Decatur Classical Elementary School

Summary:

Decatur Classical Elementary School is a public K-8 school in Chicago, Illinois, with a total enrollment of 323 students. This exceptional school consistently ranks among the top 10 elementary schools in the state, outperforming both the district and state averages in English Language Arts and Mathematics.

Decatur Classical's academic performance is particularly noteworthy, with 90.4% of students proficient or better in ELA, compared to just 30.5% for the Chicago Public Schools District 299 and 41.2% for the state. The school's success extends to various student subgroups, including female students, Asian students, and students with special needs, where Decatur Classical ranks among the top 10 in Illinois. Additionally, the school maintains low chronic absenteeism rates and higher per-student spending compared to the district average.

When compared to nearby schools within the Chicago Public Schools District 299, such as Mosaic School of Fine Arts, Rogers Elementary School, and West Ridge Elementary School, Decatur Classical's performance is significantly higher. However, when compared to schools outside the district, such as Dawes Elementary School in Evanston and Rutledge Hall Elementary School in Lincolnwood, Decatur Classical's performance is more comparable, with some schools even outperforming it in certain subject areas.


Detail:

Public K-8

 7030 N Sacramento Ave
       Chicago, IL  60645-2848


(773) 534-2201

District: Chicago Public Schools District 299

SchoolDigger Rank:
7th of 2,067 Illinois Elementary Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $17,841 Help


Student/teacher ratio:  14.9 Help
Number of students:  329

Racial breakdown:

White:
43.2%
Asian:
29.8%
Hispanic:
13.1%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  14.9% Help


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Performance Trends
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Compare Details Decatur Classical Elementary School ranks better than 99.7% of elementary schools in Illinois. It also ranks 5th among 452 ranked elementary schools in the Chicago Public Schools District 299. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 99.51. (See more...)
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Compare Details Decatur Classical Elementary School ranks better than 99.7% of middle schools in Illinois. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 99.39. (See more...)
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Chronic absenteeism in a school refers to a situation where students repeatedly miss school, with the threshold often defined as missing 10% or more of school days for any reason, excused or unexcused.
Student Body
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Compare Details Student population at Decatur Classical Elementary School is diverse. Racial makeup is: White (43.2%), Asian (29.8%), Hispanic (13.1%). (See more...)
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Compare Details 14.9% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)
Teachers
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Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Decatur Classical Elementary School is 14.9. 345 elementary schools in the Chicago Public Schools District 299 have better student/teacher ratios. (See more...)
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Compare Decatur Classical Elementary School employs 22 full-time teachers.
Finance
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Compare Details The average total spent per student at Decatur Classical Elementary School is $17,841. 374 elementary schools in the Chicago Public Schools District 299 spend more per student.
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Decatur Classical Elementary School:

SchoolDigger ranks Decatur Classical Elementary School 7th of 2067 Illinois public elementary schools. (See Decatur Classical Elementary School in the ranking list.)

Elementary School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Special Education students:
Female students:
Male students:
White students:

SchoolDigger ranks Decatur Classical Elementary School 4th of 1363 Illinois public middle schools. (See Decatur Classical Elementary School in the ranking list.)

Middle School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Female students:
Male students:
White students:


Chicago Public Schools District 299:

SchoolDigger ranks Chicago Public Schools District 299 688th of 813 Illinois school districts. (See district ranking list.)


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Your rating for Decatur Classical Elementary School?

Rank History for Decatur Classical Elementary School

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Rank History for all elementary school students at Decatur Classical Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools IL State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2003 93.25 3rd 2020 99.9%
2004 93.40 2nd 2030 99.9%
2005 92.63 3rd 2022 99.9%
2006 91.10 2nd 2086 99.9%
2007 89.87 5th 2095 99.8%
2008 90.14 7th 2092 99.7%
2009 91.54 2nd 2120 99.9%
2010 91.24 1st 2139 100.0%
2011 91.14 1st 2147 100.0%
2012 91.01 2nd 2166 99.9%
2013 97.46 3rd 2167 99.9%
2014 97.22 3rd 2093 99.9%
2015 99.83 5th 2052 99.8%
2016 99.68 2nd 2046 99.9%
2017 99.80 1st 2044 100.0%
2018 99.63 2nd 2037 99.9%
2019 99.66 2nd 2086 99.9%
2021 99.68 4th 1948 99.8%
2022 99.59 3rd 2082 99.9%
2023 99.63 4th 2077 99.8%
2024 99.51 7th 2067 99.7%
See the entire list of Illinois Elementary School Rankings!

Rank History for elementary school Special Education students at Decatur Classical Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools IL State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 99.96 2nd 1156 99.8%
2024 99.98 2nd 1195 99.8%
See the entire list of Best Illinois Elementary Schools for Special Education Students!

