The top reported proficiency rate is 19% in Science. The lowest is 0% in Social studies.
Original Research by School Decision on The Genius School
The Genius School is a K-6 public charter school in Indianapolis, operating as a single-school district in Marion County. It opened in fall 2022 under a new name, relocating to a standalone facility on the east side after separating from Indianapolis Public Schools, where it had previously been housed at Diggs School. This move gave the school its own facility and transportation, but it also means families must factor the new location and independent operations into their enrollment decisions. The school serves grades kindergarten through six, so there is no graduation rate to report.
Academically, state test results from the most recent year show that the share of students meeting proficiency standards was low in math, English language arts, science, and social studies. Compared with other districts in Marion County, the school’s overall proficiency across tested subjects and grades fell below the midpoint of the county. These results come from Indiana’s ILEARN assessments, though for science a cut score change makes year-to-year comparisons unreliable. The school had a relatively small number of students tested, so results for individual subjects should be read with that context in mind.
Chronic absenteeism is a significant concern. The school’s rate was among the highest in the county, placing it in the bottom quartile of Marion County districts. This means a large share of students missed enough school to be considered chronically absent, something families should explore with the school to understand what supports are in place.
The student body is small and predominantly Black, with a smaller Hispanic enrollment and very few white students. Data on students with disabilities, English learners, and free or reduced-price meal eligibility were not available, so a fuller picture of student support needs is incomplete. No information was reported on per-pupil spending, staffing, course access, or discipline.
The school operates under a probationary charter status with the Mayor’s Office of Education Innovation. Its district brief notes that while the school had received two excellent reviews prior to this year and has shown academic growth, the probationary standing means continued authorization is not guaranteed. Families considering enrollment should weigh this condition and ask about the school’s path to a standard charter renewal.
Because the school ends at sixth grade, there are no offerings at the high school level to describe, and no data on programs such as advanced coursework or career pathways was available. The school’s website and family handbook provide additional detail for those looking into the school’s daily operation and academic approach. Overall, The Genius School presents a small, recently reconfigured option on Indianapolis’s east side with significant academic and attendance challenges, set against a backdrop of organizational change and charter authorization uncertainty. A parent considering this school would likely want to visit, speak with staff about how they address chronic absenteeism and academic growth, and confirm the school’s status with its authorizer.
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