Best Middle Schools
in Indianapolis, Indiana
We ranked all 32 middle schools in Indianapolis. The top 25 scored between 4.8 and 9.7 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and Indiana education data
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.
H L Harshman Middle School
Northview Middle School
THE OAKS ACADEMY
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 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 | H L Harshman Middle School Indianapolis Public Schools | 9.7 |
| 2 | Northview Middle School MSD Washington Township | 8.6 |
| 3 | THE OAKS ACADEMY | 7.8 |
| 4 | Merle Sidener Gifted Academy Indianapolis Public Schools | 7.4 |
| 5 | Eastwood Middle School MSD Washington Township | 7.1 |
| 6 | Paramount Englewood Charter Paramount Englewood | 6.9 |
| 7 | Westlane Middle School MSD Washington Township | 6.9 |
| 8 | Lillie Idella Kitley Intermediate Franklin Township Com Sch Corp | 6.7 |
| 9 | James & Rosemary Phalen Leadership Academy Middle School Charter James & Rosemary Phalen Leadership Academy Middle School | 6.6 |
| 10 | Perry Meridian Middle School Perry Township Schools | 6.6 |
| 11 | HW Longfellow Med/STEM Magnet Midl Indianapolis Public Schools | 6.4 |
| 12 | Northwest Community Middle School Indianapolis Public Schools | 6.3 |
| 13 | Decatur Middle School MSD Decatur Township | 6.2 |
| 14 | Perry Meridian 6th Grade Academy Perry Township Schools | 6.1 |
| 15 | Avondale Meadows Middle School Charter Avondale Meadows Middle School | 5.9 |
| 16 | Arlington Community Middle School Indianapolis Public Schools | 5.9 |
| 17 | Edgewood Intermediate School Franklin Township Com Sch Corp | 5.4 |
| 18 | New Augusta Public Academy - North MSD Pike Township | 5.4 |
| 19 | Raymond Park Intermediate & Middle MSD Warren Township | 5.3 |
| 20 | Stonybrook Intermediate & Middle MSD Warren Township | 5.2 |
| 21 | Lincoln Middle School MSD Pike Township | 5.1 |
| 22 | Fall Creek Valley Middle School MSD Lawrence Township | 5.0 |
| 23 | Southport Middle School Perry Township Schools | 5.0 |
| 24 | Southport 6th Grade Academy Perry Township Schools | 4.9 |
| 25 | Franklin Central Junior High Franklin Township Com Sch Corp | 4.8 |
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, H L Harshman Middle School is the top-rated middle school in Indianapolis with a composite score of 9.7/10. The score is based on academic performance, student growth, equity, and school environment.
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 5.9/10. 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 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 middle school rankings?
Yes. Indianapolis has 4 charter middle schools, and they are ranked alongside traditional public schools using the same composite scoring methodology.