Best Schools in Indianapolis, Indiana
298 schools · 185 Elementary · 32 Middle · 48 High · 33 Other
Choosing a school in Indianapolis?
Use this page to compare every school in Indianapolis by level, neighborhood, and district — and find the right fit, not just the top of the list.
Shortlist starter
Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.
Center for Inquiry School 70
Elementary · Indianapolis Public Schools. Ranked from real test data; compare it on the map and table below.
International School of Indiana
Other. Ranked from real test data; compare it on the map and table below.
Merle Sidener Gifted Academy
Middle · Indianapolis Public Schools. Ranked from real test data; compare it on the map and table below.
The short answer
The top-rated schools in Indianapolis for 2026 are Center for Inquiry School 70 (9.5/10), International School of Indiana (9.5/10), and Merle Sidener Gifted Academy (9.4/10), based on MySchoolScout's analysis of real test data across 50 rated schools. Ratings blend student growth, poverty-adjusted academic achievement, and school environment (plus college readiness for high schools), with equity shown as context, not scored; schools with estimated (proxy) scores are excluded from this ranking.
Schools
298
224 public · 74 private
Avg Score
5.8
out of 10
Median Home
$224,259
home value · ACS
Districts
77
serving the city
Schools
298
224 public · 74 private
Avg Score
5.8
out of 10
Median Home
$224,259
home value · ACS
Districts
77
serving the city
Rates 9.0/10 despite 89% of students being economically disadvantaged. That's about 4.0 points higher than its student-poverty level predicts. Roughly as clean a case of strong results without an affluent-ZIP price tag as you'll find among Indianapolis schools.
Top-Rated Schools in Indianapolis
Ranked by MySchoolScout composite using only schools with real test data (50 of 298). "Value" = points above what student poverty predicts. Estimated (proxy) scores are excluded.
| # | School | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Center for Inquiry School 70 | 9.5 / 10 |
| 2 | International School of Indiana | 9.5 / 10 |
| 3 | Merle Sidener Gifted Academy | 9.4 / 10 |
| 4 | Herron High School | 9.3 / 10 |
| 5 | Center for Inquiry School 84 | 9.3 / 10 |
| 6 | In Math & Science Academy | 9.0 / 10 |
| 7 | Horizon Christian School | 9.0 / 10 |
| 8 | Legacy Learning Center | 9.0 / 10 |
| 9 | School of Knowledge | 9.0 / 10 |
| 10 | Providence Cristo Rey High School | 8.9 / 10 |
See every school — including those with estimated data — in the full directory below. How we rate schools.
Family Snapshot
At a glance- Avg school rating
- 5.8/10
- Median household income
- $71,481
- Median home value
- $224,259
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 37%
- Avg commute
- 24 min
- Owner-occupied homes
- 59%
34% of schools rated 7+
Census ACS, ZIPs in this city
Owner-occupied units
Adults 25+
Workers age 16+
Of occupied housing units
How Indianapolis compares
Indiana rank
#160 of 218
cities by avg. school score
Vs. state average
-0.5
below Indiana avg (6.3)
Median household income
$71k
99% of Indiana median
Schools in this city
286
Education Snapshot
Indianapolis, IndianaIndianapolis operates 298 schools across 77 school districts, collectively enrolling roughly 170,245 students. The average MySchoolScout composite rating sits at 5.8/10 across 286 scored schools — half a point below Indiana's state average of 6.3/10. School choice runs wide: 66 charter schools complement the traditional public system across every grade level. The level breakdown skews elementary-heavy — 185 of 298 schools serve elementary grades, with 48 high schools, 32 middle schools, and 33 combined or alternative programs rounding out the mix. The city's median household income of $68,781 runs 7% below the Indiana state median of $74,263; alongside the below-state composite rating, both figures place Indianapolis beneath the state average on key benchmarks. Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher represent 36% of the adult population, a useful reference when comparing neighborhoods across the city's 77 districts.
About Schools in Indianapolis, Indiana
Indianapolis has one of Indiana's largest and most varied public school landscapes, with 222 ranked public schools spread across a city that mixes traditional neighborhood schools, magnet programs, and charter options. The average school scores a 6.0 out of 10, which tells parents that quality is genuinely uneven here — finding the right fit takes research, not assumption.
The top of the range is strong. Indy Steam Academy leads all ranked Indianapolis public schools with a 9.8 out of 10, making it a standout at the elementary level. H.L. Harshman Middle School scores a 9.7, giving families a high-performing option to carry students through the middle grades. George W. Julian School 57 (9.5), IN Math and Science Academy (9.3), and Center for Inquiry School 70 (9.3) round out a competitive group of elementary programs. That the top five spans STEM-focused charters and inquiry-based learning models reflects how much Indianapolis has invested in specialized programming as alternatives to zoned schools.
