FAQs
A 2020 National Blue Ribbon School
Rated #3 Best Elementary School in Chicago by US News
Q: What are your hours?
A: Decatur’s school day is from 7:45a.m. - 2:45p.m. Earliest drop off for students is 7:30 a.m. Typically there is tuition based after school care on-site.
Q: What is a classical school?
A: Decatur is one of five classical schools in CPS. Classical Schools provide a challenging liberal arts centered program. Our teachers provide accelerated instruction in science, mathematics, language arts, Spanish, and the humanities. On average, students are working one grade level above their current grade in math and reading.
Q: What is the enrollment process?
A: All enrollment and testing is conducted by the Office of Access & Enrollment. Families can apply for Decatur and other schools by following the steps outlined on the OAE website and utilizing the new online application system GoCPS.
Admissions testing is required for the Selective Enrollment Elementary Schools (Regional Gifted Centers, Classical Schools, and Academic Centers). Families will be notified by CPS in the Spring of any offered seats at select schools. Applicants for the Regional Gifted Centers and Classical Schools are selected based on their admissions exam score.
Q: What is the difference between the regional gifted centers vs classical school exams?
A: The classical school exam assesses a child’s current abilities in reading and math. The exam evaluates reading comprehension, fluency, problem solving, reasoning, and understanding of mathematical patterns. The gifted exam focuses on spatial, logic, and reasoning. The exam resembles that of an I.Q. test. All testing is typically completed before March.
Q: What is your school profile?
A: Decatur is a Kindergarten through 8th grade building with 341 students enrolled. Our first 8th grade class graduated in June of 2022! We are a level 1+ school and our student attainment is in the 99th percentile for both reading and math.
Q: What other programming is offered to Decatur students?
A: We believe in giving our students many platforms to grow and succeed outside the traditional classroom setting. In addition to the core subjects, our students have physical education every day. Students take classes in art, music, dance, and Spanish as part of their weekly programming.
Q: What is Decatur’s homework policy?
A: At Decatur we do not have homework in grades K-3rd. This affirms one of our core values of providing our students a balanced academic experience with a child centered approach.
Q: What after school options do you offer families?
A: We have many after school options at Decatur Classical School. In addition to after school care through Right at School, we have fee-based classes offered throughout the week. We also offer after school sports for grades 5-8.
Q: Do you have recess?
A: Yes! All students have 60 minutes total for lunch and recess each day.
Please contact Ms. Negron [email protected] or Ms. Martino [email protected] with additional questions.