Average
#1269 of 1,823 schools in IN
Cowan High School
High School · Cowan Community School Corp
9401 S Nottingham, Muncie, IN 47302
Enrollment
350
Student-Teacher
14.6:1
Score
5.5
Grades
7th – 12th
Enrollment
350
Student-Teacher
14.6:1
Score
5.5
Grades
7th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Muncie
#12 of 18
public schools
Indiana high schools
#268 of 388
In district
#1 of 2
Cowan Community School Corp
About Cowan High School
Cowan High School is a regular public high school located in the rural outskirts of Muncie, Indiana. Serving students from seventh through twelfth grade, Cowan High School has an enrollment of 350 students and maintains a student-teacher ratio of 14.6:1 with 24 full-time equivalent teachers on staff. The school is situated near the town, providing a blend of rural charm and community involvement.
Cowan High School's academic performance places it in the 21st percentile among Indiana schools, as indicated by its state ranking at #1449 out of 1831 schools. Test scores show that 35% of students are proficient or above in ELA/Reading, while only 20% meet proficiency standards in Math. These results suggest there is room for improvement in academic performance but also highlight the school's focus on student development and growth.
Cowan High School sits in a rural setting near Muncie, offering a close-knit community atmosphere where students can connect with teachers and peers in a supportive environment.
What Parents Should Know
Located in a rural area, Cowan High School may involve longer commutes for some families. Rural schools often serve as community anchors and may have smaller class sizes, but parents should consider transportation logistics, after-school program availability, and access to specialized services.
Score Breakdown
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Cowan High School — Students at Cowan High School score 34% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 40%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
49.7%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores IN ILEARN (2024-25)
Based on 11 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: 5.5/10.
How Cowan High School Compares
See how Cowan High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 32% (2019) to 28.32% (2025). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 52% (2019) to 38.94% (2025).
Location
9401 S Nottingham, Muncie, IN 47302
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Cowan High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Indiana Academy for Sci Math Hmn (rated 7.8/10, 6.2 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Excel Center - Muncie (rated 3.5/10, 5.8 miles away, in nearby Indianapolis), a more accessible option. For more schools in Muncie, see our Muncie schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 7.1 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Cowan Elementary School Muncie | 0.2 mi | 5.2 |
| Muncie Virtual Academy Muncie | 3.3 mi | — |
| Southside Middle School Muncie | 4.0 mi | 5.2 |
| Grissom Elementary School Muncie | 4.2 mi | 6.9 |
| South View Elementary School Muncie | 4.8 mi | 6.3 |
| Inspire Academy - A Sch of Inquiry Muncie | 5.0 mi | 3.3 |
| Youth Opportunity Center Muncie | 5.5 mi | 5.8 |
| Excel Center - Muncie Indianapolis | 5.8 mi | 3.5 |
| East Washington Academy Muncie | 6.1 mi | 7.8 |
| ST MICHAEL SCHOOL Muncie | 6.2 mi | 8.7 |
| ST MICHAEL CATHOLIC SCHOOL Muncie | 6.2 mi | 8.0 |
| Indiana Academy for Sci Math Hmn Muncie | 6.2 mi | 7.8 |
| Burris Laboratory School Muncie | 6.2 mi | 5.1 |
| West View Elementary School Muncie | 6.3 mi | 4.1 |
| Muncie Central High School Muncie | 6.5 mi | 4.1 |
| Longfellow Elementary School Muncie | 7.1 mi | 6.2 |
| Northside Middle School Muncie | 7.4 mi | 6.9 |
| North View Elementary School Muncie | 8.0 mi | 6.5 |
| Yorktown Elementary School Yorktown | 7.1 mi | 5.6 |
| Yorktown Middle School Yorktown | 7.1 mi | 6.9 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 47302 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$47,185
Median Home Value
$70,800
Median Rent
$865/mo
Population
25,365
College Educated
11.5%
Homeownership
65%
Avg Commute
23.9 min
Poverty Rate
25.1%
Median Age
39.6
Community Profile
The community surrounding Cowan High School has a median household income of $47,185. It is a community where 12% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $70,800, with a median rent of $865/month. The area has a poverty rate of 25.1%, indicating some economic challenges in the community. 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 |
|---|---|
| Edinburgh Community High School Edinburgh, IN | 5.5 |
| Excel Center - Anderson Anderson, IN | 5.5 |
| Northfield Jr-Sr High School Wabash, IN | 5.5 |
| Union City Community Jr/Sr High Union City, IN | 5.5 |
| Boone Grove High School Valparaiso, IN | 5.4 |
| Excel Center - Elkhart Elkhart, IN | 5.4 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Cowan High School
What grades does Cowan High School serve?
Cowan High School serves students in grades 7th through 12th.
How many students attend Cowan High School?
Cowan High School has an enrollment of approximately 350 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Cowan High School?
The student-teacher ratio at Cowan High School is 14.6:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Cowan High School rank in IN?
Cowan High School is ranked #1269 out of 1,823 schools in IN.
What is Cowan High School's MySchoolScout rating?
Cowan High School has a composite rating of 5.5 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 Cowan High School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Cowan High School has 27.6% math proficiency and 44.2% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Cowan High School a charter school?
No, Cowan High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Cowan High School a Title I school?
No, Cowan High School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Cowan High School?
49.7% of students at Cowan 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
- City Safety
- High (2,863/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Muncie). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 7th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 350
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 14.6:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 24
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 49.7%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Fringe Rural
- County
- Delaware County
- Phone
- (765) 289-7128
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Cowan Community School Corp- District Enrollment
- 786
- Schools in District
- 2
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $11,494
- District Rank
- #1 of 2
Other Schools in This District
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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