South Shores Elem School

📖 Academic Overview & Key Context

Located in Decatur, Illinois, South Shores Elem School is a regular public school serving students from grades K–6. The school operates within the Decatur SD 61 in Macon County. With a current reported enrollment of 335 students, it provides a smaller, close-knit learning environment designed to support academic and personal growth.

In terms of academic staffing and instructional attention, South Shores Elem School maintains a student-to-teacher ratio of 18.5:1. This aligns closely with the United States national benchmark of approximately 16:1, balancing peer collaboration with focused teacher instruction. The campus educational team includes approximately 18.1 full-time equivalent (FTE) classroom teachers and certified instructional personnel.

Reflecting the multicultural fabric of Decatur, the student body at South Shores Elem School represents diverse backgrounds. The most represented ethnic demographics include Black or African American (51%), White (26.3%), Two or more races (18.2%). This diverse mix contributes to a rich campus experience that prepares students for higher education and global careers.

Through federal and state educational initiatives, South Shores Elem School participates in community support programs including the National School Lunch Program, with approximately 292 students (87.2%) eligible for free or reduced-price meals. This participation helps ensure equitable access to essential learning resources, nutritional support, and student welfare services.