Still, the broader picture requires realism. Only 58 schools — 26% of ranked public schools — score 7 or higher. That means nearly three in four schools fall below that threshold. A parent who simply enrolls in their zoned school without checking scores may land their child in a school performing well below the city average. The gap between Indianapolis's best and most typical schools is wide enough to matter significantly for academic outcomes.
Practically, parents researching Indianapolis should not treat school assignment as a given. The city's magnet and charter options create real alternatives worth applying for early, since enrollment timelines vary and seats at top programs are competitive. Elementary-level options appear especially strong at the high end, so families with younger children have meaningful choices if they plan ahead. Comparing individual school scores against the city average of 6.0 gives a quick, reliable signal for separating genuinely strong schools from average ones in what is, by any measure, a market where your zip code alone should not determine your child's school.
Elementary Schools
185 schools| # | School | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 454 students · Kindergarten–8th | 9.5 |
| 2 | 441 students · Kindergarten–8th | 9.3 |
| 3 | 535 students · Kindergarten–8th | 9.0 |
| 4 | 312 students · Kindergarten–8th | 8.9 |
| 5 | 720 students · Kindergarten–5th | 8.8 |
| 6 | 176 students · Kindergarten–6th | 8.6 |
| 7 | 480 students · Pre-K–5th | 8.5 |
| 8 | 413 students · Kindergarten–6th | 8.4 |
| 9 | 725 students · Pre-K–6th | 8.3 |
| 10 | 580 students · Pre-K–5th | 8.0 |
Show all 185 elementary schools in Indianapolis
Private and public school ratings use different data sources and scoring models, so scores are not directly comparable across school types.
Middle Schools
32 schools| # | School | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 304 students · 2nd–8th | 9.4 |
| 2 | 272 students · 7th–8th | 7.7 |
| 3 | 828 students · 6th–8th | 7.7 |
| 4 | 201 students · 5th–8th | 7.5 |
| 5 | 1,229 students · 7th–8th | 7.4 |
| 6 | 822 students · 6th–8th | 7.4 |
| 7 | 266 students · 7th–8th | 7.2 |
| 8 | 228 students · 5th–8th | 7.1 |
| 9 | 463 students · 7th–8th | 7.1 |
| 10 | 659 students · 6th–6th | 7.0 |
Show all 32 middle schools in Indianapolis
Private and public school ratings use different data sources and scoring models, so scores are not directly comparable across school types.
High Schools
48 schools| # | School | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 998 students · 9th–12th | 9.3 |
| 2 | 398 students · 9th–12th | 8.5 |
| 3 | 1,174 students · 9th–12th | 8.0 |
| 4 | 3,616 students · 9th–12th | 7.4 |
| 5 | 3,193 students · 9th–12th | 7.2 |
| 6 | 993 students · 9th–12th | 7.0 |
| 7 | 578 students · 9th–12th | 6.9 |
| 8 | 3,381 students · 9th–12th | 6.6 |
| 9 | 2,373 students · 9th–12th | 6.6 |
| 10 | 378 students · 10th–12th | 6.4 |
Show all 48 high schools in Indianapolis
Private and public school ratings use different data sources and scoring models, so scores are not directly comparable across school types.
Other Schools
33 schools| # | School | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1,024 students · Kindergarten–12th | 7.7 |
| 2 | 168 students · Pre-K–12th | 5.3 |
| 3 | 67 students · Pre-K–12th | 5.3 |
| 4 | 130 students · Kindergarten–12th | 5.2 |
| 5 | 1,293 students · 9th–9th | 5.1 |
| 6 | 169 students · Pre-K–Pre-K | 5.0 |
| 7 | 274 students · Pre-K–12th | 4.8 |
| 8 | 179 students · Kindergarten–12th | 4.4 |
| 9 | 328 students · Kindergarten–12th | 4.0 |
| 10 | 108 students · Pre-K–12th | 4.0 |
Show all 33 other schools in Indianapolis
Private and public school ratings use different data sources and scoring models, so scores are not directly comparable across school types.
