Average
#1298 of 1,823 schools in IN
Northern Heights Elementary School
Elementary School · Whitley County Con Schools
5209 N SR 109, Columbia City, IN 46725
Enrollment
519
Student-Teacher
15.7:1
Score
5.4
Grades
Kindergarten – 5th
Enrollment
519
Student-Teacher
15.7:1
Score
5.4
Grades
Kindergarten – 5th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Columbia City
#4 of 6
public schools
Indiana elementary schools
#764 of 1,047
In district
#4 of 6
Whitley County Con Schools
About Northern Heights Elementary School
Northern Heights Elementary School serves 519 students in kindergarten through fifth grade in Columbia City, Indiana. With 33 full-time equivalent teachers, the school maintains a student-teacher ratio of 15.7:1, providing students with solid individualized attention in their early academic years. The school demonstrates strong academic performance, earning a 7.0 out of 10 rating from MySchoolScout and ranking #392 out of 1,831 Indiana elementary schools, placing it in the 79th percentile statewide.
With an academic score of 8.1 out of 10, Northern Heights shows particular strength in mathematics, where 56% of students across all grade levels perform at proficient or above levels. Located at 5209 N SR 109 in Whitley County, the school serves families in a stable community where the median household income reaches $73,891 and the poverty rate remains relatively low at 7.6%. The surrounding neighborhood features a median home value of $196,500, with 25% of residents holding bachelor's degrees or higher.
Northern Heights Elementary provides students with a solid educational foundation in a rural setting, where the pace of small-town life allows for close community connections and personalized learning experiences.
What Parents Should Know
Located in a rural area, Northern Heights Elementary 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
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
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Northern Heights Elementary School — Students at Northern Heights Elementary School score 47% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 52%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
31%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores IN ILEARN (2024-25)
Based on 15 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: 5.0/10.
How Northern Heights Elementary School Compares
See how Northern Heights Elementary School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 63% (2019) to 51.47% (2025). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 53% (2019) to 42.65% (2025).
Location
5209 N SR 109, Columbia City, IN 46725
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Northern Heights Elementary School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. South Whitley Elementary School (rated 8.4/10, 13.0 miles away, in nearby South Whitley), which scores notably higher. Another option is Central Noble Primary School (rated 6.8/10, 6.7 miles away, in nearby Wolf Lake), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Coesse School (rated 6.8/10, 9.1 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Columbia City, see our Columbia City schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 14.0 miNeighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 46725 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$76,214
Median Home Value
$216,700
Median Rent
$907/mo
Population
22,941
College Educated
24.7%
Homeownership
79.3%
Avg Commute
21.7 min
Poverty Rate
8.8%
Median Age
42.4
Community Profile
The community surrounding Northern Heights Elementary School has a median household income of $76,214. It is an area where 25% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $216,700, with a median rent of $907/month. The local poverty rate of 8.8% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 22 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 |
|---|---|
| Carroll Elementary School Flora, IN | 5.4 |
| Clifty Creek Elementary School Columbus, IN | 5.4 |
| Clinton Young Elementary School Indianapolis, IN | 5.4 |
| East Chicago Lighthouse East Chicago, IN | 5.4 |
| Eastbrook Elementary School Indianapolis, IN | 5.4 |
| Glen Acres Elementary School Lafayette, IN | 5.4 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Northern Heights Elementary School
What grades does Northern Heights Elementary School serve?
Northern Heights Elementary School serves students in grades Kindergarten through 5th.
How many students attend Northern Heights Elementary School?
Northern Heights Elementary School has an enrollment of approximately 519 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Northern Heights Elementary School?
The student-teacher ratio at Northern Heights Elementary School is 15.7:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Northern Heights Elementary School rank in IN?
Northern Heights Elementary School is ranked #1298 out of 1,823 schools in IN.
What is Northern Heights Elementary School's MySchoolScout rating?
Northern Heights Elementary School has a composite rating of 5.4 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 Northern Heights Elementary School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Northern Heights Elementary School has 54.2% math proficiency and 44.5% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Northern Heights Elementary School a charter school?
No, Northern Heights Elementary School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Northern Heights Elementary School a Title I school?
No, Northern Heights Elementary School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Northern Heights Elementary School?
31.0% of students at Northern Heights Elementary 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
- City Safety
- Elevated (1,001/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Columbia City). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Kindergarten – 5th
- Enrollment
- 519
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 15.7:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 33
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 31.0%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Rural
- County
- Whitley County
- Phone
- (260) 691-2371
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Whitley County Con Schools- District Enrollment
- 3,690
- Schools in District
- 6
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $10,015
- District Rank
- #4 of 6
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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