2023 Best Public Schools in Downtown

• Indianapolis, IN•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.83 out of 5  322 reviews

Senior: In general, Herron High School is a wonderful place to get an education. The teachers all genuinely care about the students, and treat them as fellow people. Students are polite and spirited, and unique! There's so much diversity in these halls. The main issues are with communication- emails can be confusing and either too frequent or not frequent enough, scheduling is strange, and overall Herron is a very nontraditional school, which can work for some but definitely won't work for all.... Read 322 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 951

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Indianapolis, IN•

• Public School•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 2.67 out of 5  3 reviews

Parent: My son has been going to this school for 6 years now, they are very structured, and hands on. He has enjoyed working with the animals, and the garden. The teachers really care about the students success. I would recommend this school to anyone.... Read 3 reviews

• grade A

• Students 842

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Indianapolis, IN•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.71 out of 5  7 reviews

Parent: We were elated when our student wanted to become a Founding Student of Riverside High School. What a brave move! The faculty and staff were consistently reliable and trustworthy. They gave our student the additional attention they needed during the ups and downs of high school. They discussed academic progress weekly with our student; monitoring struggles and celebrating successes. As our student is headed to college this Fall, we are so grateful for the solid social and academic foundation Riverside High School has provided.... Read 7 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 437

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Indianapolis, IN•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.55 out of 5  11 reviews

Senior: When you picture a school, you most likely picture a traditional place, lockers, classrooms with chalkboards, Tons of paperwork, etc... Well at Purdue Polytechnic, that's the past. This school works so much differently. You are given work, but you're also given more time to work independently, or collaboratively. Online work means less tedious sorting of crumpled papers. Projects are the norm in this school. It's like the science fair every month! During the school year, there are 6 cycles. Each cycle is a different task. Every month you're making something different. One cycle you could be making go-karts, the next you're solving world hunger. If you have an idea that you want to explore further, go ahead. There are grants available year-round. Personally, I have had probably around $400 worth of parts funded during the last 3 years here. Overall, this school is a great place for creative kids who need the hands-on experience.... Read 11 reviews

• grade B

• Students 543

• Student-teacher ratio 22:1

• Indianapolis, IN•

• Public School•

• K-6

• •
  Rating 4.33 out of 5  6 reviews

Works Here: This school year, 2022, Tindley is under great leadership. I am so impressed with Ms. Ennis as the leader of this school; she is dedicated, she inspires the teachers and leads by example, she comes to the school on weekends as well, and is constantly striving and working on improving the school. Tindley has hired several new teachers this year and all are licensed and accredited. They feature amazing arts, music, P.E. and after school programs. The staff here are genuine and caring. The support staff is numerous as well, and they provide excellent support to classrooms for special needs learners. If you seriously want to put your child on a path to college, then consider this school.... Read 6 reviews

• grade B

• Students 446

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Indianapolis, IN•

• Public School•

• 9-11

• •
  Rating 4.33 out of 5  3 reviews

Alum: Great experience! I learned a lot from my teachers, and the whole school had a warm family environment.... Read 3 reviews

• grade B minus

• Students 135

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Indianapolis, IN•

• Public School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 3.57 out of 5  30 reviews

Junior: I just started my first year at this school as a Junior and everything is perfect. Christel House Academy South provides daycare and so much more. As well as nice teachers and comfy classroom environments. I love it here so much!... Read 30 reviews

• grade B minus

• Students 674

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Indiana School for the Blind & Visually Impaired, IN•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.71 out of 5  7 reviews

• grade B minus

• Students 114

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1

• Indianapolis, IN•

• Public School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 3.59 out of 5  132 reviews

Senior: I started this school during my 9th grade year. I was a little sadden that I wouldn't attend the same school as my former classmates and friends. However, within a few weeks I began to meet new friends. When it came to my school work I started to struggle with some of the courses and because I had just met my new friends I didn't want them to know that I had a learning disability . My mom notice this and ask the school about tutoring. To her surprise they where starting the after school tutoring in the following weeks and therefore I could just go and get assistance from the teachers. I felt this was a great way of showing the parents and students that they care about the education of the future leaders. The best part they have this program available all year long. The teachers make you fill comfortable with going to them about assignments that you are struggling and they also give you extra time on the weekends to complete the assignments. Excellent school and teachers, excelling me!... Read 132 reviews

• grade B minus

• Students 374

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Indianapolis, IN•

• Public School•

• 10-12

• •
  Rating 4.08 out of 5  25 reviews

Alum: The experience with attending the Excel Center for Adult learners looking to earn their actual high school diploma was unforgettable. The staff was absolutely wonderful especially our Life Coaches . We learned a lot being there, everyone is treated like family . No one is left behind , we all worked as a team because we all wanted to see each other walk across the stage at the same time . Access to free child care, and having transportation was a bonus to have especially for single mothers and fathers . Utilizing job fairs , mock interviews , and resume building skills for our future careers is a wonderful opportunity to have. Even participating in the many job training programs in order to graduate was great . They offer dual college courses , training in the healthcare field, CDL training , computers , construction, and so much more you can think of . Even after graduating, you can still utilize their services . I’ll definitely recommend this school.... Read 25 reviews

