Indiana is teeming with opportunities for families seeking a place to call home. Boasting picturesque landscapes, vibrant communities, and welcoming neighborhoods, the Hoosier state's great quality of life is hard to match.
An excellent education system is among the leading attractions for families, with students accessing the best schools in the US.
Of course, your child's needs and capabilities will determine what makes a good school. But you want a safe, supportive environment with dedicated, passionate instructors that foster learning and growth.
Fortunately, Indiana residents have vast options with impressive test performance rankings, GreatSchools ratings, quality of education, and online reviews.
Best Elementary Schools
Cardinal Elementary School
3590 S Hornaday Road, Brownsburg, Indiana 46112
Are you looking for a facility that aims to deliver a safe and stimulating educational program that enables all students to attain their full intellectual potential? Then, Cardinal Elementary School can befit your child.
The K-5 institution has a student population of 911, comprising 50% female learners and 50% males. In addition, 37% are from a minority background, and 30% of the young scholars are economically disadvantaged.
Cardinal Elementary has 44 experienced teachers and a full-time counselor, leading to a tutor-student ratio of 21. This ratio is not as good as the district's, but the highly qualified instructors still deliver multiple specialized programs to cater to students' diverse learning needs.
The school curriculum is classified into three. First, there's the English as a New Language (ENL) program for students who require additional support in learning English and the High Ability program for those who need a higher level of challenge. Students also go through the Title I program, offering intensified reading and mathematics instruction for students who require additional support.
Cardinal Elementary School has an impressive GreatSchools Summary Rating of 10/10, making it a top-rated school in the state. It is ranked fourth out of 1,016 elementary schools in Indiana and is second in the BCSC district. Moreover, the school is reputable for its reading and math proficiency, ranking fourth and ninth, respectively. About 83% and 87% of students passed reading and math proficiency.
Prairie Vista Elementary School
15400 Brick Road, Granger, Indiana 46530
Situated in the Granger suburb, Prairie Vista Elementary is an interconnected community with technology integration at the heart of the school's fabric. The school culture nurtures each student's inner drive, allowing them to achieve their full potential.
The student population of Prairie Vista is 511, and the school serves K-5. This populace comprises 51% female pupils and 49% schoolboys, with a 21% minority enrollment. In addition, school signs on 14% of financially limited students.
Prairie Vista boasts 25 high-performing and dynamic tutors with charisma and conviction toward self-improvement and student development. The teacher-learner ratio is 1:20, better than the Penn-Harris-Madison (PHM) School District.
Equipped with the necessary resources and opportunities, these teachers collaboratively plan and implement an innovative instructional program. By doing so, they create personalized education plans that cater to each student's needs while setting high expectations.
Prairie Vista Elementary School is ranked 3rd statewide and 2nd among its peers in the PHM district. In addition, the institution ranked second best in reading proficiency and 12th for math proficiency. These remarkable results resulted from 86% of students passing in math proficiency and 84% attaining the same for reading.
©Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock.com
Lincoln Elementary School
4807 Bulldog Way, Brownsburg, Indiana 46112
Burrowed in the heart of Brownsburg lies Lincoln Elementary School, a top-ranking public school boasting a rich history and a commitment to academic merit. The institution enrolled its first batch of students on August 15, 2006.
Lincoln Elementary School caters to 511 diverse K-5 students. The student body is split equally between male and female students, with a minority student enrollment of 30%. In addition, the faculty prides itself on enrolling 27% financially limited students, ensuring that education is accessible to all.
At the core of this reputable facility is its dedicated team of 32 board-certified tutors. With a teacher-pupil ratio of 1:16, the seasoned instructors work closely with their students and provide individualized attention. The staff team engages students in literacy development through regular read-aloud sessions, word walls, and anchor charts, and the results have been impressive.
Lincoln Elementary School ranks at position 2 in state rankings and leads the elementary schools in the BCSC (Brownsburg Community School Corp) district. In addition, the institution's reading and math performances were beyond expectation, as 81% and 91% of students passed the subjects.
Northpoint Elementary School
50800 Cherry Road, Granger, Indiana 46530
Northpoint Elementary School serves the Granger community. The remarkable institution fosters a hands-on, steadfast learning approach in its safe and cherishing environment. Thus, it promotes educational success, individual development, and respect for diversity.
Northpoint is part of the Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation and caters to 594 K-5 learners. The institution's gender distribution comprises 47% schoolgirls and 53% schoolboys, with a minority student population of 37%. In addition, the school's financially challenged student enrollment is 8%.
Northpoint Elementary has 32 licensed teachers working full-time, with 93.3% having over three years of experience. The student-teacher ratio is 19:1, which is better than the district's percentage.
Teachers at Northpoint consistently instill a “can-do” attitude in young students and apply formative assessments to personalize each child's learning. Moreover, the school's data-driven approach upholds high expectations and values a well-rounded edification process. As a result, students excel in state-mandated tests.
