Decatur Classical Elementary School

I want my Son to be there.He will be 5 in June 25th 2013. He has some born abilities that I am noticing. This school may help him refine. I pray for him to be successful in his life and Decatur will be his 1st elevator to success.

All children are great achievers coming in and excited about learning. Some of them compete where there is no need to compete. Thus, I think it is relatively easy to educate them. The kids are happy there. The parents support the school with time and money, thus the school gets most of its needs met, like the science lab, electronic equipment, the outside play equipment, etc. Parents who get to be in charge call the shuts for the rest and expect compliance. The administration is tough, inflexible and can be unfriendly. I feel unwelcomed/too rigid environment at the school but my son loves it there.
—Submitted by a parent

I have to give it a 5 star review. My 3rd grader is really getting into brilliant shape academically. He seems to have really developed a passion for learning that all the kids there share. My concern is that he's becoming increasingly neurotic and sometiomes has dark circles under his eyes. He tells me that Decatur "makes him stressed". Still he loves going to school. I figure this school will prepare him for the Ivy League if he chooses, I'm just concerned that there is a high cost. The environment is pretty intense. If your child forgets his lunch or homework, you may not drop it off. There is no loosey-goosey stuff going on here. The devoted PTA feels a little cliquish and a lot of moms just don't want to participate. Still the fundraisers are amazing (this year they did "Disco for Decatur" and even the gym teacher and security guard were up there dancing. It was so fun and had a huge turnout.) Overall, the school is doing an amazing job. Decatur students are famously loved by their new teachers after they graduate because they come out so enthusiastic and positive. Overall, I'm glad we got in.
—Submitted by a parent

My son is an alumni of Decatur. I was a full time working mom while he attended. All parents chipped in when they could. Those that could not physically participate found other ways to contribute. Strong parental participation is necessary for any child's success in any school. The work is meant to be difficult just by the very nature of the school. Our son was happy there and we made so many wonderful friends (both teachers and parents). We miss them all!
—Submitted by a parent

It is giving my granddaughter a first class education - she informs me of her homework and projects which are great learning tools.

I am now in my 20s and went here for 1st - 6th grade. It was an amazing school with quite a diverse group of kids. Someone posted that there had to be a lot of parent involvement and that teachers assigned huge projects - not true at all. I had a single mom who worked long hours, and did homework on my own. The teaching is what really made the difference. They really invest in each student there. Great memories.

I was told when my daugther tested for this school that she would have to score at the 96th percentile or higher to get accepted. I think Decatur's success is because they are taking the top 4% of students, not because of the quality of teaching. Teachers give lots of homework and large projects to be completed at home. The quality of these projects done at home reflect parental involvement more than students' abilities. If you do not have a stay-at-home parent in you family who is able to devote lots of time to homework help, your child will likely not be able to keep up with the amount of work assigned. Teachers are not sympathetic to working families. I would probably spend less time and get better results if I home-schooled my child.
—Submitted by a parent

My grandaughter attends, and it has had a great inpack on her.

This is a wonderful small school that challenges the students.
—Submitted by a parent

Lots of dedicated children and parents. A tight knit community.
—Submitted by a parent

Amazing community. First rate education. School is in need of resources though.
—Submitted by a parent

A small school that has great standards and an unbelievable parent base. The parents redefine 'supportive.'
—Submitted by a parent

Decatur is a school full of caring teachers and staff that put their hearts into every minute of teaching. The kids learn how to be well rounded citizens that truly care about learning and the world around them!
—Submitted by a parent

Decatur Classical Elementary School is a school where the staff puts in alot of extra effort for the children.

Decatur is the #1 Elementary School in the State of IL. The community is wonderful and the education second to none!
—Submitted by a parent

These children are excelling and the #1 school in the state despite small aging facility that is completely lacking! They have no real library, gym and lunch room. They are trying to build an outdoor gym &track area to use when the weather is agreeable! Please vote for Decatur!
—Submitted by a parent

Decatur students are the best and brightest in Chicago. The parent community is involved and supportive. It's a wonderful school all around!
—Submitted by a parent

Diversity of students, passion of parents
—Submitted by a parent

The diversity and strong support from the staff, parents and students.
—Submitted by a parent

Fantastics school, strong, supportive staff, students & parents!
—Submitted by a parent