Serving 539 students in grades Kindergarten-8, Dennis Lab School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Illinois for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 4% (which is lower than the Illinois state average of 28%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 4% (which is lower than the Illinois state average of 30%).
The student:teacher ratio of 19:1 is higher than the Illinois state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 71% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Illinois state average of 55% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: Kindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 539 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 19:1
- Minority Enrollment: 71%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in IL
- Math Proficiency: 4% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 4% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 20-24% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Dennis Lab School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Illinois for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
School Overview
Dennis Lab School's student population of 539 students has grown by 14% over five school years.
The teacher population of 28 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-8
Total Students
539 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
28 teachers
Students by Grade
School Rankings
Dennis Lab School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 3,426 schools in Illinois (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Dennis Lab School is 0.62, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.70. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#3405 out of 3426 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)4%
28%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
4%
30%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-24%
50%
Student : Teacher Ratio
19:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
n/a
6%
Hispanic
6%
28%
Black
53%
16%
White
29%
45%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
12%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
42%
43%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (15-16)
8%
3%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
Profile last updated:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dennis Lab School's ranking?
Dennis Lab School is ranked #3405 out of 3,426 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Illinois.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
4% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 28% IL state average), while 4% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 30% IL state average).
How many students attend Dennis Lab School?
539 students attend Dennis Lab School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
53% of Dennis Lab School students are Black, 29% of students are White, 12% of students are Two or more races, and 6% of students are Hispanic.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Dennis Lab School?
Dennis Lab School has a student ration of 19:1, which is higher than the Illinois state average of 13:1.
What grades does Dennis Lab School offer ?
Dennis Lab School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-8
What school district is Dennis Lab School part of?
Dennis Lab School is part of Decatur SD 61 School District.
School Reviews
Review Dennis Lab School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
Understanding the U.S. Department of Education: Structure, Impact, and Evolution
We explore how the Department of Education shapes American education, from its cabinet-level leadership to its impact on millions of students, written for general audiences seeking clarity on this vital institution.
Segregation in K-12 Education: Colonial Era
Explore the origins of educational segregation during the colonial era and the differential treatment of Native American, African American, and white students. This article delves into the historical context, policies, and societal attitudes that shaped early education in colonial America, highlighting the disparities and injustices that persisted within the schooling systems of that time.
December 16, 2024
Personalized Learning: Revolutionizing Education for the 21st CenturyExplore the revolutionary approach of Personalized Learning in K-12 education. This article discusses the benefits, challenges, and potential of tailoring education to individual student needs, incorporating technology and adaptive learning methods to prepare students for the 21st century.
