2020
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NBRS Badge for Decatur Classical School

Decatur Classical School - Chicago, IL

Cultivating a community passionate about academic, physical, and emotional growth.

Cultivating a community passionate about academic, physical, and emotional growth.

Decatur Classical School is a K-6 selective enrollment public school on the north side of Chicago, IL. The school was founded in 1978 as a classical school and has been a stable part of the West Ridge community. Decatur was overcrowded for decades due to the enrollment demand. The Decatur students, parents, teacher, and administrators advocated year after year for more space. Finally in July of 2018, Decatur was granted a programmatic expansion to include an annex and space for 7th and 8th grade classes.

Decatur teachers create curriculum and subject frameworks that challenge students and teachers are trained in differentiation practices to meet the needs of all students at their level through whole group and small group instruction. We believe in a holistic approach to education that includes a culture of positive social, cognitive, and individualized development. Decatur values academics and the arts equally, believing the two are inseparable in developing caring and empathetic human beings. In order to develop students in this way students also have classes that include visual arts, dance, maker-space, music, Latin and physical education.

Social and emotional learning at Decatur Classical School is embedded into the school day through direct instruction, restorative practices, conflict resolution, and a caring climate for learning. This helps students develop tools for social-emotional proficiency, situational awareness, and academic achievement. Students learn mindfulness and yoga techniques each year and both are used strategically to improve attention, emotional regulation, compassion, and resilience.

2020 Awardee

Decatur Classical School

7030 North Sacramento Avenue
Chicago, IL, 60645-2848

(773) 534-2201

Principal at time of Nomination:
Ms. Yolanda Luna-Mroz

Choice School

City Of Chicago Sd 299

Urban or large central city

School Website

School Facebook

Mission

We are a community of dedicated teachers and curious students who persevere in the exploration of learning.

Student Demographics

  • Asian: 31%
  • Black/African American: 4%
  • Hispanic: 15%
  • White: 44%
  • Two or more races: 6%
  • Application