Schools in Indianapolis
Indianapolis, Indiana · 298 schools
Community Demographics
Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates across 34 ZIP codes
Median Income
$71,481
Median Home Value
$224,259
Median Rent
$1,188/mo
Population
968,509
College Educated
37%
Homeownership
59%
Avg Commute
24 min
Poverty Rate
14.7%
Community Profile
Indianapolis has a median household income of $71,481. It is an area where 37% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $224,259, with a median rent of $1,188/month. The area has a poverty rate of 14.7%. The average commute for residents is 24 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Schools by Level
- State
- Indiana
- Elementary
- 185
- Middle
- 32
- High
- 48
- Other
- 33
Resources
School Districts (77)
Irvington Community School
3 schools · 939 students
Christel House Academy South
2 schools · 934 students
IN Sch for the Blind & Vis Imprd
1 school · 108 students
Indiana School For The Deaf
1 school · 274 students
KIPP Indy College Prep Middle
1 school · 369 students
SE Neighborhood Sch of Excellence
1 school · 583 students
Andrew J Brown Academy
1 school · 570 students
Charles A Tindley Accelerated Sch
1 school · 353 students
Victory College Prep
1 school · 1,024 students
Avondale Meadows Academy
1 school · 315 students
Herron Charter
1 school · 998 students
Indianapolis Metropolitan High Sch
1 school · 251 students
IN Math & Science Academy
1 school · 535 students
Paramount Brookside
1 school · 856 students
Excel Center for Adult Learners
1 school · 1,285 students
IN Math & Science Academy - North
1 school · 600 students
Indiana Connections Academy
1 school · 5,475 students
Southside Sp Srvs Of Marion Co
1 school · 168 students
Damar Charter Academy
1 school · 179 students
Christel House DORS
1 school · 993 students
Phalen Leadership Academy - IN Inc
1 school · 181 students
Excel Center - Richmond
1 school · 204 students
Enlace Academy
1 school · 676 students
Excel Center - West
1 school · 359 students
Tindley Genesis Academy
1 school · 397 students
Vision Academy
1 school · 396 students
KIPP Indy Unite Elementary
1 school · 708 students
Tindley Summit Academy
1 school · 225 students
Christel House Academy West
1 school · 491 students
Excel Center - University Heights
1 school · 362 students
Global Preparatory Academy
1 school · 701 students
ACE Preparatory Academy
1 school · 117 students
Hoosier College and Career Academy
1 school · 784 students
Circle City Prep Charter School
2 schools · 338 students
Purdue Polytechnic High School Ind
1 school · 578 students
Avondale Meadows Middle School
1 school · 201 students
Herron-Riverside High School
1 school · 398 students
James & Rosemary Phalen Leadership Academy Middle School
1 school · 266 students
Indiana Connections Career Academy
1 school · 724 students
Matchbook Learning
1 school · 642 students
Paramount Cottage Home
1 school · 358 students
Excel Center - Muncie
1 school · 283 students
Allegiant Preparatory Academy
1 school · 154 students
pilotED Schools
1 school · 217 students
PLA at George H Fisher School 93
1 school · 413 students
Dynamic Minds Academy
1 school · 130 students
KIPP Indy Legacy High
1 school · 386 students
Invent Learning Hub
1 school · 179 students
Paramount Englewood
1 school · 228 students
Purdue Polytechnic High Sch North
1 school · 262 students
James and Rosemary Phalen Leadership Academy High School
1 school · 482 students
Adelante Schools
1 school · 442 students
The Hope Academy Inc.
1 school · 40 students
Phalen Leadership Academy at Francis Scott Key School 103
1 school · 629 students
GEO Next Generation Academy
1 school · 222 students
The PATH School
1 school · 612 students
Phalen Virtual Leadership Academy
1 school · 289 students
BELIEVE Circle City High School
1 school · 279 students
Rooted School Indianapolis
1 school · 158 students
Phalen Leadership Academy at Louis B Russell School 48
1 school · 270 students
Paramount Online Academy
1 school · 194 students
Promise Prep
1 school · 97 students
Indy Steam Academy
1 school · 176 students
The Nature School of Central Indiana
1 school · 145 students
Herron Preparatory Academy
1 school · 312 students
MSD Decatur Township
10 schools · 6,655 students
Franklin Township Com Sch Corp
11 schools · 11,240 students
Indianapolis Public Schools
48 schools · 21,863 students
MSD Lawrence Township
17 schools · 16,502 students
Perry Township Schools
21 schools · 16,044 students
MSD Pike Township
13 schools · 10,617 students
MSD Warren Township
16 schools · 11,440 students
MSD Washington Township
14 schools · 10,735 students
MSD Wayne Township
18 schools · 15,799 students
The Genius School
1 school · 136 students
Liberty Grove Schools
1 school · 203 students
Monarca Academy
1 school · 99 students
Nearby Cities
Other Major Cities in Indiana
Top metros statewide by school count.
Featured Rankings
See our in-depth rankings with interactive maps, score breakdowns, and school spotlights.
How we rate schools
A clear 1–10 score built from public data — growth, academics, and learning environment. No hidden criteria, no pay-to-play.
See how we rateFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about schools in Indianapolis, Indiana
How many schools are in Indianapolis, Indiana?
