Best Middle Schools
in Indianapolis, Indiana
We ranked the 31 middle schools in Indianapolis with real test data. The top 25 scored between 4.1 and 9.4 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and Indiana education data
The short answer
The top-rated middle schools in Indianapolis for 2026 are Merle Sidener Gifted Academy (9.4/10), The Oaks Academy (7.8/10), and H L Harshman Middle School (7.7/10), based on MySchoolScout's analysis of real test data across 31 rated middle schools. Schools with estimated (proxy) scores are excluded from this ranking.
Choosing a middle school in Indianapolis?
Every middle 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.
Merle Sidener Gifted Academy
Indianapolis, IN. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
The Oaks Academy
Indianapolis, IN. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
H L Harshman Middle School
Indianapolis, IN. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Indianapolis has 30 ranked middle schools spread across the metro, with performance varying considerably from one campus to the next. The average composite score sits at 5.8 out of 10, but the top of the table pulls well above that mark — H L Harshman Middle School leads all Indianapolis middle schools with a 9.7, nearly four points ahead of the citywide average. Only four schools, or 13% of those ranked, clear the 7.0 threshold, putting Northview Middle School, Merle Sidener Gifted Academy, and Eastwood Middle School in select company. That spread matters when you're weighing options by neighborhood, commute, or program fit. The table below lets you sort by score, school type, and other key metrics to compare campuses side by side. Start with the top performers if academic achievement is your primary filter, or dig into the full list to find the right fit for your student.
Merle Sidener Gifted Academy
The Oaks Academy
H L Harshman Middle School
Score Distribution
Where the top 25 schools fall on a 1-10 scale
How We Ranked Indianapolis's Middle 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 31 Rankings
| # | School | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Merle Sidener Gifted Academy Indianapolis Public Schools | 9.4 |
| 2 | The Oaks Academy | 7.8 |
| 3 | H L Harshman Middle School Indianapolis Public Schools | 7.7 |
| 4 | Northview Middle School MSD Washington Township | 7.7 |
| 5 | Avondale Meadows Middle School Charter Avondale Meadows Middle School | 7.5 |
| 6 | Perry Meridian Middle School Perry Township Schools | 7.4 |
| 7 | Eastwood Middle School MSD Washington Township | 7.4 |
| 8 | James & Rosemary Phalen Leadership Academy Middle School Charter James & Rosemary Phalen Leadership Academy Middle School | 7.2 |
| 9 | Paramount Englewood Charter Paramount Englewood | 7.1 |
| 10 | Hw Longfellow Med/stem Magnet Midl Indianapolis Public Schools | 7.1 |
| 11 | Perry Meridian 6th Grade Academy Perry Township Schools | 7.0 |
| 12 | Lillie Idella Kitley Intermediate Franklin Township Com Sch Corp | 6.6 |
| 13 | Northwest Community Middle School Indianapolis Public Schools | 6.5 |
| 14 | Edgewood Intermediate School Franklin Township Com Sch Corp | 6.1 |
| 15 | Arlington Community Middle School Indianapolis Public Schools | 6.0 |
| 16 | Southport 6th Grade Academy Perry Township Schools | 5.9 |
| 17 | Westlane Middle School MSD Washington Township | 5.3 |
| 18 | Southport Middle School Perry Township Schools | 5.0 |
| 19 | New Augusta Public Academy - North MSD Pike Township | 5.0 |
| 20 | Guion Creek Middle School MSD Pike Township | 4.3 |
| 21 | Raymond Park Intermediate & Middle MSD Warren Township | 4.2 |
| 22 | Stonybrook Intermediate & Middle MSD Warren Township | 4.2 |
| 23 | Franklin Central Junior High Franklin Township Com Sch Corp | 4.1 |
| 24 | Fall Creek Valley Middle School MSD Lawrence Township | 4.1 |
| 25 | Lincoln Middle School MSD Pike Township | 4.1 |
Scores are based on 2024-25 data from the NCES Common Core of Data and Indiana education department. Rankings are relative to all public middle schools in Indiana. Learn about our methodology.
Map: Top 25 Middle 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 Middle Schools
James & Rosemary Phalen Leadership Academy Middle School
Choosing the Right Middle 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 middle school landscape is one of the most diverse in Indiana, with 32 schools spanning 77 school districts, plus 4 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 middle school in Indianapolis, Indiana?
According to MySchoolScout's 2026 rankings, Merle Sidener Gifted Academy is the top-rated middle school in Indianapolis with a composite score of 9.4/10. 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 middle schools are in Indianapolis, Indiana?
Indianapolis has 32 middle schools, including 4 charter schools. Of these, 31 have enough data for a full composite rating on MySchoolScout.
What is the average middle school rating in Indianapolis?
The average composite score for Indianapolis middle schools is 5.7/10. Scores range from 1.0 (bottom of the state) to 10.0 (top 1% in Indiana).
How does MySchoolScout rate middle 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 middle school rankings?
Yes. Indianapolis has 4 charter middle schools, and they are ranked alongside traditional public schools using the same composite scoring methodology.