Rank History for elementary school Female students at Decatur Classical Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools IL State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 99.45 2nd 1964 99.9%
2019 99.47 2nd 2019 99.9%
2021 98.81 9th 1680 99.5%
2022 99.67 1st 1970 99.9%
2023 99.60 2nd 1957 99.9%
2024 99.31 6th 1942 99.7%
See the entire list of Best Illinois Elementary Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for elementary school Male students at Decatur Classical Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools IL State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 99.41 4th 1972 99.8%
2019 99.49 4th 2019 99.8%
2021 99.43 9th 1707 99.5%
2022 98.89 11th 1977 99.4%
2023 99.28 6th 1984 99.7%
2024 99.31 7th 1959 99.6%
See the entire list of Best Illinois Elementary Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for elementary school Asian students at Decatur Classical Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools IL State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 88.03 10th 242 95.9%
2019 93.35 1st 243 99.6%
2022 90.30 8th 226 96.5%
See the entire list of Best Illinois Elementary Schools for Asian Students!

Rank History for elementary school White students at Decatur Classical Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools IL State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 99.05 2nd 1463 99.9%
2019 99.34 1st 1462 99.9%
2021 98.67 3rd 1308 99.8%
2022 97.70 7th 1425 99.5%
2023 98.30 6th 1419 99.6%
2024 97.81 8th 1392 99.4%
See the entire list of Best Illinois Elementary Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: Illinois State Board of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

Rank History for Decatur Classical Elementary School

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Rank History for all middle school students at Decatur Classical Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools IL State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 99.92 3rd 1241 99.8%
2022 99.81 1st 1369 99.9%
2023 99.76 1st 1367 99.9%
2024 99.39 4th 1363 99.7%
See the entire list of Illinois Elementary School Rankings!

Rank History for middle school Female students at Decatur Classical Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools IL State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2022 99.67 2nd 1286 99.8%
2023 99.37 3rd 1275 99.8%
2024 99.08 1st 1251 99.9%
See the entire list of Best Illinois Elementary Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for middle school Male students at Decatur Classical Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools IL State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 99.90 5th 1048 99.5%
2022 99.81 2nd 1286 99.8%
2023 99.80 2nd 1292 99.8%
2024 99.45 8th 1264 99.4%
See the entire list of Best Illinois Elementary Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for middle school Asian students at Decatur Classical Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools IL State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2022 90.08 10th 198 94.9%
See the entire list of Best Illinois Elementary Schools for Asian Students!

Rank History for middle school White students at Decatur Classical Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools IL State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 99.90 1st 813 99.9%
2022 99.33 2nd 898 99.8%
2023 99.28 1st 895 99.9%
2024 97.86 4th 875 99.5%
See the entire list of Best Illinois Elementary Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: Illinois State Board of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

As you review the school rankings data, please be aware that some of the information from certain demographics is missing. The reason for this omission is that the data has been redacted from the source data itself due to low population samples in these specific demographic groups.

Redacting data from low population samples is a necessary step to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results, as small sample sizes may not be representative of the broader population. Additionally, this measure helps protect the privacy of individuals belonging to these demographic groups.

Decatur Classical Elementary School Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    
  
Subgroup: 









Data source: Illinois State Board of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 4.2)
80%

0%

0%

0%

20%

  

Reviews:
by a parent
Saturday, March 18, 2023

Open Quote Lower quality of teaching in upper grades, high level of attrition, poor leadership as of 2020. Unresponsive leadership. Very disappointed with the drop of instruction. Kids generally perform well but it is because of parents, not teachers or the school. Close Quote


by a student
Friday, January 8, 2010

Open Quote Decatur is the best school in the nation, in my opinion. I'm a sixth grade new student attending this glorious school!!! When I first walked in the doors I knew I was going to be welcomed right away, and I was. The best parts about Decatur is the special hospitality that you wouldn't always get at other schools and the academics!!! I came to Decatur searching for a challenge and they sure gave it to me. I'm so astonished by the awesome Social Studies curriculum here. Now Social Studies is my favorite subject next to Language Arts. Another good thing is that the activities are fun and challenging and not boring and simple! Everyone at Decatur has awesome personalities!!! Parents, you will not regret letting your child enter this miraculous school!!!!! Close Quote



