Average
#1250 of 1,823 schools in IN
Ben Davis High School
High School · MSD Wayne Township
1200 N Girls Sch Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46214
Enrollment
3,274
Student-Teacher
18.2:1
Score
5.6
Grades
10th – 12th
Enrollment
3,274
Student-Teacher
18.2:1
Score
5.6
Grades
10th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Indianapolis
#129 of 222
public schools
Indiana high schools
#262 of 388
In district
#9 of 17
MSD Wayne Township
Academic growth
9.4 / 10
Exceptional
About Ben Davis High School
Ben Davis High School serves 3,274 students in grades 10 through 12 in Indianapolis, making it one of the larger high schools in Marion County. With 180 full-time equivalent teachers, the school maintains an 18.2:1 student-teacher ratio, providing a substantial educational community for upperclassmen. The school faces significant academic challenges, with only 13% of students demonstrating proficiency in mathematics across grade levels.
Ben Davis currently ranks #1767 out of 1831 Indiana high schools, placing it in the 4th percentile statewide, indicating considerable room for academic growth and development. Located on North Girls School Road, the school serves a diverse community where the median household income is $53,970 and median home values average $165,100. About 28% of residents in the surrounding 46214 ZIP code hold bachelor's degrees or higher, while the poverty rate stands at 12%.
The area's population of approximately 23,000 residents creates a substantial neighborhood base for the school. As a regular public high school in Indianapolis's urban landscape, Ben Davis High School operates within a large city setting that offers both opportunities and challenges for its sizable student body as they work toward graduation and post-secondary planning.
What Parents Should Know
Ben Davis High School is a large school with 3,274 students enrolled. Larger schools typically offer a wider range of academic programs, electives, and extracurricular activities. Parents may want to ask about how the school maintains a sense of community and ensures students don't get lost in the crowd.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 4/4 metricsView breakdown
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Ben Davis High School — Students at Ben Davis High School score 29% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 29%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
68.1%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores IN EDFACTS (2021-22)
Based on 5 test records from IN state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* 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: 9.4/10.
How Ben Davis High School Compares
See how Ben Davis High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has remained stable from 15% (2019) to 13% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has improved from 39% (2019) to 45% (2021).
Location
1200 N Girls Sch Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46214
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Ben Davis High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Ben Davis University High School (rated 7.4/10, 2.6 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is COVENANT CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL (rated 7.2/10, 0.6 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Speedway Senior High School (rated 7.1/10, 2.3 miles away, in nearby Speedway), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Indianapolis, see our Indianapolis schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 2.4 miNeighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 46214 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$58,863
Median Home Value
$180,200
Median Rent
$1,116/mo
Population
24,645
College Educated
26.5%
Homeownership
46.6%
Avg Commute
23.9 min
Poverty Rate
11.7%
Median Age
35.1
Community Profile
The community surrounding Ben Davis High School has a median household income of $58,863. It is an area where 27% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $180,200, with a median rent of $1,116/month. The area has a poverty rate of 11.7%. The average commute for residents is 24 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Warren Central High School Indianapolis, IN | 5.6 |
| Center Grove High School Greenwood, IN | 5.5 |
| Jeffersonville High School Jeffersonville, IN | 5.8 |
| William Henry Harrison High School West Lafayette, IN | 5.8 |
| Merrillville High School Merrillville, IN | 5.9 |
| Northrop High School Fort Wayne, IN | 6.0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Ben Davis High School
What grades does Ben Davis High School serve?
Ben Davis High School serves students in grades 10th through 12th.
How many students attend Ben Davis High School?
Ben Davis High School has an enrollment of approximately 3,274 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Ben Davis High School?
The student-teacher ratio at Ben Davis High School is 18.2:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Ben Davis High School rank in IN?
Ben Davis High School is ranked #1250 out of 1,823 schools in IN.
What is Ben Davis High School's MySchoolScout rating?
Ben Davis High School has a composite rating of 5.6 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Ben Davis High School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Ben Davis High School has 14.7% math proficiency and 42.0% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Ben Davis High School a charter school?
No, Ben Davis High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Ben Davis High School a Title I school?
No, Ben Davis High School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Ben Davis High School?
68.1% of students at Ben Davis High 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.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 10th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 3,274
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 18.2:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 180
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 68.1%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large City
- County
- Marion County
- Phone
- (317) 988-7000
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
MSD Wayne Township- District Enrollment
- 15,799
- Schools in District
- 18
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $13,573
- District Rank
- #9 of 17
How We Rate Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.
Read our full methodologyRelated reading
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