(217) 872-4050
Gr: 11-12
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in 62521, IL?
The top-ranked public schools in 62521, IL include Johns Hill Magnet School, Eisenhower High School and Montessori Academy For Peace.
How many public schools are located in 62521?
10 public schools are located in 62521.
What percentage of students in 62521 go to public school?
92% of all K-12 students in 62521 are educated in public schools (compared to the IL state average of 88%).
What is the racial composition of students in 62521?
62521 public schools minority enrollment is 72% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Illinois public schools average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
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.