The top reported proficiency rate is 0% in Math.
Original Research by School Decision on Damar Charter Academy
Damar Charter Academy is a K through 12 charter school in Indianapolis, part of a single-school district that shares its name. Its enrollment is small, with the largest grade cohorts concentrated in the older years. A substantial share of the students identify as white, with a notable Black population and a smaller share of students who are Hispanic or identify as two or more races. Every single enrolled student qualifies for free or reduced-price meals, a figure that signals a high-need population. The school is a regular public charter, not a magnet or alternative placement.
State testing data, where it is available, shows a very difficult picture. In both math and English language arts for grades three through eight, no students tested scored at a proficient level. The participation rate was below typical levels. Science and social studies results for the tested grades were suppressed by the state, likely due to a very small number of test takers. The school’s overall proficiency index across all tested subjects and grades, when compared to other districts in Marion County, falls in the bottom quartile. A parent investigating academic achievement here would want to discuss directly with the school how they measure learning growth and what their instructional approach looks like for students who are well below grade-level benchmarks.
The school serves the full kindergarten through twelfth grade range, meaning it offers a single academic pathway from early elementary through high school completion. No graduation rate was available in the data, which is an important gap. A parent would want to ask about the school’s four-year graduation rate and its postsecondary outcomes for seniors. No information was reported on Advanced Placement, dual-credit, career and technical education, or other program offerings. Given the small size and the fact that it is a single-site charter, the menu of elective or advanced coursework is likely narrower than what a large comprehensive high school would provide.
The housing context around the school shows that home values in the area are well below the national median and notably below the Indiana state benchmark. Rents have been climbing at a faster pace than the national average, which is consistent with pressure in the Indianapolis market generally. The economic backdrop locally is one where modest home prices meet rising rental costs.
The school’s district brief turned up no recent parent-relevant changes such as curriculum overhauls, boundary shifts, or tax referenda. The publicly available information describes the school’s mission and its enrollment lottery, but a parent would need to contact the school directly to learn about any current developments in staffing, programming, or facilities.
Damar Charter Academy serves a population with very high economic need and its state test results reflect significant academic challenges. For a family considering this school, the central question is whether the school’s particular model, small size, and charter mission are a match for the student’s academic starting point and the family’s expectations for college or career readiness. The lack of published graduation rates and program offerings means that a thorough visit and conversation with the administration are essential before making a decision.
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