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Average

#1180 of 1,823 schools in IN

Lawrence Central High School

High School · MSD Lawrence Township

7300 E 56th St, Indianapolis, IN 46226

Enrollment

2,417

Student-Teacher

19.2:1

Score

5.7

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Indiana schools

#1,180 of 1,823

In Indianapolis

#88 of 222

public schools

In district

#7 of 16

MSD Lawrence Township

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Lawrence Central High School

5.7/10

High School in Indianapolis · grades 9th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Hoosier College and Career Academy

4.5/10

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

Belzer Middle School

2.6/10

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

About Lawrence Central High School

Lawrence Central High School is a public high school in Indianapolis, IN, part of MSD Lawrence Township. Lawrence Central High School serves approximately 2,417 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 19.2:1 student-teacher ratio. Lawrence Central High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.7 out of 10 and ranks #1,180 of 1,823 schools in IN.

Structured state assessment records for Lawrence Central High School show 45% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 55% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2021).

How it comparesOn par with district
  • This school 5.7 · Average
  • District avg 5.8
  • IN avg 6.4

What Parents Should Know

Lawrence Central High School is a large school: 2,417 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.

49% of students at Lawrence 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 metrics
Student Progress3.5Needs Improvement25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data14
Annual Change-4.09 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2022
TrendDeclining
Academics6.6Average25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency12% (2022 EdFacts)
Reading/ELA Proficiency53% (2021 EdFacts)
Overall Proficiency33% (2022 EdFacts, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)24% (model expectation from 2022 EdFacts)
vs. Expected+8.9 pts
Adjusted Percentile51th
College Readiness9.1Excellent30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate92%
AP Participation15.6%
IB ProgramYes
Resources & Environment2.0Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio19.2:1
Per-Pupil Spending$12,332
Chronic Absenteeism49.4%

Lawrence Central High School — Students at Lawrence Central High School score 32% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 24%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

78.4%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores IN EDFACTS (2021-22)

Math Proficiency 45.3% (multi-year average, 2009-2022)
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 55.3% (multi-year average, 2009-2021)
School
State
N/A

Based on 27 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
58%
ELA
59%
2010
Math
81%
ELA
60%
2011
Math
85%
ELA
70%
2012
Math
84%
ELA
63%
2013
Math
85%
ELA
69%
2014
Math
81%
ELA
67%
2015
Math
23%
ELA
45%
2016
Math
23%
ELA
44%
2017
Math
24%
ELA
42%
2018
Math
18%
ELA
47%
2019
Math
18%
ELA
47%
2020*
Math
21%
ELA
53%
2021*
Math
21%
ELA
53%
2022
Math
12%

* 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: 3.5/10.

How Lawrence Central High School Compares

See how Lawrence Central High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
5.7/10
35th percentile in IN
Academic
6.6/10
Average
Growth
3.5/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
2.0/10
Needs Improvement
AP Courses
3
State avg: 2.6
Sports
11
7 boys' · 4 girls'
Advanced STEM
5/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
78%
Teaching Staff
19:1 student-teacher ratio
126 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
49.4%

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs3 AP courses offered IB Programme
15.6% participation·State avg: 2.6 AP courses·15 IB enrolled·CRDC 2021-22
Athletics11sports offered
7 boys'·4 girls'·17 teams (incl. JV)·CRDC 2021-22
Advanced STEM Courses5 of 5 advanced subjects offered
Algebra II, Advanced Math, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics·CRDC 2021-22
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

7300 E 56th St, Indianapolis, IN 46226

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Lawrence Central High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Lawrence North High School (rated 6.0/10, 2.8 miles away), with a very similar rating. Another option is Hoosier College and Career Academy (rated 4.5/10, 0.2 miles away), a more accessible option. Additionally, Thrival Academy (rated 2.5/10, 1.5 miles away), a more accessible option. For more schools in Indianapolis, see our Indianapolis schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 2.6 mi
School Distance Rating
Hoosier College and Career Academy Indianapolis 0.2 mi 4.5
Belzer Middle School Indianapolis 0.2 mi 2.6
Harrison Hill Elementary School Indianapolis 0.4 mi 3.3
The Nature School of Central Indiana Indianapolis 0.6 mi 5.5
Brook Park Elementary School Indianapolis 0.7 mi 2.8
ST LAWRENCE CATHOLIC SCHOOL Indianapolis 1.1 mi 7.7
Arlington Community Middle School Indianapolis 1.5 mi 6.0
Thrival Academy Indianapolis 1.5 mi 2.5
Skiles Test Elementary School Indianapolis 1.9 mi 3.5
Circle City Preparatory Elementary School Indianapolis 1.9 mi 7.5
Crestview Elementary School Indianapolis 2.0 mi 6.8
HARRIOT TUBMAN SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE Indianapolis 1.7 mi
Robert Lee Frost School 106 Indianapolis 1.7 mi 3.8
Charles Warren Fairbanks Sch 105 Indianapolis 2.1 mi 4.6
TP SCHOOLS Indianapolis 2.0 mi 6.9
PLA@Promise Prep Indianapolis 2.1 mi 5.3
PLA at George H Fisher School 93 Indianapolis 2.5 mi 8.4
HERITAGE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Indianapolis 2.4 mi 5.7
Lawrence North High School Indianapolis 2.8 mi 6.0
Tindley Summit Academy Indianapolis 2.6 mi 5.4

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
South Side High School Fort Wayne, IN 5.8
Southport High School Indianapolis, IN 5.8
Terre Haute South Vigo High School Terre Haute, IN 5.8
North Side High School Fort Wayne, IN 5.6
Northrop High School Fort Wayne, IN 5.9
Anderson High School Anderson, IN 5.4

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Lawrence Central High School

What grades does Lawrence Central High School serve?

Lawrence Central High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend Lawrence Central High School?

Lawrence Central High School has an enrollment of approximately 2,417 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Lawrence Central High School?

The student-teacher ratio at Lawrence Central High School is 19.2:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Lawrence Central High School rank in IN?

Lawrence Central High School ranks #1,180 of 1,823 schools in IN.

What is Lawrence Central High School's MySchoolScout rating?

Lawrence Central High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.7 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 Lawrence Central High School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Lawrence Central High School has 45% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 55% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2021).

Is Lawrence Central High School a charter school?

No, Lawrence Central High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Lawrence Central High School a Title I school?

No, Lawrence Central High School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Lawrence Central High School?

78.4% of students at Lawrence 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.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
6 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
30 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
2,417
Student-Teacher Ratio
19.2:1
Teachers (FTE)
126
Free/Reduced Lunch
78.4%
Type
regular
Setting
Large Suburb
County
Marion County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
49.4%
4-Year Graduation
92.0%

District

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

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