For the 2025-26 school year, there are 11 public middle schools serving 3,462 students in Decatur, IL.
The top ranked public middle schools in Decatur, IL are Garfield Learning Academy, Milligan Academy Rssp and Social-emotional Learning Academy. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Decatur, IL public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 4% (versus the Illinois public middle school average of 24%), and reading proficiency score of 6% (versus the 29% statewide average). Middle schools in Decatur have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Illinois public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 74% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Illinois public middle school average of 61% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Middle Schools in Decatur, IL (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Garfield Learning Academy
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
300 Meadow Terrace Pl, Dianne
Decatur, IL 62526
(217) 362-3361
Decatur, IL 62526
(217) 362-3361
Gr: K-12
Rank: #2 - 32. - 3.
Milligan Academy Rssp
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20% )
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
3900 N Neely Ave
Decatur, IL 62526
(217) 362-3085
Decatur, IL 62526
(217) 362-3085
Gr: 6-11
Rank: #2 - 32. - 3.
Social-emotional Learning Academy
Special Education School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20% )
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
620 E Garfield Ave
Decatur, IL 62526
(217) 362-3310
Decatur, IL 62526
(217) 362-3310
Gr: K-12
Rank: #44.
Johns Hill Magnet School
Magnet School
(Math: 8% | Reading: 10%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
601 N Church St
Decatur, IL 62522
(217) 362-3350
Decatur, IL 62522
(217) 362-3350
Gr: K-8 | 623 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 82%
Rank: #55.
Montessori Academy For Peace
(Math: 6% | Reading: 11%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
601 N Church St
Decatur, IL 62522
(217) 362-3390
Decatur, IL 62522
(217) 362-3390
Gr: PK-8 | 639 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 53%
Rank: #66.
Robertson Charter School
Charter School
(Math: ≤5% | Reading: 11%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
2240 E Geddes Ave
Decatur, IL 62526
(217) 428-7072
Decatur, IL 62526
(217) 428-7072
Gr: PK-8 | 332 students Student-teacher ratio: 55:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #77.
Dennis Lab School
(Math: 2% | Reading: 4%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
300 E Eldorado St
Decatur, IL 62523
(217) 362-3511
Decatur, IL 62523
(217) 362-3511
Gr: K-8 | 539 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 71%
Rank: #8 - 98. - 9.
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 | 364 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 83%
Rank: #8 - 98. - 9.
Stephen Decatur Middle School
(Math: 2% | Reading: 3%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1 Educational Park
Decatur, IL 62526
(217) 362-3251
Decatur, IL 62526
(217) 362-3251
Gr: 7-8 | 467 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 66%
Rank: #1010.
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 | 498 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 80%
Decatur, Illinois 51爆料s (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
575 North Brush College Rd
Decatur, IL 62521
(217) 424-3184
Decatur, IL 62521
(217) 424-3184
Gr: K-6 | 169 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 42%
Decatur Area Technical Academy (Closed 2012)
Vocational School
300 East Eldorado St
Decatur, IL 62523
(217) 424-3071
Decatur, IL 62523
(217) 424-3071
Gr: 2-12 | 7 students Minority enrollment: 29%
Decatur Correctional Center (Closed 2011)
Alternative School
2310 East Mound Rd
Decatur, IL 62524
(217) 877-0353
Decatur, IL 62524
(217) 877-0353
Gr: 12
Durfee Magnet Elementary School (Closed 2023)
Magnet School
1077 W Grand Ave
Decatur, IL 62522
(217) 362-3500
Decatur, IL 62522
(217) 362-3500
Gr: K-6
Garfield Elementary School (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
300 Meadow Terrace Pl
Decatur, IL 62521
(217) 362-3275
Decatur, IL 62521
(217) 362-3275
Gr: K-12
Heartland Region Efedual Credit High School (Closed 2013)
Vocational School
1 College Park
Decatur, IL 62521
(217) 875-7211
Decatur, IL 62521
(217) 875-7211
Gr: 9-12
Heartland Technical Academy (Closed 2013)
Vocational School
300 East Eldorado St
Decatur, IL 62523
(217) 424-3014
Decatur, IL 62523
(217) 424-3014
Gr: 11-12
Middle and High marys adolescent Educational program (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
1800 E Lake Shore Dr
Decatur, IL 62521
(217) 464-5000
Decatur, IL 62521
(217) 464-5000
Gr: 1-11
3789 N Water St
Decatur, IL 62526
(217) 424-3084
Decatur, IL 62526
(217) 424-3084
Gr: 7-8 | 465 students Minority enrollment: 52%
2160 W Center St
Decatur, IL 62526
(217) 362-3551
Decatur, IL 62526
(217) 362-3551
Gr: K-6 | 244 students Minority enrollment: 66%
2610 Salem Sch Rd
Decatur, IL 62521
(217) 864-2615
Decatur, IL 62521
(217) 864-2615
Gr: K-3 | 90 students Minority enrollment: 3%
3900 N Neely Ave
Decatur, IL 62526
(217) 362-3541
Decatur, IL 62526
(217) 362-3541
Gr: K-6 | 305 students Minority enrollment: 71%
4735 E Cantrell St
Decatur, IL 62521
(217) 362-3201
Decatur, IL 62521
(217) 362-3201
Gr: 7-8 | 482 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 58%
400 S Maffit St
Decatur, IL 62521
(217) 424-3205
Decatur, IL 62521
(217) 424-3205
Gr: PK-6 | 331 students Minority enrollment: 70%
620 E Garfield Ave
Decatur, IL 62526
(217) 362-3361
Decatur, IL 62526
(217) 362-3361
Gr: K-6 | 288 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 67%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public middle schools in Decatur, IL?
The top ranked public middle schools in Decatur, IL include Garfield Learning Academy, Milligan Academy Rssp and Social-emotional Learning Academy.
How many public middle schools are located in Decatur?
11 public middle schools are located in Decatur.
What is the racial composition of students in Decatur?
Decatur public middle schools minority enrollment is 74% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Illinois public middle schools average of 61% (majority Hispanic).
Which public middle schools in Decatur are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public middle schools in Decatur include: Montessori Academy For Peace vs. Hope Academy, Stephen Decatur Middle School vs. American Dreamer Stem Academy, American Dreamer Stem Academy vs. Johns Hill Magnet School
Recent Articles
School Choice vs. Neighborhood Schools: Key Factors
Explore school choice vs. neighborhood schools in 2025. Learn key factors parents should weigh when deciding the best fit for their child.
Best School Match 2025: Public vs Charter vs Magnet
Compare 2025 public, charter, and magnet school options with updated data, trends, and strategies to find the best fit.
51爆料 Boundaries and Equity in 2025
Explore how public school boundaries shape access, equity, and opportunity for students in 2025. Learn the impact on families and education policy.