Enrollment information for Decatur Classical Elementary School

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Compare
Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1988 86 40 66 20 2 n/a n/a 0 214
1989 91 47 70 24 5 n/a n/a 0 237
1990 83 56 77 24 7 n/a n/a 0 247
1991 78 57 73 33 9 n/a n/a 0 250
1992 103 59 99 40 8 n/a n/a 0 309
1993 88 62 85 50 8 n/a n/a 0 293
1994 83 68 66 51 8 n/a n/a 0 276
1995 92 67 51 54 6 n/a n/a 0 270
1996 92 67 51 54 6 n/a n/a 0 270
1997 97 61 52 45 6 n/a n/a 0 261
1998 101 61 51 49 5 n/a n/a 0 267
1999 105 65 47 51 7 n/a n/a 0 275
2000 118 53 52 43 5 n/a n/a 0 271
2001 117 61 49 45 7 n/a n/a 0 279
2002 114 59 50 39 6 n/a n/a 0 268
2003 114 59 50 39 6 n/a n/a 0 268
2004 89 52 54 47 7 n/a n/a 0 249
2005 90 58 63 48 7 n/a n/a 0 266
2006 83 51 61 48 4 n/a n/a 3 250
2007 100 52 63 45 4 n/a n/a 2 266
2008 113 38 52 26 2 n/a n/a 35 266
2009 117 46 72 40 0 n/a n/a 0 275
2010 117 46 82 42 1 n/a n/a 0 288
2011 112 27 67 47 0 0 30 0 283
2012 116 23 67 50 0 0 33 0 289
2013 109 21 69 52 1 0 28 0 280
2014 119 16 79 40 1 1 30 0 286
2015 125 20 77 36 1 1 29 0 289
2016 121 14 90 30 1 0 25 0 281
2017 124 12 97 37 0 1 21 0 292
2018 129 12 88 35 0 1 16 0 281
2019 124 12 88 42 0 1 17 0 284
2020 124 13 87 35 0 1 22 0 282
2021 128 15 85 36 0 1 22 0 287
2022 141 15 93 37 1 0 24 0 311
2023 146 14 89 45 1 0 27 1 323
2024 142 13 98 43 1 0 31 1 329

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Decatur Classical Elementary School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 214 12.0 17.8 n/a
1989 237 12.0 19.7 n/a
1990 247 14.0 17.6 n/a
1991 250 13.0 19.2 n/a
1992 309 15.0 20.6 n/a
1993 293 16.0 18.3 n/a
1994 276 15.0 18.4 n/a
1995 270 14.0 19.3 n/a
1996 270 14.0 19.3 n/a
1997 261 14.0 18.6 n/a
1998 267 14.0 19.1 n/a
1999 275 14.0 19.6 n/a
2000 271 15.0 18.1 n/a
2001 279 15.0 18.6 n/a
2002 268 13.0 20.6 10.1
2003 268 13.0 20.6 10.1
2004 249 11.4 21.8 14.9
2005 266 14.0 19.0 14.3
2006 250 16.0 15.6 15
2007 266 13.0 20.5 11.4
2008 266 16.0 16.6 17.3
2009 275 15.5 17.7 14.9
2010 288 15.0 19.2 17.4
2011 283 16.0 17.6 15.9
2012 289 15.0 19.2 17
2013 280 19.5 14.3 12.9
2014 286 15.1 18.9 12.6
2015 289 16.0 18.0 15.9
2016 281 16.0 17.5 12.1
2017 292 14.6 19.8 16.1
2018 281 14.0 19.9 15.3
2019 284 17.0 16.7 15.5
2020 282 18.0 15.6 14.9
2021 287 n/a n/a n/a
2022 311 20.0 15.5 11.9
2023 323 21.0 15.3 14.9
2024 329 22.0 14.9 14.9

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio Decatur Classical Elementary School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 214 12.0 17.8 n/a
1989 237 12.0 19.7 n/a
1990 247 14.0 17.6 n/a
1991 250 13.0 19.2 n/a
1992 309 15.0 20.6 n/a
1993 293 16.0 18.3 n/a
1994 276 15.0 18.4 n/a
1995 270 14.0 19.3 n/a
1996 270 14.0 19.3 n/a
1997 261 14.0 18.6 n/a
1998 267 14.0 19.1 n/a
1999 275 14.0 19.6 n/a
2000 271 15.0 18.1 n/a
2001 279 15.0 18.6 n/a
2002 268 13.0 20.6 10.1
2003 268 13.0 20.6 10.1
2004 249 11.4 21.8 14.9
2005 266 14.0 19.0 14.3
2006 250 16.0 15.6 15
2007 266 13.0 20.5 11.4
2008 266 16.0 16.6 17.3
2009 275 15.5 17.7 14.9
2010 288 15.0 19.2 17.4
2011 283 16.0 17.6 15.9
2012 289 15.0 19.2 17
2013 280 19.5 14.3 12.9
2014 286 15.1 18.9 12.6
2015 289 16.0 18.0 15.9
2016 281 16.0 17.5 12.1
2017 292 14.6 19.8 16.1
2018 281 14.0 19.9 15.3
2019 284 17.0 16.7 15.5
2020 282 18.0 15.6 14.9
2021 287 n/a n/a n/a
2022 311 20.0 15.5 11.9
2023 323 21.0 15.3 14.9
2024 329 22.0 14.9 14.9

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.

