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Needs Improvement

#1729 of 1,823 schools in IN

Phalen Virtual Leadership Academy

School · Phalen Virtual Leadership Academy

4352 Mitthoeffer Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46235

Charter Virtual

Enrollment

289

Student-Teacher

3.5:1

Score

3.2

Grades

Kindergarten – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Indiana schools

#1,729 of 1,823

In Indianapolis

#201 of 222

public schools

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Phalen Virtual Leadership Academy

3.2/10

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

James & Rosemary Phalen Leadership Academy Middle School

7.2/10

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

James and Rosemary Phalen Leadership Academy High School

4.8/10

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

About Phalen Virtual Leadership Academy

Phalen Virtual Leadership Academy is a public school in Indianapolis, IN, part of Phalen Virtual Leadership Academy. Phalen Virtual Leadership Academy serves approximately 289 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-12th, and has a 3.5:1 student-teacher ratio. Phalen Virtual Leadership Academy has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.2 out of 10 and ranks #1,729 of 1,823 schools in IN.

Structured state assessment records for Phalen Virtual Leadership Academy show 13% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2020-2025) and 19% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2020-2025).

How it compares3.1 pts below IN schools
  • This school 3.2 · Needs Improvement
  • IN avg 6.3

What Parents Should Know

At 3.5:1 students to teachers, Phalen Virtual Leadership Academy sits well below the national average. Smaller classes like that usually mean more one-on-one time between students and teachers.

Phalen Virtual Leadership Academy is a charter school: publicly funded, but run with more independence than a traditional district school. Many charters are built around a specific model or focus, so it's worth understanding this one's mission, how enrollment works, and how it differs from the district schools nearby.

44% of students at Phalen Virtual Leadership Academy 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 Progress2.7Needs Improvement25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data4
Annual Change-4.42 pts/yr
Data Period2020–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics1.9Needs Improvement25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency7.4% (2025 ILEARN)
Reading/ELA Proficiency14.2% (2025 ILEARN)
Math vs. State Avg-44.1 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-26 pts
Overall Proficiency11% (2025 ILEARN, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)45% (model expectation from 2025 ILEARN)
vs. Expected-34.3 pts
Adjusted Percentile4th
College Readiness2.7Needs Improvement30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment6.4Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio3.5:1
Per-Pupil Spending$13,314
Chronic Absenteeism43.9%

Phalen Virtual Leadership Academy — Students at Phalen Virtual Leadership Academy score 11% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 45%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

42.2%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores IN ILEARN (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 13.3% (multi-year average, 2020-2025)
School
State
42.1% (2025 ILEARN)
ELA Proficiency 18.8% (multi-year average, 2020-2025)
School
State
40.6% (2025 ILEARN)

Based on 22 test records from IN state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2020*
Math
34.5%
ELA
34.5%
2021*
Math
34.5%
ELA
34.5%
2022
Math
2%
2025
Math
8.8%
ELA
14.3%

* 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: 2.7/10.

How Phalen Virtual Leadership Academy Compares

See how Phalen Virtual Leadership Academy performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
3.2/10
5th percentile in IN
Academic
1.9/10
Needs Improvement
Growth
2.7/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
6.4/10
Average
Advanced STEM
2/5
Subjects offered

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
42%
Teaching Staff
4:1 student-teacher ratio
83 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
43.9%

Programs & Offerings

Advanced STEM Courses2 of 5 advanced subjects offered
Algebra II, Advanced Math, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics·CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

