The top reported proficiency rate is 14% in English language arts. The lowest is 5% in Social studies.
Original Research by School Decision on Higher Institute of Arts & Tech
The Higher Institute of Arts & Tech is a small K-8 district in Lake County, Indiana, operating as a single school. Publicly reported information describes it as a charter school with an arts-integration model and a network affiliation, though the district’s own data does not provide further program details. Because the district serves only through eighth grade, there is no graduation rate to report, and state testing results are based on the ILEARN assessments given in those grades.
The student body is predominantly Black, with smaller shares of Hispanic, White, and multiracial students. Enrollment appears stable within the K-8 band, with a typical spread across all elementary and middle school grades. Data on economic disadvantage and special education identification is not available in this profile, so a parent would need to ask the school directly about the share of students receiving free or reduced-price meals or those with individualized education plans.
Academically, proficiency rates on state assessments are low across all tested subjects and grades. In English language arts, math, science, and social studies, the share of students scoring at the proficient level is small, and the district’s overall proficiency index places it in the bottom quartile among Lake County’s districts. This is a soft spot that warrants close attention; a parent should consider what academic supports and interventions are in place.
Chronic absenteeism is another area of concern. The rate is above the midpoint among Lake County districts, meaning a larger proportion of students miss a substantial number of school days. Given the strong link between attendance and learning outcomes, this is worth exploring with the school.
On the resource side, per-pupil current spending is in the upper range among the county’s districts. This suggests a relatively high level of investment per student, though it does not on its own indicate how those funds translate into services or instruction. A parent may want to understand what the spending covers—arts programming, small class sizes, or additional staff.
Because no community context or housing data is included in this profile, the district’s location relative to neighborhoods or commuting routes is not described. A search for recent district-level changes—such as a referendum, property-tax shift, or major curriculum overhaul—did not find any that meet the bar for lasting impact, so this account focuses on current conditions.
For a family weighing options, the Higher Institute of Arts & Tech is a small, single-building district serving elementary and middle school students, with a clear arts-integration focus. The academic results and attendance patterns are weaker than most peers in Lake County, which makes it a place where a parent should dig into the school’s approach to instruction and student engagement. The above-average spending may reflect a commitment to the arts model or other supports, but the data do not show a payoff in measured proficiency yet. Families who prioritize a small, arts-focused setting and are willing to work closely with the school on academic growth might find it a fit; those looking for strong core academic outcomes on state measures will want to look further.
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