District Overview
Headquartered at 101 W Cerro Gordo Street in Decatur, Illinois, Decatur School District 61 serves as an active, comprehensive public school system embedded in a vibrant small-city setting. As an open, traditional non-charter district, it operates 16 public schools across the Decatur metropolitan area, delivering an inclusive educational pathway that spans from early pre-kindergarten programs all the way through 12th grade graduation. Families and researchers seeking district resources can easily connect with the system online at dps61.org, where the district highlights its commitment to accessible, full-spectrum public education tailored to meet the needs of the local community.

During the 2024–2025 academic year, Decatur School District 61 supports a dynamic learning environment for 7,840 enrolled students. To foster academic growth and maintain efficient school operations, the district relies on a substantial professional workforce totaling approximately 1,806 full-time equivalent staff members. This team features 914 dedicated full-time equivalent teachers alongside 191 instructional aides, ensuring strong classroom support and personalized attention. Additionally, 701 operational and support staff contribute to a holistic educational infrastructure, offering robust student services, transportation, and administrative framework essential for a thriving school district.
16
Total Schools
7,840
Total Students
914.0
Full-Time Teachers
8.6
Student/Teacher Ratio
Demographics

District Demographics Data Table

Student Demographics for Decatur SD 61
Demographic Student Count
White2,064
Hispanic545
Black3,980
Asian49
Two or More1,175
American Indian23
Pacific Islander4
  • Black
    3,980 (50.8%)
  • White
    2,064 (26.3%)
  • Two or More
    1,175 (15.0%)
  • Hispanic
    545 (7.0%)
  • Asian
    49 (0.6%)
  • American Indian
    23 (0.3%)
  • Pacific Islander
    4 (0.1%)
School Levels

School Levels Data Table

School Levels in Decatur SD 61
School LevelSchool Count
Elementary11
Middle1
High2
Other4
School Map
District Details
Status:Open
District type:Regular public school district that is not a component of a supervisory union
Charter:1 Charter School
Number of schools:16
Students:7,840*
Teachers (FTE):914.0*
Pupil/Teacher Ratio:8.6
Schools in Decatur SD 61
Found 18 Schools
Charter School 327 Students
Elementary School Pre-K - 8th