Average
#830 of 1,823 schools in IN
Top 46% in state
Decatur Central High School
High School · MSD Decatur Township
5251 Kentucky Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46221
Enrollment
2,061
Student-Teacher
16.1:1
Score
6.5
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
2,061
Student-Teacher
16.1:1
Score
6.5
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Indianapolis
#87 of 222
public schools
Indiana high schools
#166 of 388
In district
#2 of 8
MSD Decatur Township
Academic growth
8.9 / 10
Exceptional
About Decatur Central High School
Decatur Central High School serves 2,061 students in grades 9-12 in Indianapolis, with a student-teacher ratio of 16.1:1 and 128 full-time teachers. As one of the larger high schools in Marion County, the school is working to improve its academic outcomes, with current math proficiency at 12% and significant room for growth in overall performance. The school ranks in the 6th percentile among Indiana high schools, indicating ongoing challenges that the administration and faculty are addressing.
With its substantial enrollment, Decatur Central offers the scale that can support diverse programming and activities, though academic achievement remains a primary focus area for improvement. Located on Kentucky Avenue, the school serves a working-class community where the median household income is $57,379 and median home values are $156,200. About 15% of residents in the surrounding ZIP code hold bachelor's degrees, with a poverty rate of 12.1%.
The neighborhood reflects the diverse, hardworking character typical of Indianapolis's urban communities. Decatur Central High School sits within Indianapolis's large city setting, providing students access to the resources and opportunities that come with urban education while serving families who are deeply rooted in their local community.
What Parents Should Know
Decatur Central High School is a large school with 2,061 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
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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 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: 8.9/10.
How Decatur Central High School Compares
See how Decatur Central High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 20% (2019) to 12% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has improved from 45% (2019) to 52% (2021).
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 7.4/10, 4.4 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, Achieve Virtual Education Academy (rated 4.1/10, 3.6 miles away), a more accessible option. 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
Community Profile
The community surrounding Decatur Central High School has a median household income of $58,316. It is a community where 16% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $174,900, with a median rent of $1,111/month. The area has a poverty rate of 16.0%. The average commute for residents is 25 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 |
|---|---|
| Mooresville High School Mooresville, IN | 6.6 |
| Mt Vernon High School Fortville, IN | 6.4 |
| Richmond High School Richmond, IN | 6.6 |
| Wayne High School Fort Wayne, IN | 6.4 |
| Anderson High School Anderson, IN | 6.7 |
| Franklin Community High School Franklin, IN | 6.7 |
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 is ranked #830 out of 1,823 schools in IN.
What is Decatur Central High School's MySchoolScout rating?
Decatur Central High School has a composite rating of 6.5 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 Decatur Central High School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Decatur Central High School has 19.0% math proficiency and 48.5% reading/ELA proficiency.
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.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
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
- Phone
- (317) 856-5288
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
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
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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