Hello guys, Welcome to TigerJek, today in this article we will look at the best schools in Indianapolis. Choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions families make. In a city as vibrant and diverse as Indianapolis, the options are vast — from nationally ranked public high schools and innovative charter schools to prestigious private academies with long histories. Each school has its own strengths, whether in academics, arts, athletics, or character development.
Also Read: Best Schools in Jacksonville
This guide explores six of the best schools in Indianapolis that consistently earn top marks for student outcomes, community involvement, and overall excellence. The goal is to help families understand what makes each school unique, so they can find the best fit for their child’s learning style and goals.
Best Schools in Indianapolis
1. Herron High School
Herron High School is a public charter, college-preparatory school in Indianapolis serving grades 9-12. Established in 2006, it operates under the Herron Classical Schools network. It follows a classical liberal arts model and is tuition-free, making it a high-rigor option with broad access.
Academic Program & Curriculum
Herron’s curriculum pits academic rigor at the center. All students complete four years of English, math, science, social studies, and Latin (or a combination of Latin and another language), plus electives each semester. The school uses the Trivium phases (Grammar, Logic, Rhetoric), and heavily emphasizes critical thinking, debate, and reasoning via the Socratic method.
There’s strong participation in Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Nearly 80% of students graduate having taken at least one AP exam. Many students also earn college credit while still in high school. Herron’s average AP exam pass rate exceeds state, national, and global averages.
Herron is also known for its high graduation rates (around 95%) and outcomes that compare favorably with both public and charter schools statewide.
Student Life, Arts & Extracurriculars
Beyond core academics, Herron offers a robust fine arts program—including visual arts (2D/3D art, photography, AP Studio Art), theatre, choir and orchestra, dance, and more. Students can engage in clubs like robotics, debate, student government, world music appreciation, among others.
Herron emphasizes support: small class sizes, advisory systems, remediation where needed, and teacher-student engagement. The culture is academically demanding but with structured support to help students meet expectations.
Recognition & Why Families Choose Herron
Herron is consistently ranked among the top public high schools in Indianapolis metro area and Indiana overall. For example, U.S. News places it as #1 in the metro area and among the top in the state on metrics like college readiness, graduation rate, and AP/dual-credit participation.
Families tend to choose Herron High School when they want a rigorous college prep education in a public school setting, one that blends classical liberal arts with strong STEM, arts, and critical thinking skills. It is seen as combining high academic expectations with strong outcomes and greater accessibility than many private schools.
2. Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School
Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School is a private college-preparatory high school in northwest Indianapolis serving grades 9-12. Established in 1962, it is the only Jesuit school in Indiana. Though rooted in Catholic and Jesuit traditions, Brebeuf welcomes students of many religious and nonreligious backgrounds.
Key Facts & Academics
- Enrollment & Size: The student body is about 820-840 students.
- Student-Teacher Ratio & Class Size: Approximately 12:1; average class size lies between 12-18, depending on the course.
- Course Offerings: Brebeuf offers strength in both Honors and AP coursework—17 Honors and 26 AP classes.
- Faculty Credentials: Roughly 80% of faculty hold advanced degrees.
Culture, Faith & Inclusion
Though it is Jesuit in mission, faith in the school isn’t limited to Catholicism. Around 50% of students are non-Catholic, representing many faiths or no faith. Brebeuf integrates spiritual development, ethics, and service into the curriculum and student experience through retreats, leadership programs, and community service requirements.
An important note: there has been controversy over recognition from the Archdiocese due to disagreement over governance and personnel decisions. The school continues its mission under Jesuit sponsorship and emphasizes that its identity and core values remain rooted in Jesuit education.
Student Life & Support
Brebeuf offers more than just academics. There are over 50 clubs and co-curriculars, arts programs, athletics teams (38 of them), and a solid support structure for students with learning differences. Homework load is structured with supports: e.g. scheduled breaks, personal responsibility times, etc., that help students manage challenging courses.
Outcomes & Why Families Choose Brebeuf
Families who choose Brebeuf often point to its combination of rigorous academics + ethical development + strong college prep. Typical outcomes include a nearly 100% graduation rate, high SAT/ACT scores (average SAT around 1320, ACT around 30), and excellent matriculation to selective colleges.
Financial aid is also significant: about 40% of students receive aid based solely on financial need; the school awards over $5 million annually in aid.
3. North Central High School
North Central High School, part of the Washington Township district, is a large and diverse public high school located on the northern edge of Indianapolis. It spans an expansive 190-acre campus and serves over 3,600 students in grades 9-12. The student body represents more than 45 nationalities, with many students speaking multiple native languages.
