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Needs Improvement

#1798 of 1,823 schools in IN

Belzer Middle School

Middle School · MSD Lawrence Township

7555 E 56th St, Indianapolis, IN 46226

Enrollment

1,139

Student-Teacher

16.8:1

Score

2.6

Grades

7th – 8th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Indiana schools

#1,798 of 1,823

In Indianapolis

#216 of 222

public schools

In district

#16 of 16

MSD Lawrence Township

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Belzer Middle School

2.6/10

Middle School in Indianapolis · grades 7th – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Harrison Hill Elementary School

3.3/10

0.2 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

Lawrence Central High School

5.7/10

0.2 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About Belzer Middle School

Belzer Middle School is a public middle school in Indianapolis, IN, part of MSD Lawrence Township. Belzer Middle School serves approximately 1,139 students, and covers grades 7th-8th, and has a 16.8:1 student-teacher ratio. Belzer Middle School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 2.6 out of 10 and ranks #1,798 of 1,823 schools in IN.

Structured state assessment records for Belzer Middle School show 41% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 45% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it compares0.7 pts below district
  • This school 2.6 · Needs Improvement
  • District avg 3.3
  • IN avg 5.5

What Parents Should Know

41% of students at Belzer Middle School were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress2.0Needs Improvement40%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change-4.84 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics3.2Needs Improvement35%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency9.6% (2025 ILEARN)
Reading/ELA Proficiency15.9% (2025 ILEARN)
Math vs. State Avg-26.4 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-22.2 pts
Overall Proficiency13% (2025 ILEARN, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)21% (model expectation from 2025 ILEARN)
vs. Expected-7.8 pts
Adjusted Percentile13th
Resources & Environment2.7Needs Improvement25%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio16.8:1
Per-Pupil Spending$12,332
Chronic Absenteeism41.2%

Belzer Middle School — Students at Belzer Middle School score 13% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 21%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

83.6%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores IN ILEARN (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 41.0% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
37.6% (2025 ILEARN)
ELA Proficiency 45.0% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
40.5% (2025 ILEARN)

Based on 33 test records from IN state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2009
Math
73%
ELA
65%
2010
Math
76%
ELA
69%
2011
Math
85%
ELA
71%
2012
Math
86%
ELA
73%
2013
Math
85%
ELA
66%
2014
Math
56%
ELA
58%
2015
Math
50%
ELA
54%
2016
Math
40%
ELA
50%
2017
Math
41%
ELA
53%
2018
Math
26%
ELA
38%
2019
Math
26%
ELA
38%
2020*
Math
7%
ELA
19%
2021*
Math
7%
ELA
19%
2022
Math
10%
2025
Math
9.6%
ELA
15.9%

* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 2.0/10.

How Belzer Middle School Compares

See how Belzer Middle School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
2.6/10
1th percentile in IN
Academic
3.2/10
Needs Improvement
Growth
2.0/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
2.7/10
Needs Improvement
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
84%
Teaching Staff
17:1 student-teacher ratio
68 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
41.2%

Programs & Offerings

Gifted & Talented Program Available
This school offers a gifted and talented program for qualifying students. · CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

7555 E 56th St, Indianapolis, IN 46226

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Belzer Middle School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. PLA at George H Fisher School 93 (rated 8.4/10, 2.4 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is ST LAWRENCE CATHOLIC SCHOOL (rated 7.7/10, 1.0 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Circle City Preparatory Elementary School (rated 7.5/10, 1.7 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Indianapolis, see our Indianapolis schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 2.4 mi
School Distance Rating
Harrison Hill Elementary School Indianapolis 0.2 mi 3.3
Lawrence Central High School Indianapolis 0.2 mi 5.7
Hoosier College and Career Academy Indianapolis 0.4 mi 4.5
The Nature School of Central Indiana Indianapolis 0.8 mi 5.5
Brook Park Elementary School Indianapolis 0.7 mi 2.8
ST LAWRENCE CATHOLIC SCHOOL Indianapolis 1.0 mi 7.7
Circle City Preparatory Elementary School Indianapolis 1.7 mi 7.5
Arlington Community Middle School Indianapolis 1.6 mi 6.0
Thrival Academy Indianapolis 1.6 mi 2.5
Charles Warren Fairbanks Sch 105 Indianapolis 1.9 mi 4.6
TP SCHOOLS Indianapolis 1.7 mi 6.9
PLA@Promise Prep Indianapolis 1.8 mi 5.3
Crestview Elementary School Indianapolis 2.1 mi 6.8
Skiles Test Elementary School Indianapolis 2.1 mi 3.5
HARRIOT TUBMAN SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE Indianapolis 1.8 mi
PLA at George H Fisher School 93 Indianapolis 2.4 mi 8.4
Robert Lee Frost School 106 Indianapolis 1.9 mi 3.8
Tindley Summit Academy Indianapolis 2.3 mi 5.4
HERITAGE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Indianapolis 2.7 mi 5.7
Forest Glen Elementary School Indianapolis 2.4 mi 7.4

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 46226 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$47,086

Median Home Value

$148,900

Median Rent

$1,045/mo

Population

45,640

College Educated

23.8%

Homeownership

46.4%

Avg Commute

24.2 min

Poverty Rate

19.4%

Median Age

33.2

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
Otter Creek Middle School Terre Haute, IN 3.1
Henry W Eggers Middle School Hammond, IN 3.3
Chapel Hill 7th & 8th Grade Center Indianapolis, IN 3.4
John J Young Middle School Mishawaka, IN 3.4
Creston Intermediate & Middle Schl Indianapolis, IN 3.6
Decatur Middle School Indianapolis, IN 3.7

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Belzer Middle School

What grades does Belzer Middle School serve?

Belzer Middle School serves students in grades 7th through 8th.

How many students attend Belzer Middle School?

Belzer Middle School has an enrollment of approximately 1,139 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Belzer Middle School?

The student-teacher ratio at Belzer Middle School is 16.8:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Belzer Middle School rank in IN?

Belzer Middle School ranks #1,798 of 1,823 schools in IN.

What is Belzer Middle School's MySchoolScout rating?

Belzer Middle School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 2.6 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at Belzer Middle School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Belzer Middle School has 41% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 45% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

Is Belzer Middle School a charter school?

No, Belzer Middle School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Belzer Middle School a Title I school?

No, Belzer Middle School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Belzer Middle School?

83.6% of students at Belzer Middle School qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
14 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
33 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
7th – 8th
Enrollment
1,139
Student-Teacher Ratio
16.8:1
Teachers (FTE)
68
Free/Reduced Lunch
83.6%
Type
regular
Setting
Large Suburb
County
Marion County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
41.2%

District

MSD Lawrence Township
District Enrollment
16,502
Schools in District
17
Per-Pupil Spending
$12,332
District Rank
#16 of 16

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