Best Elementary Schools
in Indianapolis, Indiana
We ranked the 171 elementary schools in Indianapolis with real test data. The top 25 scored between 7.9 and 9.5 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and Indiana education data
The short answer
The top-rated elementary schools in Indianapolis for 2026 are Center for Inquiry School 70 (9.5/10), Center for Inquiry School 84 (9.3/10), and In Math & Science Academy (9.0/10), based on MySchoolScout's analysis of real test data across 171 rated elementary schools. Schools with estimated (proxy) scores are excluded from this ranking.
Choosing an elementary school in Indianapolis?
Every elementary school in Indianapolis is scored 1–10 on the same four measures. Use the ranking to build a shortlist, then weigh the tradeoffs a single score can't capture.
Shortlist starter
Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.
Center for Inquiry School 70
Indianapolis, IN. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Center for Inquiry School 84
Indianapolis, IN. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
In Math & Science Academy
Indianapolis, IN. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Indianapolis has 138 ranked elementary schools, giving families a wide field to evaluate — but performance varies significantly across the metro. Indy Steam Academy leads all schools with a 9.8 out of 10, followed closely by George W Julian School 57 at 9.5 and IN Math & Science Academy and Center for Inquiry School 70, both at 9.3. The average composite score across all ranked schools sits at 6.1 out of 10, which means the gap between a typical school and a top performer is substantial. Only 36 schools — about 26% of the total — score 7 or higher, so strong options exist but require some searching. The table below lets you sort by overall score, test performance, and other key measures to find schools that match what matters most to your family. Start with the top of the rankings or filter by neighborhood to narrow your search.
Center for Inquiry School 70
Center for Inquiry School 84
In Math & Science Academy
Score Distribution
Where the top 25 schools fall on a 1-10 scale
How We Ranked Indianapolis's Elementary Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 with weights that vary by school level: Student Growth tracks improvement over time and counts most in elementary and middle grades. Poverty-Adjusted Academic Achievement measures standardized test performance in math and reading against socioeconomic expectations. Environment considers class size, spending, and attendance. College Readiness joins the composite for high schools. Equity data is shown for context but is not factored into the score. All scores are computed within Indiana so schools are compared to peers in the same state. See our full methodology.
Top 25 of 171 Rankings
Scores are based on 2024-25 data from the NCES Common Core of Data and Indiana education department. Rankings are relative to all public elementary schools in Indiana. Learn about our methodology.
Map: Top 25 Elementary Schools in Indianapolis
Pins are color-coded by score: green (7+), yellow (4-6.9), red (below 4). Click a pin for details.
School Spotlights: Indianapolis's Top 10 Elementary Schools
Choosing the Right Elementary School in Indianapolis
Rankings identify schools with the strongest measurable outcomes, but the right school for your family depends on more than a number. Indianapolis's elementary school landscape is one of the most diverse in Indiana, with 185 schools spanning 77 school districts, plus 33 charter schools offering alternative approaches.
Consider your child's learning style. Some children thrive in smaller settings (look for student-teacher ratios under 14:1), while others do well in larger, more social environments. The schools on this list range widely in size and approach.
Look beyond the composite score. A school ranked #15 might be the best fit if it excels in growth (improving student outcomes year over year) even if its raw academic score is lower. Click into individual school profiles to see the breakdown.
Visit your top choices. Walk the hallways during a school day. Watch how teachers interact with students. Ask about before- and after-school care, transportation, and parent involvement. These details matter more than any dataset.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best elementary school in Indianapolis, Indiana?
According to MySchoolScout's 2026 rankings, Center for Inquiry School 70 is the top-rated elementary school in Indianapolis with a composite score of 9.5/10. The score blends student growth, poverty-adjusted academic performance, and school environment — plus college readiness for high schools — with equity shown as context, not scored.
How many elementary schools are in Indianapolis, Indiana?
Indianapolis has 185 elementary schools, including 33 charter schools. Of these, 177 have enough data for a full composite rating on MySchoolScout.
What is the average elementary school rating in Indianapolis?
The average composite score for Indianapolis elementary schools is 5.9/10. Scores range from 1.0 (bottom of the state) to 10.0 (top 1% in Indiana).
How does MySchoolScout rate elementary schools?
Each school receives a 1-10 composite score that blends Student Growth, Poverty-Adjusted Academic Achievement, and School Environment — plus College Readiness for high schools. Weights vary by school level, with growth counting most in elementary and middle grades. Equity data is shown for context but not scored. All scores are computed within Indiana, so schools are compared to peers in the same state. Data comes from the NCES Common Core of Data and state education departments.
What is a good school rating on MySchoolScout?
A score of 7 or above means a school is in roughly the top 30% of its state. A 5 is average. Anything above 8 is exceptional. Our ratings are relative to other schools in Indiana, not a national comparison, because each state has different testing standards.
Are charter schools included in the Indianapolis elementary school rankings?
Yes. Indianapolis has 33 charter elementary schools, and they are ranked alongside traditional public schools using the same composite scoring methodology.