4352 Mitthoeffer Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46235

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Phalen Virtual Leadership Academy may also want to explore other schools in the area. CORNERSTONE BAPTIST ACADEMY (rated 8.8/10, 1.5 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Circle City Preparatory Elementary School (rated 7.5/10, 2.0 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Forest Glen Elementary School (rated 7.4/10, 2.5 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Indianapolis, see our Indianapolis schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 2.9 mi
School Distance Rating
James & Rosemary Phalen Leadership Academy Middle School Indianapolis 0.0 mi 7.2
James and Rosemary Phalen Leadership Academy High School Indianapolis 0.0 mi 4.8
Phalen Leadership Academy - IN Inc Indianapolis 0.7 mi 2.7
Phalen at Francis Scott Key 103 Indianapolis 0.7 mi 6.9
TP SCHOOLS Indianapolis 0.9 mi 6.9
PLA@Promise Prep Indianapolis 1.0 mi 5.3
Andrew J Brown Academy Indianapolis 1.4 mi 4.4
CORNERSTONE BAPTIST ACADEMY Indianapolis 1.5 mi 8.8
Charles Warren Fairbanks Sch 105 Indianapolis 1.3 mi 4.6
Indian Creek Elementary School Indianapolis 1.5 mi 3.0
Tindley Summit Academy Indianapolis 1.5 mi 5.4
Fall Creek Valley Middle School Indianapolis 2.3 mi 4.1
Forest Glen Elementary School Indianapolis 2.5 mi 7.4
Circle City Preparatory Elementary School Indianapolis 2.0 mi 7.5
Winding Ridge Elementary School Indianapolis 2.0 mi 3.8
Sunny Heights Elementary School Indianapolis 2.4 mi 3.3
Stonybrook Intermediate & Middle Indianapolis 2.4 mi 4.2
Warren Online Academy Indianapolis 2.7 mi
Lakeside Elementary School Indianapolis 2.8 mi 4.6
Sunnyside Elementary School Indianapolis 2.9 mi 3.6

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 46235 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$56,160

Median Home Value

$169,300

Median Rent

$923/mo

Population

35,897

College Educated

17.1%

Homeownership

52.7%

Avg Commute

26 min

Poverty Rate

18.7%

Median Age

30.2

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
Vigo Virtual School Academy Terre Haute, IN 3.6
Irvington Preparatory Academy Indianapolis, IN 4.0
Academy for Innovative Studies Evansville, IN 4.2
Damar Charter Academy Indianapolis, IN 4.4
South Bend Virtual School South Bend, IN 4.5
EVSC Virtual Academy Evansville, IN

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Phalen Virtual Leadership Academy

What grades does Phalen Virtual Leadership Academy serve?

Phalen Virtual Leadership Academy serves students in grades Kindergarten through 12th.

How many students attend Phalen Virtual Leadership Academy?

Phalen Virtual Leadership Academy has an enrollment of approximately 289 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Phalen Virtual Leadership Academy?

The student-teacher ratio at Phalen Virtual Leadership Academy is 3.5:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Phalen Virtual Leadership Academy rank in IN?

Phalen Virtual Leadership Academy ranks #1,729 of 1,823 schools in IN.

What is Phalen Virtual Leadership Academy's MySchoolScout rating?

Phalen Virtual Leadership Academy has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.2 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 Phalen Virtual Leadership Academy?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Phalen Virtual Leadership Academy has 13% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2020-2025) and 19% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2020-2025).

Is Phalen Virtual Leadership Academy a charter school?

Yes, Phalen Virtual Leadership Academy is a charter school. Charter schools are publicly funded but independently operated, often with more flexibility in curriculum and teaching methods.

Is Phalen Virtual Leadership Academy a Title I school?

No, Phalen Virtual Leadership Academy is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Phalen Virtual Leadership Academy?

42.2% of students at Phalen Virtual Leadership Academy 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
24 Car-Dependent
Transit Score
35 Some Transit
Bike Score
35 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Kindergarten – 12th
Enrollment
289
Student-Teacher Ratio
3.5:1
Teachers (FTE)
83
Free/Reduced Lunch
42.2%
Type
regular
Setting
Large City
County
Marion County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
43.9%

District

Phalen Virtual Leadership Academy
District Enrollment
289
Schools in District
1
Per-Pupil Spending
$13,314
District Rank
#1 of 1

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