Best High Schools
in Indianapolis, Indiana
We ranked all 48 high schools in Indianapolis. The top 25 scored between 6.7 and 8.9 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and Indiana education data
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-Riverside High School
PROVIDENCE CRISTO REY HIGH SCHOOL
Herron 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 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 | Herron-Riverside High School Charter Herron-Riverside High School | 8.9 |
| 2 | PROVIDENCE CRISTO REY HIGH SCHOOL | 8.9 |
| 3 | Herron High School Charter Herron Charter | 8.8 |
| 4 | North Central High School MSD Washington Township | 8.7 |
| 5 | Shortridge High School Indianapolis Public Schools | 8.0 |
| 6 | SCECINA MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL | 8.0 |
| 7 | KIPP Indy Legacy High Charter KIPP Indy Legacy High | 7.6 |
| 8 | Lawrence North High School MSD Lawrence Township | 7.6 |
| 9 | Arsenal Technical High School Indianapolis Public Schools | 7.5 |
| 10 | Lawrence Central High School MSD Lawrence Township | 7.5 |
| 11 | THE INDEPENDENCE ACADEMY | 7.5 |
| 12 | Indianapolis Metropolitan High Sch Charter Indianapolis Metropolitan High Sch | 7.4 |
| 13 | Ben Davis University High School MSD Wayne Township | 7.4 |
| 14 | BREBEUF JESUIT PREPARATORY SCHOOL | 7.3 |
| 15 | The Hope Academy Inc. Charter The Hope Academy Inc. | 7.2 |
| 16 | George Washington High School Indianapolis Public Schools | 7.2 |
| 17 | CARDINAL RITTER HIGH SCHOOL | 7.2 |
| 18 | LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL OF INDIANAPOLIS | 7.2 |
| 19 | COVENANT CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL | 7.2 |
| 20 | Rooted School Indianapolis Charter Rooted School Indianapolis | 7.0 |
| 21 | Pike High School MSD Pike Township | 7.0 |
| 22 | Franklin Central High School Franklin Township Com Sch Corp | 6.9 |
| 23 | Perry Meridian High School Perry Township Schools | 6.9 |
| 24 | Southport High School Perry Township Schools | 6.8 |
| 25 | CATHEDRAL HIGH SCHOOL | 6.7 |
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-Riverside High School is the top-rated high school in Indianapolis with a composite score of 8.9/10. The score is based on academic performance, student growth, equity, and school environment.
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 6.4/10. 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 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 high school rankings?
Yes. Indianapolis has 22 charter high schools, and they are ranked alongside traditional public schools using the same composite scoring methodology.