Original Research by School Decision on Garfield Elementary
Garfield Elementary is closed and no longer operating. The school was classified as an alternative school serving middle grades and was located in Decatur, Illinois, within Decatur School District 61.
Because the school is no longer in operation, academic performance data, student enrollment figures, and current program information are not available. No state testing results, graduation rates, or demographic information can be provided for an entity that has ceased operations.
For families in Decatur seeking middle-grade educational options, the relevant choice now lies with Decatur Public Schools' currently operating schools. The district itself is undergoing substantial planning through its Roadmap2030 initiative, launched in October 2024, which is evaluating the structural condition of all buildings and how programs align with future enrollment and financial needs. This multi-year facility and strategic plan will shape which schools remain open and how middle-grade instruction is organized going forward. Additionally, the district implemented a bell-to-bell ban on electronic devices—phones, tablets, smart watches, and ear buds—starting in the 2024-25 school year, affecting the daily classroom experience across all grade levels.
Decatur itself is a mid-sized central Illinois city along the Sangamon River and Lake Decatur, with roots in agricultural and commodity processing. The housing market in the local zip code is moderately priced compared to national benchmarks, with median home values substantially below the state average. Rental housing is similarly affordable. The city has experienced gradual population decline but is pursuing downtown revitalization and new affordable housing development through projects like the Village at Legacy. Major employers include Archer Daniels Midland (headquartered there), Caterpillar, regional hospitals, Millikin University, and Richland Community College. Lake Decatur and its parks, along with downtown's historic commercial district and Scovill Zoo, provide civic anchors for daily life.
Parents seeking information about middle-grade alternatives in the district should contact Decatur Public Schools directly to understand which schools currently serve those grades and what programmatic options exist as the district completes its facility planning process.
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