[1] The school system is also the second largest employer in Decatur.

Decatur's spending per student is one of the highest in the state, and higher than many places in the nation.

[2] The Decatur City School District was the first in North Alabama to offer the International Baccalaureate Programme.

The Primary Years accredited schools are the first, and currently only, in Alabama.

The Middle Years accredited schools are also the first and currently only in Alabama.