Very Good
#320 of 1,823 schools in IN
Top 18% in state
South Central Elementary School
Elementary School · South Central Com School Corp
9808 S 600 W, Union Mills, IN 46382
Enrollment
507
Student-Teacher
20.3:1
Score
7.7
Grades
Pre-K – 6th
Enrollment
507
Student-Teacher
20.3:1
Score
7.7
Grades
Pre-K – 6th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Union Mills
#1 of 2
public schools
Indiana elementary schools
#221 of 1,047
In district
#1 of 2
South Central Com School Corp
Academic growth
9.6 / 10
Exceptional
About South Central Elementary School
South Central Elementary School is a public elementary school in Union Mills, Indiana, located in LaPorte County. With an enrollment of 507 students and a student-teacher ratio of 20.3:1, the school provides a variety of educational programs from pre-kindergarten through sixth grade. The school is staffed by 25 full-time equivalent teachers who work hard to support each child’s academic journey.
South Central Elementary School's academic performance shows room for growth, with state rankings placing it in the 49th percentile among Indiana schools. Students perform at a rate of 30% proficient or above in ELA/Reading and 39% proficient or above in Math, though proficiency rates are very low in Science at just 1%. Despite these challenges, the school remains committed to fostering an environment where every student can achieve academic success.
The setting is rural, offering a close-knit community atmosphere. South Central Elementary School serves students in a quiet and supportive neighborhood, providing a nurturing educational experience for young learners.
What Parents Should Know
The student-teacher ratio at South Central Elementary School is 20.3:1, which is higher than the national average. This may mean larger class sizes, so parents should ask about classroom support, teaching assistants, and how the school differentiates instruction for students who need extra help.
Located in a rural area, South Central 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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South Central Elementary School — Students at South Central Elementary School score 57% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 52%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
30.4%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores IN ILEARN (2024-25)
Based on 18 test records from IN state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↑ ImprovingAverage 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: 9.6/10.
How South Central Elementary School Compares
See how South Central Elementary School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has improved from 48% (2019) to 68.35% (2025). Reading/ELA proficiency has remained stable from 46% (2019) to 46.13% (2025).
Location
9808 S 600 W, Union Mills, IN 46382
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering South Central Elementary School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Kingsford Heights Elementary Sch (rated 9.5/10, 6.4 miles away, in nearby Kingsford Heights), which scores notably higher. Another option is Jackson Elementary School (rated 9.0/10, 10.5 miles away, in nearby Valparaiso), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Handley Elementary School (rated 8.8/10, 10.3 miles away, in nearby Laporte), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Union Mills, see our Union Mills schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 10.5 miNeighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 46382 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$95,278
Median Home Value
$190,900
Population
1,833
College Educated
14.9%
Homeownership
100%
Avg Commute
35 min
Poverty Rate
2.8%
Median Age
53.7
Community Profile
The community surrounding South Central Elementary School has a median household income of $95,278. It is a community where 15% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $190,900. The local poverty rate of 2.8% is relatively low. The average commute in the area is 35 minutes, which is above the national average. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Central Elementary School Clinton, IN | 7.7 |
| Clay City Elementary School Clay City, IN | 7.7 |
| Eagle Elementary School Brownsburg, IN | 7.7 |
| Floyds Knobs Elementary School Floyds Knobs, IN | 7.7 |
| Forest Dale Elementary School Carmel, IN | 7.7 |
| Fox Hill Elementary School Indianapolis, IN | 7.7 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about South Central Elementary School
What grades does South Central Elementary School serve?
South Central Elementary School serves students in grades Pre-K through 6th.
How many students attend South Central Elementary School?
South Central Elementary School has an enrollment of approximately 507 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at South Central Elementary School?
The student-teacher ratio at South Central Elementary School is 20.3:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does South Central Elementary School rank in IN?
South Central Elementary School is ranked #320 out of 1,823 schools in IN.
What is South Central Elementary School's MySchoolScout rating?
South Central Elementary School has a composite rating of 7.7 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 South Central Elementary School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, South Central Elementary School has 62.4% math proficiency and 45.5% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is South Central Elementary School a charter school?
No, South Central Elementary School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is South Central Elementary School a Title I school?
No, South Central Elementary School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for South Central Elementary School?
30.4% of students at South Central 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
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 6th
- Enrollment
- 507
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 20.3:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 25
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 30.4%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Rural
- County
- LaPorte County
- Phone
- (219) 767-2269
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
South Central Com School Corp- District Enrollment
- 972
- Schools in District
- 2
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $11,103
- District Rank
- #1 of 2
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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