Northpoint Elementary is the second-best in Indiana and within the PHM School District. With 1st and 5th proficiency ranks in reading and math, Northpoint Elementary School surpasses expectations in both subjects. In addition, 88% of pupils passed math, and 87% excelled in reading proficiency.
Best Middle Schools
Center for Inquiry School 84
440 E 57th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46220
The Center for Inquiry School is an excellent option if you reside in Indianapolis. Located at the heart of the city setting, the public school boasts a community of respectful, self-guided lifelong learners. The facility strives for an excellent learning environment for students to thrive academically and personally.
Center for Inquiry serves K-8 to a diverse student population of 450 who train to be socially responsible contributors to a dynamic global society. Male and female students represent 48% and 52% of the population, while students from minority communities make up 17%. Additionally, the top-ranked facility enrolls 6% of financially vulnerable students.
The school boasts a qualified, experienced staff team comprising 28 board-certified instructors and a school counselor. The tutor-student ratio is 1:16, which is higher than the district's. But this doesn't impede their commitment to nurturing respectful and curious learners who are critical thinkers and problem solvers.
Center for Inquiry's performance on statewide tests, student graduation levels, and high school preparation has earned it a GreatSchools Summary Rating of 10/10. In addition, the school is ranked 3 out of 478 middle schools in the state and second best in the Indianapolis Public Schools District.
The middle school ranks second and third best in math and reading proficiency. 77% of students passed the math-proficient level, and 79% achieved that level for reading. These results speak volumes about the quality of education offered at the school.
In the News
In May 2023, Chalkbeat News announced that Center for Inquiry School 84's Brandon Denning had been awarded the distinction of Teacher of the Year by the Indianapolis City School District. Denning was recognized for his efforts on the school's equity team. He teaches math at the school. Denning has participated in efforts to recruit higher-quality teachers for the school, noting that he believes students deserve nothing short of the best with their education.
©Daisy Daisy/Shutterstock.com
Merle Sidener Gifted Academy
2424 Kessler Blvd E Drive, Indianapolis, Indiana 46220
Snuggled in the heart of bustling Indianapolis, Merle Sidener Gifted Academy is a beacon of opportunity for gifted school children of all backgrounds. With a focus on educational, social, and emotional growth, this top-ranked public school provides a supportive and inspiring environment for high-ability learners from diverse economic backgrounds.
Merle Sidener Academy serves 352 students from second to eighth grade. The school has 47% female and 53% male students, with 50% of the population coming from minority backgrounds. In addition, the facility registers 36% economically disadvantaged students.
Merle Sidener middle school has a dedicated team of 18 board-certified educators and one counselor. Although the tutor-student ratio is 1:20, worse than the district's, the staff members' commitment to academic success is apparent in all aspects of their work.
The instructors leverage differentiated instruction and technology to provide a challenging but rewarding curriculum. They also enrich the instruction with creative and engaging learning experiences and guide students through vast extracurricular activities and sports programs.
Merle Sidener Gifted Academy has a 9/10 GreatSchools Summary Rating. The school is ranked second best out of 478 middle schools in the state and leads its peers in the Indianapolis Public Schools District. In addition, 78% of students scored at or above the proficient level for math, and 81% scored at or above that level for reading.
Creekside Middle School
3525 W 126th Street, Carmel, IN 46032
Creekside Middle School is in Carmel, IN. The public learning institution prides itself on being a constructive force in the lives of its students, leveraging the power of education. By employing creative, innovative, and cutting-edge teaching methods, the institution has consistently upheld a reputation for academic excellence.
Creekside Middle School caters to 1,266 diverse students from grades 6-8. The minority student enrollment is 41%, and the school constitutes 49% female and 51% male students. Moreover, the top-ranking institution enrolls 5% of financially unstable students.
Creekside Middle School has an exceptional team of 73 board-certified lecturers and two counselors, resulting in a favorable tutor-student ratio of 1:17. This surpasses the district's average ratio, indicating that the facility is well-equipped to offer individualized attention to each learner. Additionally, an impressive 97.5% of teachers have three or more years of experience.
The staff members engage in diverse professional development activities emphasizing respective students' academic and social-emotional progress. In addition, most have shared their knowledge and expertise by presenting at local and international educational conferences and events.
Creekside Middle School ranks top in the state and among the middle schools in the Carmel Clay Schools District. Students excel in reading and math, ranking 1st in the two proficiencies. In addition, 88% and 81% of students scored at or above the pass marks for the respective subjects. The exceptional performance has earned the school a GreatSchools Summary Rating of 10/10.
Best High Schools
Herron High School
110 E 16th Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202
If you live in Indianapolis, Herron High School should top your priorities list. The top-ranking public institution is reputable for emphasizing timeless ideas, fostering respect and trust, and preparing students for the global community.
Herron High serves 951 students, with a population that depicts the city's cultural, racial, and economic diversity. 47% of students are from a minority background, and 40% are economically disadvantaged.
The school's foundation acknowledges that a conventional, liberal arts education system provides the best foundation for leadership and service. Therefore, the curriculum follows an art history timeline that emphasizes many cultures' classic art and literature.
