Best High Schools
in Indianapolis, Indiana
We ranked the 45 high schools in Indianapolis with real test data. The top 25 scored between 5.4 and 9.3 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and Indiana education data
The short answer
The top-rated high schools in Indianapolis for 2026 are Herron High School (9.3/10), Providence Cristo Rey High School (8.9/10), and Herron-riverside High School (8.5/10), based on MySchoolScout's analysis of real test data across 45 rated high schools. Schools with estimated (proxy) scores are excluded from this ranking.
Choosing a high school in Indianapolis?
Every high 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.
Herron High School
Indianapolis, IN. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Providence Cristo Rey High School
Indianapolis, IN. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Herron-riverside High School
Indianapolis, IN. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Indianapolis spans 38 ranked high schools, with performance varying considerably across the metro. Herron-Riverside High School leads the field at 8.9 out of 10, followed closely by Herron High School at 8.8 and North Central High School at 8.7. The average composite score across all ranked schools sits at 6.1 out of 10, meaning strong options exist but families need to look carefully — only 14 schools, or 37% of the total, reach the 7-point threshold. That spread matters when you're comparing schools across different parts of the city. The table below lets you sort by overall score, academics, or other key metrics to find the right fit. Whether you're weighing a traditional public school like North Central against a charter option like KIPP Indy Legacy High, the data gives you a direct, side-by-side view. Start with the top scorers or filter by your neighborhood to narrow the list.
Herron High School
Providence Cristo Rey High School
Herron-riverside High School
Score Distribution
Where the top 25 schools fall on a 1-10 scale
How We Ranked Indianapolis's High 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 45 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 high schools in Indiana. Learn about our methodology.
Map: Top 25 High 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 High Schools
Choosing the Right High 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 high school landscape is one of the most diverse in Indiana, with 48 schools spanning 77 school districts, plus 22 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 high school in Indianapolis, Indiana?
According to MySchoolScout's 2026 rankings, Herron High School is the top-rated high school in Indianapolis with a composite score of 9.3/10. 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 high schools are in Indianapolis, Indiana?
Indianapolis has 48 high schools, including 22 charter schools. Of these, 47 have enough data for a full composite rating on MySchoolScout.
What is the average high school rating in Indianapolis?
The average composite score for Indianapolis high schools is 5.6/10. Scores range from 1.0 (bottom of the state) to 10.0 (top 1% in Indiana).
How does MySchoolScout rate high 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 high school rankings?
Yes. Indianapolis has 22 charter high schools, and they are ranked alongside traditional public schools using the same composite scoring methodology.