Best Elementary Schools
in Indianapolis, Indiana
We ranked all 185 elementary schools in Indianapolis. The top 25 scored between 8.0 and 9.8 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and Indiana education data
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.
Indy Steam Academy
George W Julian School 57
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 based on four components: Academic Achievement (50%) measures standardized test performance in math and reading. Student Growth (20%) tracks improvement over time. Equity (15%) evaluates how well a school serves all student groups. Environment (15%) considers class size, spending, and attendance. All scores are computed within Indiana so schools are compared to peers in the same state. See our full methodology.
All 25 Rankings
| # | School | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Indy Steam Academy Charter Indy Steam Academy | 9.8 |
| 2 | George W Julian School 57 Indianapolis Public Schools | 9.5 |
| 3 | IN Math & Science Academy Charter IN Math & Science Academy | 9.3 |
| 4 | Center for Inquiry School 70 Indianapolis Public Schools | 9.3 |
| 5 | Herron Preparatory Academy Charter Herron Preparatory Academy | 8.9 |
| 6 | ST THOMAS AQUINAS SCHOOL | 8.8 |
| 7 | Fishback Creek Public Academy MSD Pike Township | 8.7 |
| 8 | ST MONICA CATHOLIC SCHOOL | 8.7 |
| 9 | ST MICHAEL-ST. GABRIEL ARCHANGELS CATHOLIC ELEME | 8.6 |
| 10 | Cold Spring School Indianapolis Public Schools | 8.5 |
| 11 | James A Garfield School 31 Indianapolis Public Schools | 8.5 |
| 12 | McClelland Elementary School MSD Wayne Township | 8.5 |
| 13 | ST JOAN OF ARC/DIOCESE | 8.5 |
| 14 | THE ORCHARD SCHOOL | 8.5 |
| 15 | SYCAMORE SCHOOL | 8.5 |
| 16 | PLA at George H Fisher School 93 Charter PLA at George H Fisher School 93 | 8.4 |
| 17 | IPS/Butler Lab at Eliza Blaker 55 Indianapolis Public Schools | 8.4 |
| 18 | Clearwater Elementary School MSD Washington Township | 8.4 |
| 19 | TRINITY LUTHERAN SCHOOL | 8.4 |
| 20 | ST RICHARD'S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL | 8.4 |
| 21 | William McKinley School 39 Indianapolis Public Schools | 8.3 |
| 22 | WORTHMORE ACADEMY | 8.3 |
| 23 | Center For Inquiry School 2 Indianapolis Public Schools | 8.2 |
| 24 | ST MATTHEW CATHOLIC SCHOOL | 8.1 |
| 25 | Louis B Russell Jr School 48 Charter Phalen Leadership Academy at Louis B Russell School 48 | 8.0 |
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, Indy Steam Academy is the top-rated elementary school in Indianapolis with a composite score of 9.8/10. The score is based on academic performance, student growth, equity, and school environment.
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 6.4/10. 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 based on four components: Academic Achievement (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and School Environment (15%). 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.