Decatur Public Schools

The Decatur Public Schools district in Michigan consists of two schools: Decatur Junior Senior High School, serving grades 6-12, and Davis Elementary School, serving grades K-5. The district faces significant academic and socioeconomic challenges, with the high school struggling to meet state performance standards and both schools experiencing high rates of chronic absenteeism.

Decatur Junior Senior High School has consistently ranked in the bottom half of Michigan high schools and received low 2-star ratings from SchoolDigger. Its academic proficiency rates range from 13-35% across subject areas, well below state averages. In contrast, Davis Elementary School performs better, ranking in the middle third of Michigan elementary schools and receiving a 3-star rating, though its academic results are still mixed, with some grade levels exceeding state averages and others falling short.

Both schools serve a predominantly white student population, with significant Hispanic representation and high rates of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch, indicating significant socioeconomic challenges. Chronic absenteeism is a major issue, with the high school experiencing a rate of 34.7% and the elementary school at 28.5%. The district spends around $13,000-$14,000 per student, with the high school having a higher student-teacher ratio of 20.8 compared to the elementary school's 15.1. Addressing the root causes of low academic performance, high absenteeism, and socioeconomic barriers will be crucial for improving student outcomes and the overall quality of education in the Decatur Public Schools district.