Decatur School District 61

Welcome to the Decatur Public School System! We are the 22nd largest unit district in Illinois. There are 16 elementary schools, 5 middle school programs, and 2 high schools. 5 of these schools are magnet schools. The District also operates a regional Technical Academy, an Alternative School, and a Pre-K Center (Pershing School) and serves the special education students of Macon and Piatt Counties. The Decatur Public School District has a Balanced Calendar or year-round school, Hope Academy, offering our families even more choice in their child’s education. The Decatur Public School District’s one-year dropout rate is at the lowest rate in 20 years – 6.8%. The Decatur Public School District has its own Professional Development Institute offering all staff quality training opportunities. Seven Decatur Public Schools recently received Illinois Honor Roll Awards, which celebrate Illinois public schools that provide high quality education to all students. The Decatur Public School District offers the most varied and enriched academic programs in the region, including a wide variety of music and professional development courses. Eisenhower High School is one of the first high schools in the nation to adopt the Accelerated Schools Plus comprehensive school reform model. 80% of our graduating seniors go on to higher education. The Decatur Public School District has one of only five public Montessori programs in the state and has the first public Montessori middle school in Illinois. Decatur has had 40 recognitions of "excellence" in teaching awards by the Illinois State Board of Education. Since 1997, the District has expended over $8 million for technology in all of the schools. The Decatur Public Schools are among the most up-to-date computer labs in Central Illinois. The Decatur Public School District has been recognized by the state as an “Innovative Technology District.” Many of our schools now have wireless laptop labs. Each elementary school has a

MISSION: We are committed to educating all students for life-long success. Our mission is based on the following core values: • "We" refers to a partnership, one that includes students, parents, teachers, staff, administration, Board of Education and all other members of the Decatur community. No one is excluded from this partnership. • We are committed to educating all students for life-long success. • Committed means taking responsibility; possessing a passion for our students and the ability to persevere on their behalf; valuing teaching and learning. Further, it means making the best use of time, having adequate financial resources that are aligned with district priorities and being accountable for student success. • Educating means the appropriate use of effective teaching practices that ensure student learning. It also implies that teaching should be accomplished with energy and passion in order to inspire, engage and connect students to learning. • All students represent all the students of Decatur Public Schools. • Life-long success means realizing one’s potential and understanding that learning is ongoing. Further, basic and life skills, respect for diversity, a curiosity for learning and the knowledge of a healthful, secure and balanced life prepare students for life-long success. This preparation is accomplished through intellectual, social, physical and emotional education opportunities that promote learning and growth.

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