• grade B minus

• Students 1,318

• Student-teacher ratio 22:1

• Indianapolis, IN•

• Public School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 3.56 out of 5  90 reviews

Junior: I love this school. The environment is very warm and welcoming, if there are bullies, they're dealt with quickly, and the staff are amazing people that actually care.... Read 90 reviews

• grade B minus

• Students 1,037

• Student-teacher ratio 47:1

• Indianapolis, IN•

• Public School•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Works Here: Phalen Leadership Academies puts students first. They genuinely care about the whole student. The staff goes above and beyond to reach their students and help them become lifelong scholars.... Read 1 review

• grade B minus

• Students 297

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Indianapolis, IN•

• Public School•

• 10-12

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  2 reviews

Senior: My experience at the Excel Center has really been life changing. When I first started at this new school, I had no intention of going to college or having better job for financial stability. The teachers and coaches at this school has pushed harder for me to be successful than any other teacher I've had at previous schools. One thing that I would like to change about it is, I really wish it is it's own building. We share a building with a church and that kind of takes away from it being a place where you come to learn.... Read 2 reviews

• grade B minus

• Students 348

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Indianapolis, IN•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.58 out of 5  66 reviews

Senior: On February 2020 I transferred over from an IPS school. The opportunities that these schools provide are very encouraging for the students that attend here. Not only do the students get more hands on activities to their interested careers, but they build a foundation they will remember for the rest of their life. Some changes I would like to see are for the councilors to be more involved in the students well beings. The students here have so much potential but the administration has to push them more.... Read 66 reviews

• grade C+

• Students 279

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Indianapolis, IN•

• Public School•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 3.38 out of 5  29 reviews

Parent: It's a very good start for my child and I love the staff because they do great and awesome jobs for our children,especially Ms Mariam Dabiri at the front office,Ms Karlin and Ms Jones.... Read 29 reviews

• grade C+

• Students 577

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Indianapolis Public Schools, IN•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  1 review

Middle School Student: Overall I think that the school tries very hard to maintain a good reputation, and the teachers there are of the highest standard. I attend the school, and I am in 8th grade, and about to graduate. My favorite teacher there is a man named Rodney Scovil. He works hard to keep the middle school up to date on current events and he prepares us for life outside of school. However, the school's diversity isn't the best but the school has weekly meetings to solve the problem.... Read 1 review

• grade C+

• Students 461

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Indianapolis, IN•

• Public School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 3 out of 5  21 reviews

Alum: I went to IMSA North for all of my high school years. And honestly, I don’t regret coming here. At IMSA, the small class size experience allowed my teachers to be able to speak and pay attention to every student. If you were having trouble with any class, you would gladly speak to the your teacher or school counselor about it. I know that IMSA is a math and science focused school, but I would like it if it were able to include more class opportunities for those interested in music or more variety of AP, dual credit and elective classes. Over all IMSA is a great option for those who hope to gained a great education and be prepared for their future out of high school.... Read 21 reviews

• grade C+

• Students 726

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Indianapolis, IN•

• Public School•

• 11-12

• •
  Rating 4.67 out of 5  3 reviews

Senior: Excel Center has changed my life as well as others. It gives adults another chance at life and education. We get all the credits we need and get over the top preparation for college and beyond. I am thankful to all of the teachers and life coaches for believing in me and giving me the chance to excel.... Read 3 reviews

• grade C+

• Students 387

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Indianapolis, IN•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• grade C

• Students 600

• Student-teacher ratio 40:1

• Indianapolis, IN•

• Public School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 3.95 out of 5  39 reviews

Senior: I have been at VCP for 7 years now and haven't regretted any of those years. I have made so many friends here. Due to it being a smaller school, everyone knows everyone here. There are sometimes when we don't get along but in the end, the staff here tries to solve those dilemmas. Overall, a good school and I'm glad I came here.... Read 39 reviews

• grade C

• Students 963

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Indianapolis, IN•

• Public School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  6 reviews

Senior: I've been going to James and Rosemary Leadership Academy for nearly as long as the school has been opened. Overall, it's my favorite school that I've ever been to. I've known the staff for a while and I feel like that they really know me as well. Past schools I've attended had nice enough teachers, but I never felt truly connected to them at all. Here at Phalen, I can sit and have a conversation with anyone from the staff about any topic, and feel totally comfortable. Sometimes the other students can be rowdy, as highschoolers always are, but I think it's made up by the fact that despite being rowdy, they're a group of genuinely good kids. I don't have a problem with any of my peers. The staff and students are a group of truly wonderful people, and I don't care what anyone else has to say about that, because I know it to be true.... Read 6 reviews

• grade C

• Students 278

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Indianapolis, IN•

• Public School•

• K-8

• grade C minus

• Students 669

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Indianapolis Public Schools, IN•

• 7-8

• grade C minus

• Students 177

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Indianapolis, IN•

• Public School•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 1 out of 5  1 review

• grade C minus

• Students 647

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Indianapolis Public Schools, IN•

• 7-8

• grade C minus

• Students 435

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1