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Needs Improvement

#1730 of 1,823 schools in IN

Stephen Decatur Elementary School

Elementary School · MSD Decatur Township

3425 S Foltz St, Indianapolis, IN 46221

Enrollment

471

Student-Teacher

16.2:1

Score

3.2

Grades

Kindergarten – 6th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Indiana schools

#1,730 of 1,823

In Indianapolis

#202 of 222

public schools

In district

#7 of 8

MSD Decatur Township

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Stephen Decatur Elementary School

3.2/10

Elementary School in Indianapolis · grades Kindergarten – 6th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Lynwood Elementary

3.8/10

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

Lynhurst 7th & 8th Grade Center

4.1/10

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

About Stephen Decatur Elementary School

Stephen Decatur Elementary School is a public elementary school in Indianapolis, IN, part of MSD Decatur Township. Stephen Decatur Elementary School serves approximately 471 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-6th, and has a 16.2:1 student-teacher ratio. Stephen Decatur Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.2 out of 10 and ranks #1,730 of 1,823 schools in IN.

Structured state assessment records for Stephen Decatur Elementary School show 41% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 42% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it compares0.9 pts below district
  • This school 3.2 · Needs Improvement
  • District avg 4.1
  • IN avg 6.6

What Parents Should Know

Stephen Decatur Elementary School sits in a rural area, which can mean longer drives for some families. Rural schools are often community anchors with smaller classes, but check transportation, after-school options, and access to specialized services before you commit.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress1.8Needs Improvement50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change-5.05 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics4.1Below Average30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency16.4% (2025 ILEARN)
Reading/ELA Proficiency17.5% (2025 ILEARN)
Math vs. State Avg-35.1 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-22.7 pts
Overall Proficiency17% (2025 ILEARN, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)19% (model expectation from 2025 ILEARN)
vs. Expected-2.3 pts
Adjusted Percentile22th
Resources & Environment5.3Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio16.2:1
Per-Pupil Spending$12,193
Chronic Absenteeism21%

Stephen Decatur Elementary School — Students at Stephen Decatur Elementary School score 17% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 19%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

85.8%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores IN ILEARN (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 40.7% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
44.9% (2025 ILEARN)
ELA Proficiency 42.4% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
40.7% (2025 ILEARN)

Based on 40 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
77%
ELA
82%
2010
Math
82%
ELA
79%
2011
Math
77%
ELA
73%
2012
Math
80%
ELA
75%
2013
Math
77%
ELA
75%
2014
Math
55%
ELA
58%
2015
Math
49%
ELA
53%
2016
Math
44%
ELA
51%
2017
Math
34%
ELA
45%
2018
Math
33%
ELA
26%
2019
Math
33%
ELA
26%
2020*
Math
17%
ELA
16%
2021*
Math
17%
ELA
16%
2022
Math
18%
2025
Math
16%
ELA
17.6%

* 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: 1.8/10.

How Stephen Decatur Elementary School Compares

See how Stephen Decatur Elementary School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
3.2/10
5th percentile in IN
Academic
4.1/10
Below Average
Growth
1.8/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
5.3/10
Average
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
86%
Teaching Staff
16:1 student-teacher ratio
29 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
21.0%

Programs & Offerings

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

3425 S Foltz St, Indianapolis, IN 46221

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Stephen Decatur Elementary School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. ISLAMIC ACADEMY OF INDIANAPOLIS (rated 5.5/10, 3.6 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Stout Field Elementary School (rated 5.2/10, 1.4 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Blue Academy (rated 5.0/10, 2.3 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Indianapolis, see our Indianapolis schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 4.2 mi
School Distance Rating
Lynwood Elementary Indianapolis 0.8 mi 3.8
Lynhurst 7th & 8th Grade Center Indianapolis 1.2 mi 4.1
Stout Field Elementary School Indianapolis 1.4 mi 5.2
Achieve Virtual Education Academy Indianapolis 2.0 mi 4.6
Maplewood Elementary School Indianapolis 2.3 mi 4.6
Gold Academy Indianapolis 2.3 mi 4.6
Blue Academy Indianapolis 2.3 mi 5.0
Valley Mills Elementary School Indianapolis 2.6 mi 3.1
Decatur Middle School Indianapolis 2.7 mi 3.7
Rhoades Elementary School Indianapolis 3.4 mi 3.0
Decatur Central High School Indianapolis 2.9 mi 4.7
Daniel Webster School 46 Indianapolis 3.2 mi 3.4
Garden City Elementary School Indianapolis 3.6 mi 2.9
Ben Davis University High School Indianapolis 3.4 mi 6.4
Christel House Academy West Indianapolis 3.9 mi 3.2
William Penn School 49 Indianapolis 3.6 mi 3.3
ISLAMIC ACADEMY OF INDIANAPOLIS Indianapolis 3.6 mi 5.5
George Washington High School Indianapolis 4.0 mi 4.4
Impact Academy 1 Indianapolis 4.2 mi 5.3
Impact Academy 2 Indianapolis 4.2 mi 3.4

Neighborhood 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

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Abraham Lincoln Elementary School East Chicago, IN 3.2
Christel House Academy West Indianapolis, IN 3.2
Monroe Elementary School South Bend, IN 3.2
Seymour-Jackson Elementary School Seymour, IN 3.2
Thomas A Edison Elementary School Hammond, IN 3.2
Central Elementary School Portage, IN 3.3

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Stephen Decatur Elementary School

What grades does Stephen Decatur Elementary School serve?

Stephen Decatur Elementary School serves students in grades Kindergarten through 6th.

How many students attend Stephen Decatur Elementary School?

Stephen Decatur Elementary School has an enrollment of approximately 471 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Stephen Decatur Elementary School?

The student-teacher ratio at Stephen Decatur Elementary School is 16.2:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Stephen Decatur Elementary School rank in IN?

Stephen Decatur Elementary School ranks #1,730 of 1,823 schools in IN.

What is Stephen Decatur Elementary School's MySchoolScout rating?

Stephen Decatur Elementary School 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 Stephen Decatur Elementary School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Stephen Decatur Elementary School has 41% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 42% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

Is Stephen Decatur Elementary School a charter school?

No, Stephen Decatur Elementary School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Stephen Decatur Elementary School a Title I school?

No, Stephen Decatur Elementary School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Stephen Decatur Elementary School?

85.8% of students at Stephen Decatur 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.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
51 Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
19 Minimal Transit
Bike Score
63 Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Kindergarten – 6th
Enrollment
471
Student-Teacher Ratio
16.2:1
Teachers (FTE)
29
Free/Reduced Lunch
85.8%
Type
regular
Setting
Fringe Rural
County
Marion County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
21.0%

District

MSD Decatur Township
District Enrollment
6,655
Schools in District
10
Per-Pupil Spending
$12,193
District Rank
#7 of 8

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