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Needs Improvement

#1808 of 1,823 schools in IN

The Nature School of Central Indiana

Elementary School · The Nature School of Central Indiana

6102 Boy Scout Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46226

Charter

Enrollment

145

Student-Teacher

24.2:1

Score

3.1

Grades

Kindergarten – 8th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Indianapolis

#220 of 222

public schools

Indiana elementary schools

#1,036 of 1,047

About The Nature School of Central Indiana

The Nature School of Central Indiana is a charter school located in Indianapolis, Marion County. Serving students from kindergarten through eighth grade, the school offers an educational experience with an enrollment of 145 students and a student-teacher ratio of 24.2:1. With six full-time equivalent teachers on staff, The Nature School focuses on providing personalized attention to each student.

While academic performance metrics indicate room for improvement—with state rankings placing it in the lowest percentile—the school emphasizes hands-on learning and environmental education. Students engage with nature through outdoor activities and projects that complement traditional classroom instruction. Despite lower proficiency rates in ELA/Reading (0%), Math (16%), and Science (1%), The Nature School is dedicated to fostering a love of learning and an appreciation for the natural world.

The school is situated in a large suburban area, offering students easy access to local parks and other outdoor resources that enhance their educational experience.

What Parents Should Know

With an enrollment of 145 students, The Nature School of Central Indiana is a smaller school where families often find a close-knit community atmosphere. Smaller settings can mean more individual attention from teachers and staff, though they may offer fewer extracurricular options than larger schools.

The student-teacher ratio at The Nature School of Central Indiana is 24.2:1, 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.

The Nature School of Central Indiana is a charter school — a publicly funded school that operates with more autonomy than traditional district schools. Charter schools often have distinct educational models or specialties. Parents should understand the school's specific mission, enrollment process, and how its approach differs from nearby district options.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress3.2Fair50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data2
Annual Change-2.69 pts/yr
Data Period2022–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics3.9Fair30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency24.2%
Reading/ELA Proficiency40%
Math vs. State Avg-27.3 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-0.2 pts
Overall Proficiency32%
Expected (poverty-adj.)68%
vs. Expected-36.2 pts
Adjusted Percentile20th
College ReadinessNot Available

Data not available for this school

Resources & Environment1.6Significantly Below Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio24.2:1
Per-Pupil Spending$7,421

The Nature School of Central Indiana — Students at The Nature School of Central Indiana score 32% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 68%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

3.4%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores IN ILEARN (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 24.9%
School
State
42.1%
ELA Proficiency 40.9%
School
State
40.6%

Based on 18 test records from IN state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

→ Stable

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

2022
Math
32%
2025
Math
23.9%
ELA
40.9%

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 3.2/10.

How The Nature School of Central Indiana Compares

See how The Nature School of Central Indiana performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
3.1/10
1th percentile in IN
Academic
3.9/10
3.9/10
Growth
3.2/10
Below average
Environment
1.6/10
Below average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
3%
Teaching Staff
24:1 student-teacher ratio
6 teachers

Location

6102 Boy Scout Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46226

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering The Nature School of Central Indiana may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. ST LAWRENCE CATHOLIC SCHOOL (rated 7.7/10, 1.7 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Charles Warren Fairbanks Sch 105 (rated 7.0/10, 2.6 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, TP SCHOOLS (rated 6.9/10, 2.3 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Indianapolis, see our Indianapolis schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 2.4 mi
School Distance Rating
Lawrence Central High School Indianapolis 0.6 mi 7.5
Hoosier College and Career Academy Indianapolis 0.6 mi 5.1
Belzer Middle School Indianapolis 0.8 mi 3.6
Harrison Hill Elementary School Indianapolis 1.0 mi 6.4
Brook Park Elementary School Indianapolis 1.2 mi 6.1
Crestview Elementary School Indianapolis 1.4 mi 5.0
Skiles Test Elementary School Indianapolis 1.3 mi 5.8
ST LAWRENCE CATHOLIC SCHOOL Indianapolis 1.7 mi 7.7
HERITAGE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Indianapolis 1.9 mi 5.7
Lawrence North High School Indianapolis 2.2 mi 7.6
Arlington Community Middle School Indianapolis 2.0 mi 5.9
Thrival Academy Indianapolis 2.0 mi 4.2
Circle City Preparatory Elementary School Indianapolis 2.4 mi 5.8
Robert Lee Frost School 106 Indianapolis 2.0 mi 5.6
HARRIOT TUBMAN SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE Indianapolis 2.2 mi
TP SCHOOLS Indianapolis 2.3 mi 6.9
PLA@Promise Prep Indianapolis 2.5 mi 5.4
Charles Warren Fairbanks Sch 105 Indianapolis 2.6 mi 7.0
Forest Glen Elementary School Indianapolis 2.2 mi 4.6
CATHEDRAL HIGH SCHOOL Indianapolis 2.4 mi 6.7

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

Community Profile

The community surrounding The Nature School of Central Indiana has a median household income of $47,086. It is a community where 24% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $148,900, with a median rent of $1,045/month. The area has a poverty rate of 19.4%. The average commute for residents is 24 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
Inspire Academy - A Sch of Inquiry Muncie, IN 3.3
Mays Community Academy Mays, IN 3.5
Eastlawn Elementary School Burnettsville, IN 3.7
Phalen Leadership Academy - IN Inc Indianapolis, IN 3.9
Paramount Online Academy Indianapolis, IN 4.1
Union Elementary School Modoc, IN 4.2

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about The Nature School of Central Indiana

What grades does The Nature School of Central Indiana serve?

The Nature School of Central Indiana serves students in grades Kindergarten through 8th.

How many students attend The Nature School of Central Indiana?

The Nature School of Central Indiana has an enrollment of approximately 145 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at The Nature School of Central Indiana?

The student-teacher ratio at The Nature School of Central Indiana is 24.2:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does The Nature School of Central Indiana rank in IN?

The Nature School of Central Indiana is ranked #1808 out of 1,823 schools in IN.

What is The Nature School of Central Indiana's MySchoolScout rating?

The Nature School of Central Indiana has a composite rating of 3.1 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 The Nature School of Central Indiana?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, The Nature School of Central Indiana has 24.9% math proficiency and 40.9% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is The Nature School of Central Indiana a charter school?

Yes, The Nature School of Central Indiana is a charter school. Charter schools are publicly funded but independently operated, often with more flexibility in curriculum and teaching methods.

Is The Nature School of Central Indiana a Title I school?

No, The Nature School of Central Indiana is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for The Nature School of Central Indiana?

3.4% of students at The Nature School of Central Indiana 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

City Safety
High (4,237/100K)

FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Indianapolis). Data >1 year old.

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Kindergarten – 8th
Enrollment
145
Student-Teacher Ratio
24.2:1
Teachers (FTE)
6
Free/Reduced Lunch
3.4%
Type
regular
Setting
Large Suburb
County
Marion County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

The Nature School of Central Indiana
District Enrollment
145
Schools in District
1
Per-Pupil Spending
$9,880
District Rank
#1 of 1

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 methodology

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