Below Average
#1468 of 1,823 schools in IN
Decatur Central High School
High School · MSD Decatur Township
5251 Kentucky Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46221
Enrollment
2,061
Student-Teacher
16.1:1
Score
4.7
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
2,061
Student-Teacher
16.1:1
Score
4.7
Grades
9th – 12th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Indiana schools
#1,468 of 1,823
In Indianapolis
#128 of 222
public schools
In district
#2 of 8
MSD Decatur Township
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Decatur Central High School
High School in Indianapolis · grades 9th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Decatur Middle School
0.2 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Valley Mills Elementary School
0.3 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Decatur Central High School
Decatur Central High School is a public high school in Indianapolis, IN, part of MSD Decatur Township. Decatur Central High School serves approximately 2,061 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 16.1:1 student-teacher ratio. Decatur Central High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.7 out of 10 and ranks #1,468 of 1,823 schools in IN.
Structured state assessment records for Decatur Central High School show 47% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 56% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2021).
- This school 4.7 · Below Average
- IN avg 6.4
What Parents Should Know
Decatur Central High School is a large school: 2,061 students. Size usually brings more course choices and activities than a smaller school can staff, but kids can also blend into the crowd. Ask how the school keeps students known and supported.
56% of students at Decatur Central High 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 · 4/4 metricsView breakdown
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Decatur Central High School — Students at Decatur Central High School score 32% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 25%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
75.6%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores IN EDFACTS (2021-22)
Based on 27 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: 3.4/10.
How Decatur Central High School Compares
See how Decatur Central High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
Location
5251 Kentucky Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46221
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Decatur Central High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Ben Davis University High School (rated 6.4/10, 4.4 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Achieve Virtual Education Academy (rated 4.6/10, 3.6 miles away), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Indianapolis, see our Indianapolis schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 5.5 miNeighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 46221 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$58,316
Median Home Value
$174,900
Median Rent
$1,111/mo
Population
26,255
College Educated
16.2%
Homeownership
60.8%
Avg Commute
25.4 min
Poverty Rate
16%
Median Age
34.2
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Hammond Central High School Hammond, IN | 4.7 |
| Mishawaka High School Mishawaka, IN | 4.7 |
| Jay County Jr/Sr High School Portland, IN | 4.8 |
| Portage High School Portage, IN | 4.8 |
| Indiana Digital Alternative School Modoc, IN | 4.6 |
| Concord Community High School Elkhart, IN | 4.9 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Decatur Central High School
What grades does Decatur Central High School serve?
Decatur Central High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend Decatur Central High School?
Decatur Central High School has an enrollment of approximately 2,061 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Decatur Central High School?
The student-teacher ratio at Decatur Central High School is 16.1:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Decatur Central High School rank in IN?
Decatur Central High School ranks #1,468 of 1,823 schools in IN.
What is Decatur Central High School's MySchoolScout rating?
Decatur Central High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.7 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 Decatur Central High School?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Decatur Central High School has 47% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 56% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2021).
Is Decatur Central High School a charter school?
No, Decatur Central High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Decatur Central High School a Title I school?
No, Decatur Central High School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Decatur Central High School?
75.6% of students at Decatur Central 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.
Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 2,061
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 16.1:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 128
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 75.6%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large City
- County
- Marion County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 56.3%
- Phone
- (317) 856-5288
- 4-Year Graduation
- 89.0%
Resources & Links
District
MSD Decatur Township- District Enrollment
- 6,655
- Schools in District
- 10
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $12,193
- District Rank
- #2 of 8
Other Schools in This District
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