Macon County Schools & Education
Macon County, Illinois
School Score
36/100
Higher = better
Rating
Below Average
Graduation Rate
85.2%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
85.2%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 88.8%
Per-Pupil Spending
$7,275
National avg $13,239
State avg $9,250
School Score
36/100
Higher = better
State avg 63/100
State School Rank
#100
of 102 counties (1 = best)
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Education Overview
About Schools in Macon County, Illinois
Diverse Urban and Rural School Options
Macon County hosts a large student body of 14,825 across 41 public schools, including 19 elementary and 10 high schools. Nine districts manage this varied landscape, which serves both city centers and outlying rural areas.
Facing Challenges with Efficiency
The county operates on a lean budget of $7,275 per pupil, which is lower than the state average of $9,250. Despite this, it maintains an 85.2% graduation rate and a school score of 51.6, reflecting the complexities of serving a diverse population.
Decatur SD 61 Drives County Education
Decatur SD 61 is the largest district by far, educating 7,974 students across 17 schools. The county also features one charter school, offering a small but distinct alternative for 2.4% of the local school landscape.
A Blend of City Spirit and Rural Quiet
Over half of the schools are located in city settings, but 13 rural and 6 suburban schools provide plenty of variety. MacArthur High School is the largest campus with 1,105 students, while the average school size across the county is 436.
Diverse Neighborhoods Near Dedicated Schools
Macon County offers everything from urban magnet schools to quiet rural districts. Families moving here can choose from a wide range of educational styles to find the perfect fit for their children’s needs.
School Overview
Total Schools
41
in Macon County
Total Enrollment
14,825
students
School Districts
9
districts
Charter Schools
1
2% of total
School Type Breakdown
9 School Districts in Macon County
Decatur SD 61
Mt Zion CUSD 3
Maroa Forsyth CUSD 2
Warrensburg-Latham CUSD 11
Meridian CUSD 15
Argenta-Oreana CUSD 1
Sangamon Valley CUSD 9
Macon-Piatt Spec Educ Jnt Agr
Macon/Piatt ROE
41 Public Schools in Macon County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MacArthur High School | Decatur SD 61 | 9–12 | High | 1,105 |
| Eisenhower High School | Decatur SD 61 | 9–12 | High | 934 |
| Mt Zion High School | Mt Zion CUSD 3 | 9–12 | High | 763 |
| Montessori Academy for Peace | Decatur SD 61 | PK–8 | Primary | 697 |
| Johns Hill Magnet School | Decatur SD 61 | KG–8 | Primary | 643 |
| Maroa-Forsyth Grade School | Maroa Forsyth CUSD 2 | PK–5 | Primary | 596 |
| Hope Academy | Decatur SD 61 | KG–8 | Primary | 563 |
| Dennis Lab School | Decatur SD 61 | PK–8 | Primary | 551 |
| Mt Zion Intermediate School | Mt Zion CUSD 3 | 3–6 | Primary | 534 |
| Parsons Elementary School | Decatur SD 61 | KG–6 | Primary | 462 |
| Stephen Decatur Middle School | Decatur SD 61 | 7–8 | Middle | 459 |
| Franklin Grove Elem School | Decatur SD 61 | KG–6 | Primary | 458 |
| Meridian Elem School | Meridian CUSD 15 | PK–5 | Primary | 456 |
| Argenta-Oreana Elementary School | Argenta-Oreana CUSD 1 | PK–5 | Primary | 446 |
| Warrensburg-Latham Elem Sch | Warrensburg-Latham CUSD 11 | PK–5 | Primary | 437 |
| Mt Zion Jr High School | Mt Zion CUSD 3 | 7–8 | Middle | 403 |
| American Dreamer STEM Academy | Decatur SD 61 | KG–8 | Primary | 391 |
| Pershing Early Learning Center | Decatur SD 61 | PK | Other | 389 |
| McGaughey Elem School | Mt Zion CUSD 3 | PK–2 | Primary | 382 |
| Muffley Elem School | Decatur SD 61 | KG–6 | Primary | 368 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$7,275
State avg $9,250
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Macon County, Illinois — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Macon County, Illinois?
Macon County hosts a large student body of 14,825 across 41 public schools, including 19 elementary and 10 high schools. Nine districts manage this varied landscape, which serves both city centers and outlying rural areas.
How do schools in Macon County perform academically?
The county operates on a lean budget of $7,275 per pupil, which is lower than the state average of $9,250. Despite this, it maintains an 85.2% graduation rate and a school score of 51.6, reflecting the complexities of serving a diverse population.
What are the major school districts in Macon County, Illinois?
Decatur SD 61 is the largest district by far, educating 7,974 students across 17 schools. The county also features one charter school, offering a small but distinct alternative for 2.4% of the local school landscape.
What is the school experience like in Macon County?
Over half of the schools are located in city settings, but 13 rural and 6 suburban schools provide plenty of variety. MacArthur High School is the largest campus with 1,105 students, while the average school size across the county is 436.
How can I find homes near good schools in Macon County, Illinois?
Macon County offers everything from urban magnet schools to quiet rural districts. Families moving here can choose from a wide range of educational styles to find the perfect fit for their children’s needs.
Counties with Similar School Profile
Data Sources
Education data sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. School scores are derived composite metrics.
Data is informational only. Coverage varies by county and reporting year. Not for use as the sole basis for educational decisions.