A dedicated team of 62 tutors guides the brilliant learners, resulting in a teacher-student ratio of 1:15. The instructors value each student's talents and capabilities and see them as active participants in the classroom and school community.
Herron High leverages a Trivium curriculum model comprising grammar, logic, and rhetoric. The grammar phase equips students with foundational knowledge in all disciplines, logic teaches them to reason and debate, and rhetoric enables them to apply logic to their learned knowledge. Additionally, students learn critical thinking and problem-solving via the school's classical liberal arts model.
Herron High School has a GreatSchools Summary Rating of 10/10. It ranks 318th nationally and is the third best in the state. In addition, it's the top high school in the Indianapolis metro area and takes up position 81 in the Charter category. These rankings underscore the school's commitment to quality education.
In the News
On May 25, 2023, WISH-TV reported that a 16-year-old was arrested after bringing a gun into Herron High. After a student reported to school officials that another student was armed, safety protocols were immediately activated while the school contacted the police. All students were instructed to remain in place while a search for the armed student was conducted. Families were given the option of either picking their student up or allowing them to remain at school.
The Indiana Academy
301 N Talley Avenue, Muncie, Indiana 47306
The Indiana legislature established the Indiana Academy in 1988 as a center of excellence for students with remarkable intellectual capacity and a strong dedication to scholarship.
Catering to students in grades 11-12, this institution has a diverse population of 200 students. About 34% of students are from minority backgrounds. Additionally, 18% identify as economically disadvantaged, with 14% and 4% benefiting from the school's free and reduced-price lunch programs.
Indiana Academy employs 28 board-certified and seasoned teachers to ensure quality education for learners, resulting in a favorable tutor-student ratio of 1:7. Thus, students receive more individualized attention, significantly enhancing their academic progress and learning experience.
Indiana Academy's curriculum empowers pupils to study the past, explore the present, and prepare for the future. The mandatory coursework stresses traditional liberal arts and sciences, while elective studies, independent learning, research, and hands-on experience encourage learning.
This approach combines rigor, challenge, and inspiration to help students understand their scientific and cultural heritage while exploring new knowledge horizons. As a result, students learn creative thinking, clear communication, and responsibility, which are crucial to the school's impressive performance in statewide examinations.
Indiana Academy ranks as the second-best high school in Indiana and 216th nationally. In addition, it holds the top position among its peers in the Muncie metro area.
Signature School
610 Main Street, Evansville, Indiana 47708
When looking for the right high school for your student, you want to prioritize a facility with an unwavering commitment to providing high-quality education to its students. This is what you'll get at the reputable Signature School in Evansville.
Signature School, which began as a half-day program, made history in 2002 when it became Indiana's first charter high school, thanks to the unwavering support and guidance of the Signature Learning Center, later known as the Signature School Foundation, Inc.
The top-ranking high school has a total enrollment of 389. Financially limited learners form 16% of the population, with 12% and 4% enrolled in the free and reduced-price lunch programs.
Boasting a dedicated team of 27 board-certified instructors, Signature School prides itself on maintaining a low teacher-student ratio of 1:15. The tutors go above and beyond to equip students with the necessary tools and knowledge to succeed in their academic journey and beyond. They challenge their students and provide enriching opportunities that help them grow and develop as learners.
Signature has established a tradition of high academic performance and achievement by creating a culture of learning based on trust and mutual respect. As a result, the facility ranks third best nationally and leads its peers in the state, Evansville metro area, and the charter high school category. It also ranks 159th among its STEM peers. These impressive results culminate in a 10/10 GreatSchools.org summary rating.
In the News
Three Signature School students made headlines on June 27, 2023 for their start-up company, Legaltec. Legaltec uses AI software to match users with the best lawyer for their particular situation. Ethan Hilton, Legaltec's CEO, said that users can utilize this software free of charge. They won $3,000 from a high school business pitch competition and the right to participate in a state competition of the same nature, thanks to their innovative start-up. The teens hope to continue work on their website, which they aim to have up and running in the next few months.
If you'd like to read another story about the Signature School, check this one out from May 2023.
©Anel Alijagic/Shutterstock.com
Understanding Your Child's Educational Needs
Indiana is home to numerous reputable learning institutions. But to find a school for your child, you must prioritize your young learner's needs.
Students need various things to thrive academically, emotionally, and socially. These needs are essential for a child's development and growth into a well-rounded individual.
A child needs a safe and secure learning environment that lets them study without fear, anxiety, or stress. Secondly, prioritize a school with qualified and dedicated teachers alongside the right resources that facilitate learning. Next, your student needs socialization and extracurricular activities with opportunities to learn teamwork, build self-esteem, and develop their interests, talents, and social skills.
Lastly, a child needs emotional support and guidance to build resilience and succeed in a rigorous and challenging setup.
With all these in mind, you can find the right school for your child.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©iStock.com/Highwaystarz-Photography.