Academic Strength & Opportunities
Academically, North Central offers a wide array of advanced and rigorous options. Students can enroll in Advanced Placement (AP) courses, pursue dual credit through Indiana University’s Advanced College Project (ACP), and take part in International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma tracks. A signature project for sophomores—the “Panther Exploration Personal Project”—gives students a chance to engage in interdisciplinary, student-led investigations with reflection and real-world application. Support for students is strong: there’s tutoring during school, after-school help, and a learning center to ensure no one falls behind.
Facilities & Arts & Athletics
The sprawling campus includes modern science labs, world language labs, multimedia resource centers, an art gallery, and performing and visual arts classrooms. The performing arts program is especially robust: over one-third of students participate, and offerings include multiple bands (jazz, concert, marching), choirs, string orchestras, theater, technical theater, scene design, AP music theory, and IB music. Athletic facilities are extensive: multiple soccer, baseball, softball, lacrosse, and rugby fields; a full internal cross-country course; indoor amenities like gyms, a natatorium; and a large stadium.
Community & Culture
Given its large size, North Central provides a wide breadth of opportunities. There are more than sixty clubs and student organizations, academic and social advocacy groups, and a sense of community that values diversity and inclusion. Students come from varied backgrounds, and the school emphasizes creating an environment where every student can find a role. For many families, the availability of both academic rigor and broad extracurricular options—paired with strong support structures—makes North Central a top public school choice.
4. Park Tudor School
Park Tudor School is an independent, co-educational, college preparatory school in Indianapolis serving students from Junior Kindergarten through grade 12. Located on a 68-acre campus on the north side of the city, Park Tudor provides a liberal arts-based curriculum with strong attention to academics, arts, athletics, and character development.
Academic Excellence & Faculty
The school emphasizes inquiry-based learning and a holistic college preparatory experience. All students in Middle and Upper School study a world language, and advanced, honors, AP, and special research or experiential courses are available to motivated juniors and seniors. Teachers are well-qualified: nearly 60% hold master’s degrees and about 20% of Upper School teachers hold doctorates. Park Tudor also provides strong student support through academic coaching, a school psychologist, full-time counselors, and tutoring—factors that help students thrive in challenging coursework.
Campus, Facilities & Student Life
The campus includes the Irsay Family Sports Center for Health and Wellness, a $27 million wellness and athletics facility with court spaces, cardio areas, a weight room, social gathering areas (including a “social staircase”), and space for community events. Its Ruth Lilly Science Center and Fine Arts building enable strong hands-on learning in STEM and the arts. Park Tudor seeks to balance rigorous academics with extracurricular breadth—about 80% of students participate in both athletics and fine arts.
Community, Inclusivity & Affordability
Park Tudor reports an average class size of about 14 and a student-teacher ratio of roughly 11:1, helping ensure that students receive the kind of individual attention that fosters growth. The school admits students without regard to race, religion, gender identity, or other protected status. Diverse representation is strong—with over 40% of the student body coming from racially and ethnically diverse backgrounds. To ease financial burden, Park Tudor awards over $4.5–4.6 million annually in financial aid and merit awards; about 30% or more of students receive some assistance.
Why Families Choose Park Tudor
Parents often cite several reasons: the academic rigor that still provides support; the opportunity for students to explore passions—be it in science, arts, or sports; the strong college counseling that helps graduates transition well; and the vibrant campus culture where students feel known, supported, and encouraged. The investment is substantial, but many families feel Park Tudor offers excellent value for preparation, opportunity, and personal growth.
5. Cathedral High School
Cathedral High School, located in Indianapolis, Indiana, is a private Catholic institution serving grades 9 through 12. Founded in 1918 by the Brothers of Holy Cross, the school has a rich tradition of academic excellence, spiritual growth, and community service.
Academic Excellence
Cathedral offers a rigorous curriculum designed to prepare students for higher education and lifelong learning. The school provides 21 Advanced Placement (AP) courses and a full International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma program, along with IB certificates in various subjects. Students also have access to dual-credit opportunities, allowing them to earn college credits while still in high school.
Faith and Service
Rooted in Catholic values, Cathedral emphasizes the development of the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. Students participate in class retreats throughout the year, culminating in the senior Kairos retreat, which fosters spiritual growth and leadership. The St. Andre Project encourages juniors to engage in service projects that reflect Catholic social teachings and promote community involvement.
Athletics
Cathedral boasts a storied athletic program with 58 state championships across various sports, including football, basketball, soccer, and track. The Fighting Irish have a legacy of success, with the football team achieving multiple state titles and the girls’ track team winning the state championship in 2021.