Immunization Rates

Decatur Classical Elementary School

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YearPolioMeaslesMumpsRubellaHepatitis BVaricellaDTPMeningococcal
201596.9%96.5%96.2%96.2%9.7%96.5%97.6%
201696.8%97.9%97.9%97.9%18.4%97.2%79.1%18.1%
201798.0%98.0%98.0%98.0%9.6%95.6%98.0%9.3%
201897.2%98.2%98.2%98.2%8.5%97.2%97.9%8.2%
201998.2%98.6%98.6%98.6%20.1%97.2%98.2%19.7%
202497.6%98.2%98.2%98.2%98.2%98.2%98.2%27.1%

Data source: Illinois State Board of Education
Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Decatur Classical Elementary School

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YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019 $474 (3.5%) $13,143 (96.5%) $13,617
2020 $265 (1.8%) $14,613 (98.2%) $14,878
2021 $1,426 (8.6%) $15,100 (91.4%) $16,526
2022 $1,426 (8.6%) $15,100 (91.4%) $16,526
2023 $2,379 (11.4%) $18,470 (88.6%) $20,849
2024 $2,429 (13.6%) $15,412 (86.4%) $17,841

Data source: Illinois Department of Education
Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Decatur Classical Elementary School

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Rank
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Ranks 2nd of 2086 Elementary schoolsRanks 4th of 2077 Elementary schools
 0.1%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
3rd Grade English Language Arts (Decatur Classical Elementary School)96.681.5
 15.1%
   3rd Grade English Language Arts (Chicago Public Schools District 299)39.419.7
 19.7%
   3rd Grade English Language Arts (Illinois)36.428.8
 7.6%
3rd Grade Mathematics (Decatur Classical Elementary School)98.381.4
 16.9%
   3rd Grade Mathematics (Chicago Public Schools District 299)32.920.9
 12%
   3rd Grade Mathematics (Illinois)40.633
 7.6%
4th Grade English Language Arts (Decatur Classical Elementary School)9288
 4%
   4th Grade English Language Arts (Chicago Public Schools District 299)23.225
 1.8%
   4th Grade English Language Arts (Illinois)36.735.4
 1.3%
4th Grade Mathematics (Decatur Classical Elementary School)9694.6
 1.4%
   4th Grade Mathematics (Chicago Public Schools District 299)24.116.4
 7.7%
   4th Grade Mathematics (Illinois)33.527.7
 5.8%
5th Grade English Language Arts (Decatur Classical Elementary School)8789.2
 2.2%
   5th Grade English Language Arts (Chicago Public Schools District 299)24.124.1
   5th Grade English Language Arts (Illinois)37.935.2
 2.7%
5th Grade Mathematics (Decatur Classical Elementary School)88.882.2
 6.6%
   5th Grade Mathematics (Chicago Public Schools District 299)20.715
 5.7%
   5th Grade Mathematics (Illinois)29.825.6
 4.2%
5th Grade Science (Decatur Classical Elementary School)98.2100
 1.8%
   5th Grade Science (Chicago Public Schools District 299)40.739.2
 1.5%
   5th Grade Science (Illinois)54.452.4
 2%
6th Grade English Language Arts (Decatur Classical Elementary School)90.796.6
 5.9%
   6th Grade English Language Arts (Chicago Public Schools District 299)22.824.7
 1.9%
   6th Grade English Language Arts (Illinois)3534.2
 0.8%
6th Grade Mathematics (Decatur Classical Elementary School)94.493.4
 1%
   6th Grade Mathematics (Chicago Public Schools District 299)17.714.6
 3.1%
   6th Grade Mathematics (Illinois)25.323.4
 1.9%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students284323
 13.7%
African American1214
 16.7%
American Indian01
Asian8889
 1.1%
Hispanic4245
 7.1%
Pacific Islander10
 100%
White124146
 17.7%
Two or More Races1727
 58.8%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients15.5%14.9%
 0.6%


Schools Near Decatur Classical Elementary School









Frequently Asked Questions about Decatur Classical Elementary School

Yes! Decatur Classical Elementary School is one of the best elementary schools in the state. It ranks 7th of 2067 Illinois elementary schools.

Students at Decatur Classical Elementary School are 43% White, 30% Asian, 13% Hispanic, 9% Two or more races, 4% African American.

In the 2023-24 school year, 329 students attended Decatur Classical Elementary School.


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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau, the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Illinois State Board of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.





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