MARY W FRENCH ACADEMY

Mary W French Academy is a Title I public elementary school that is part of the Decatur SD 61 school district, located in Decatur, IL with about 293 students offering grade levels from Kindergarten to 6th Grade. A Title I school provides supplemental financial assistance to school districts for children from low-income families. Its purpose is to provide all children significant opportunity to receive a fair, equitable, and high-quality education. With about 19 teachers, Mary W French Academy has a student/teacher ratio of about 15:1. The national average for public schools is about 15:1. A lower student/teacher ratio is a key factor that determines how much a teacher can devote his/her time to each individual student thus improving, or reducing (in the event of a higher student/teacher ratio) the attention each student is given for their educational needs.

The Mary W. French Academy, located at 520 W. Wood St. in Decatur, Illinois, is a specialized educational facility operating under the Decatur Public Schools District 61. The academy functions as an alternative learning environment designed to provide structured academic support and behavioral intervention for students who may struggle in a traditional classroom setting. Its mission is to offer a personalized approach to education, aiming to help students develop the necessary social and academic skills to eventually transition back into their home schools or successfully continue their educational paths.

The academy emphasizes a small-group learning atmosphere where educators and staff focus on individualized instruction and emotional support. By fostering a environment that prioritizes consistency and stability, the school seeks to address the unique challenges faced by its student body. The facility plays a vital role in the district’s efforts to ensure that all students, regardless of their behavioral or academic hurdles, have access to a curriculum that keeps them on track for graduation while receiving the guidance required to succeed both inside and outside the classroom.

For more information, contact Mary W French Academy at (217) 362-3381 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.