At a glance
Reported students
423
NCES CCD 2024–25
Teachers (FTE)
28
NCES CCD 2024–25
Student–teacher ratio
15.1:1
Calculated; not a class-size measure
Grades served
KG–08
NCES preliminary directory 2025–26
School benchmarks
Illinois elementary enrollment
62nd percentile
Compared with 2,323 same-level schools reporting enrollment.
District median enrollment
442
Ellsworth Dansby Jr. Magnet School: 423 reported students.
State peer staffing position
80th percentile
15.1:1 reported; state peer median 13.1:1. Ratio is not class size.
Historical enrollment and staffing · CRDC 2021–22
These older figures are kept separate from 2024–25 statistics and benchmarks. Differences between years can reflect changes in enrollment, staffing, or reporting scope.
- Students
- 401
- Teachers (FTE)
- 26
- Student–teacher ratio
- 15.4:1
What the reported data says about Ellsworth Dansby Jr. Magnet School
Ellsworth Dansby Jr. Magnet School is a public elementary school serving grades KG–08 in Decatur. It is one of 16 current school records connected to Decatur SD 61. NCES reports 423 students for 2024–25.
Among 2,323 elementary schools in Illinois with comparable records, this school is larger than the reported median of 365 students. Its enrollment is at approximately the 62nd percentile for that peer group. Size describes the campus, not instructional quality.
The reported student–teacher ratio is 15.1:1, above the Illinois median of 13.1:1 for the same school level. This ratio uses total enrollment and teacher FTE; it is not an average classroom headcount and can be affected by special programs or part-time staffing.
The largest reported race and ethnicity groups are Black (66.7%) and White (16.5%). English learners represent 0.2% of enrollment. Students served under IDEA represent 11.7%. These figures help families understand who the school serves; they are not rating inputs.
Questions worth asking Ellsworth Dansby Jr. Magnet School
- 1How do the reported 15.1:1 student–teacher ratio and 28 teacher FTE translate into actual class sizes by grade?
- 2Which advanced, gifted, career, arts, and computer-science courses are available this year, and how do students qualify?
- 3What counseling support is available today? The school reported 1 counselor FTE in 2021–22.
- 4Does community eligibility provide breakfast and lunch to every enrolled student, and are summer meals available?
Enrollment needs
- English learners
- 0.2%
- Students with disabilities
- 11.7%
- Free/reduced-price lunch
- 89.1%
- Lunch program
- Yes under Community Eligibility Option (CEO)
Reported support staff
- Counselors (FTE)
- 1
- Nurses (FTE)
- 1
- Psychologists (FTE)
- 0
- Social workers (FTE)
- 1
CRDC 2021–22 full-time-equivalent counts; verify current assignments with the school.
Student demographics
Race and ethnicity share of reported enrollment
- White16.5%
- Hispanic2.8%
- Black66.7%
- Asian0%
- American Indian / Alaska Native0%
- Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander0.2%
- Multiracial13.7%
Race/ethnicity: NCES CCD 2024–25. English learner and disability context: CRDC 2021–22. Lunch eligibility: NCES CCD 2024–25. Privacy rules can produce missing values.
Programs reported by the school
Gifted and talented
Not reported as offered
CRDC 2021–22: the AP flag records student enrollment; gifted and computer-science fields describe reported programs/classes. Confirm current courses and eligibility with the school.
Other schools in Decatur SD 61
Start with campuses at the same school level or with similar reported enrollment.
Muffley Elem School
Elementary · Grades KG–06
386 reported students
Franklin Grove Elem School
Elementary · Grades KG–06
461 reported students
Hope Academy
Elementary · Grades KG–08
501 reported students
Parsons Elementary School
Elementary · Grades KG–06
505 reported students
South Shores Elem School
Elementary · Grades KG–06
335 reported students
Robertson Charter School
Elementary · Grades PK–08
327 reported students
Public schools near Ellsworth Dansby Jr. Magnet School
Closest campuses by straight-line distance between NCES geocodes, favoring the same school level. Distance is not drive time or an attendance assignment.
| School | Grades | Students | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dennis Lab School Elementary · Decatur SD 61 | KG–08 | 579 | 1.3 mi |
| South Shores Elem School Elementary · Decatur SD 61 | KG–06 | 335 | 1.7 mi |
| Johns Hill Magnet School Elementary · Decatur SD 61 | KG–08 | 627 | 2.6 mi |
| Hope Academy Elementary · Decatur SD 61 | KG–08 | 501 | 3.2 mi |
| Franklin Grove Elem School Elementary · Decatur SD 61 | KG–06 | 461 | 3.7 mi |
| Muffley Elem School Elementary · Decatur SD 61 | KG–06 | 386 | 3.9 mi |
Frequently asked questions about Ellsworth Dansby Jr. Magnet School
What grades does Ellsworth Dansby Jr. Magnet School serve?
Ellsworth Dansby Jr. Magnet School reports grades KG–08 in the NCES 2025–26 preliminary directory. It is classified as an elementary school in Decatur SD 61.
How many students attend Ellsworth Dansby Jr. Magnet School?
Ellsworth Dansby Jr. Magnet School reported 423 students in the NCES 2024–25 membership file. That places it near the 62nd percentile among 2,323 Illinois elementary schools reporting enrollment. The 2021–22 civil-rights collection recorded 401 students.
What is the student–teacher ratio at Ellsworth Dansby Jr. Magnet School?
The calculated ratio is 15.1:1, based on 423 students and 28 full-time-equivalent classroom teachers in 2024–25. The Illinois median for the same school level is 13.1:1. A ratio is not the same as average class size.
Is Ellsworth Dansby Jr. Magnet School a public, charter, or magnet school?
Ellsworth Dansby Jr. Magnet School is a public school and is not a charter school; it is also identified as a magnet school. Admission can involve an application or lottery, so check enrollment windows with the school.
What share of Ellsworth Dansby Jr. Magnet School students qualify for free or reduced-price meals?
89.1% of students were eligible for free or reduced-price lunch in 2024–25. The school participates in community eligibility, which can provide meals to every student and changes how eligibility is reported. This describes the students served and is not a quality measure.
Which school district is Ellsworth Dansby Jr. Magnet School in?
Ellsworth Dansby Jr. Magnet School is part of Decatur SD 61, based in Decatur, IL, which operates 16 current schools. Confirm attendance zones and enrollment rules with the district.
What public schools are near Ellsworth Dansby Jr. Magnet School?
The closest public schools by straight-line distance include Dennis Lab School (1.3 mi), South Shores Elem School (1.7 mi), Johns Hill Magnet School (2.6 mi). Distance does not determine eligibility; attendance boundaries and program rules do.