Student Life
Beyond academics and athletics, Cathedral offers a vibrant student life with over 60 clubs and activities. Students are encouraged to participate in extracurriculars ranging from student government to cultural clubs, fostering a well-rounded educational experience.
Why Families Choose Cathedral
Families select Cathedral High School for its commitment to academic rigor, spiritual development, and community engagement. The school’s blend of faith, academics, and service provides students with a comprehensive education that prepares them for success in college and beyond.
6. Indianapolis Classical Schools (Herron–Riverside & Herron–Downtown)
Herron-Riverside High School is a public charter school in Indianapolis, Indiana, offering a rigorous, tuition-free, college-preparatory education rooted in a classical liberal arts and sciences curriculum. As the second campus of Herron High School, Riverside serves grades 9–12 and is part of the Herron Classical Schools network. Founded in 2017, Riverside was established to meet the growing demand for high-quality educational options in Indianapolis.
Academic Excellence
Riverside provides a challenging academic program designed to prepare students for success in college and beyond. The curriculum includes 16 Advanced Placement (AP) courses and a dual-credit partnership with Marian University, allowing students to earn college credits while still in high school. Additionally, the school offers a senior internship program to provide real-world experience. Riverside has received an A-rating from the Indiana Department of Education, reflecting its commitment to academic excellence.
Community and Culture
Herron-Riverside High School fosters a diverse and inclusive environment where students are encouraged to engage with timeless ideas and content. The school emphasizes building a culture of respect and trust, preparing students to be world-class citizens. Teachers work closely with students to support their academic and personal growth, creating a close-knit community.
Extracurricular Activities
Riverside offers a range of extracurricular activities to enrich students’ educational experiences. These include clubs, athletics, and arts programs, providing students with opportunities to explore their interests and develop new skills outside the classroom. Participation in these activities contributes to the well-rounded development of students.
Why Families Choose Riverside
Families seeking a rigorous, classical education without the cost of private schooling often find Riverside to be an ideal choice. The school’s commitment to academic excellence, diverse community, and comprehensive extracurricular offerings make it a compelling option for students and families in Indianapolis.
Comparing the Best Schools in Indianapolis
Indianapolis schools vary widely in size, philosophy, and cost. Here’s how the top schools compare:
- Academic Rigor: Park Tudor and Brebeuf Jesuit are leaders in private education, while Herron and North Central shine on the public side.
- Faith-Based Values: Cathedral and Brebeuf offer Catholic environments, blending faith with academics.
- Extracurricular Strength: North Central is unmatched in arts; Cathedral dominates athletics; Park Tudor and Herron balance both.
- Cost: Public and charter schools (Herron, North Central) are tuition-free; private schools (Park Tudor, Brebeuf, Cathedral) come with significant tuition but often offer financial aid.
- Community: Public schools like North Central offer diversity and scale, while private schools like Park Tudor provide smaller classes and personalized attention.
Tips for Families Choosing Schools
- Visit Campuses: A tour can reveal the culture better than rankings ever could.
- Ask About College Counseling: For high schools, strong guidance can make a big difference.
- Consider Extracurriculars: If your child loves sports, arts, or robotics, check which schools excel in those areas.
- Evaluate Class Sizes: Some students thrive in large schools; others need more one-on-one attention.
- Balance Philosophy & Practicality: Classical education, faith-based learning, or modern STEM programs — choose what fits your family’s goals.
FAQs About Indianapolis Schools
What is the #1 high school in Indianapolis?
Herron High School and North Central often rank at the top for public schools, while Park Tudor and Brebeuf Jesuit lead the private category.
Which school has the best athletic program?
Cathedral High School is widely recognized for its championship-winning athletic tradition.
What is the best charter school in Indianapolis?
Herron High School is consistently ranked as one of the best charter schools in the state, thanks to its classical liberal arts curriculum.
Are private schools in Indianapolis worth the cost?
Families who choose private schools like Park Tudor or Brebeuf often cite small class sizes, strong college counseling, and robust extracurriculars as major advantages.
Which schools offer faith-based education?
Brebeuf Jesuit and Cathedral High School provide Catholic education, while still welcoming students from diverse backgrounds.
Conclusion
Indianapolis offers families a wealth of excellent school options. From the classical rigor of Herron High School to the prestige of Park Tudor, the inclusive Jesuit values at Brebeuf, or the spirited tradition of Cathedral, each school brings something unique. Public powerhouses like North Central add to the mix, ensuring that families can find a school that matches their child’s academic needs, personality, and ambitions.
The best school isn’t always the one with the highest ranking — it’s the one where a student feels challenged, supported, and inspired to grow. Indianapolis’s top schools provide all of these qualities, giving families confidence that their children will be prepared for college, career, and life beyond the classroom.
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