Serving 482 students in grades 7-8, Thomas Jefferson Middle 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 was 6% (which was lower than the Illinois state average of 33%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts was 7% (which was lower than the Illinois state average of 38%).
The student:teacher ratio of 19:1 was higher than the Illinois state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment was 58% of the student body (majority Black), which was higher than the Illinois state average of 55% (majority Hispanic and Black).
School Overview
Grades Offered
Grades 7-8
Total Students
482 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
26 teachers
Students by Grade
School Rankings
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(18-19)6%
33%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
(18-19)7%
38%
Student : Teacher Ratio
19:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
n/a
6%
Hispanic
1%
27%
Black
44%
17%
White
42%
45%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
13%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
72%
43%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (15-16)
3%
3%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
6% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 33% IL state average), while 7% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 38% IL state average).
How many students attend Thomas Jefferson Middle School?
482 students attend Thomas Jefferson Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
44% of Thomas Jefferson Middle School students are Black, 42% of students are White, 13% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Hispanic.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Thomas Jefferson Middle School?
Thomas Jefferson Middle School has a student ration of 19:1, which is higher than the Illinois state average of 14:1.
What grades does Thomas Jefferson Middle School offer ?
Thomas Jefferson Middle School offers enrollment in grades 7-8
What school district is Thomas Jefferson Middle School part of?
Thomas Jefferson Middle School is part of Decatur School District 61.
Recent Articles
College Application Requirement for High School Graduation? DC Weighs Possibility
The article discusses a proposal in Washington D.C. to make college applications a requirement for high school graduation. It examines the potential benefits and drawbacks of such a policy, including its impact on graduation rates and college attendance. The piece also considers similar initiatives in other states and the debate surrounding this approach
Bribing Students to Get Good Grades: The Debate
This piece explores the controversial practice of offering monetary rewards to students for good grades. It examines studies conducted in various cities, discussing the effectiveness of such programs and the ethical concerns they raise. The article presents arguments from both supporters and critics of this approach to student motivation.
September 27, 2024
Understanding RubricsThis article explores the fundamental principles of rubrics in education, focusing on their role as assessment tools. It breaks down the key components of rubrics, including criteria, performance levels, and descriptors. The piece also delves into the two main types of rubrics - holistic and analytic - providing authoritative definitions and explaining their unique applications in educational settings.