Indianapolis has 298 schools, including 224 public and 74 private schools spanning elementary, middle, and high school levels.
What is the average school rating in Indianapolis, Indiana?
The average MySchoolScout composite score for schools in Indianapolis is 5.8 out of 10, built from student growth, poverty-adjusted academic achievement, and school environment — plus college readiness for high schools.
What is the top-ranked school in Indianapolis, Indiana?
The top-ranked school in Indianapolis on MySchoolScout is Center for Inquiry School 70 with a composite score of 9.5/10.
What is the best elementary school in Indianapolis, Indiana?
The top-ranked elementary school in Indianapolis on MySchoolScout is Center for Inquiry School 70 with a composite score of 9.5/10.
What is the best middle school in Indianapolis, Indiana?
The top-ranked middle school in Indianapolis on MySchoolScout is Merle Sidener Gifted Academy with a composite score of 9.4/10.
What is the best high school in Indianapolis, Indiana?
The top-ranked high school in Indianapolis on MySchoolScout is Herron High School with a composite score of 9.3/10.
How many school districts serve Indianapolis, Indiana?
Indianapolis is served by 77 school districts: Irvington Community School, Christel House Academy South, In Sch for the Blind & Vis Imprd, Indiana School for the Deaf, Kipp Indy College Prep Middle, Se Neighborhood Sch of Excellence, Andrew J Brown Academy, Charles a Tindley Accelerated Sch, Victory College Prep, Avondale Meadows Academy, Herron Charter, Indianapolis Metropolitan High Sch, In Math & Science Academy, Paramount Brookside, Excel Center for Adult Learners, In Math & Science Academy - North, Indiana Connections Academy, Southside Sp Srvs of Marion Co, Damar Charter Academy, Christel House Dors, Phalen Leadership Academy - in Inc, Excel Center - Richmond, Enlace Academy, Excel Center - West, Tindley Genesis Academy, Vision Academy, Kipp Indy Unite Elementary, Tindley Summit Academy, Christel House Academy West, Excel Center - University Heights, Global Preparatory Academy, Ace Preparatory Academy, Hoosier College and Career Academy, Circle City Prep Charter School, Purdue Polytechnic High School Ind, Avondale Meadows Middle School, Herron-riverside High School, James & Rosemary Phalen Leadership Academy Middle School, Indiana Connections Career Academy, Matchbook Learning, Paramount Cottage Home, Excel Center - Muncie, Allegiant Preparatory Academy, Piloted Schools, Pla at George H Fisher School 93, Dynamic Minds Academy, Kipp Indy Legacy High, Invent Learning Hub, Paramount Englewood, Purdue Polytechnic High Sch North, James and Rosemary Phalen Leadership Academy High School, Adelante Schools, The Hope Academy Inc., Phalen Leadership Academy at Francis Scott Key School 103, Geo Next Generation Academy, The Path School, Phalen Virtual Leadership Academy, Believe Circle City High School, Rooted School Indianapolis, Phalen Leadership Academy at Louis B Russell School 48, Paramount Online Academy, Promise Prep, Indy Steam Academy, The Nature School of Central Indiana, Herron Preparatory Academy, Msd Decatur Township, Franklin Township Com Sch Corp, Indianapolis Public Schools, Msd Lawrence Township, Perry Township Schools, Msd Pike Township, Msd Warren Township, Msd Washington Township, Msd Wayne Township, The Genius School, Liberty Grove Schools, Monarca Academy.
What is the education level in Indianapolis, Indiana?
According to Census data, 37% of adults in Indianapolis have earned a bachelor's degree or higher.
What is the median income in Indianapolis, Indiana?
The median household income in Indianapolis is approximately $71,481 according to Census ACS 2022 estimates.
Are there private schools in Indianapolis, Indiana?
Yes, Indianapolis has 74 private schools alongside 224 public schools. The top-rated private school is International School of Indiana with a score of 9.5/10.
What is the student-teacher ratio in Indianapolis, Indiana?
The average student-teacher ratio across schools in Indianapolis is 17.0:1. This ratio varies by school, so families should check individual school profiles for specific classroom sizes.
How does MySchoolScout rate schools in Indianapolis, Indiana?
MySchoolScout rates schools using publicly available data from the NCES Common Core of Data and state education departments. Each school receives a 1-10 composite score built from Student Growth, Poverty-Adjusted Academic Achievement, and School Environment — plus College Readiness for high schools. Weights vary by school level, and equity data is shown for context but not scored.
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Data from NCES Common Core of Data, Indiana Dept. of Education, and U.S. Census ACS for the 2023–24 school year. Rankings computed by MySchoolScout. See all data sources.