The top reported proficiency rate is 86% in Science. The lowest is 73% in Social studies.
Original Research by School Decision on Decatur High Ability Academy
Decatur High Ability Academy is a public school serving grades 3 through 6 in the Metropolitan School District of Decatur Township, located in the southwestern part of Indianapolis, Marion County. It is a regular public school, not a charter or magnet. The school is small, with roughly a hundred students spread across four grades. Its name signals an academic focus, and the state test results bear that out.
On Indiana’s ILEARN assessments, the school posted high proficiency rates in all tested subjects. In math, a very large share of students met or exceeded the state standard. In English language arts, the share was also high. Science results were similarly strong, and in social studies, which is tested only in grade 5, a large majority scored proficient or above. When you look at the school’s overall proficiency across all tested subjects and grades, it places in the top quartile relative to all school districts in Marion County. That is a notable achievement for a school of its size. Because the school serves only upper elementary and middle elementary grades, there is no graduation rate to report.
The student body is predominantly white, with smaller shares of students who identify as two or more races, Black, Hispanic, and Asian. A substantial share of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. Information on special education and English learner populations was not available in the data we examined, so families with children in those categories should ask the school directly about support services.
The school sits within Indianapolis, a large and diverse city. Home values in the surrounding ZIP code area are below the statewide median and well below the national median, making this part of the county relatively more accessible for homebuyers compared to many other metro Indianapolis neighborhoods. Rents are also moderate relative to local income levels. For families weighing housing costs, the Decatur Township area offers a more affordable entry point into the Indianapolis market.
MSD Decatur Township has faced recent fiscal challenges that affect the school. In late 2022, a referendum intended to fund educational programs, teacher retention, and facility improvements did not pass. That failure, combined with the expiration of federal emergency relief funds, led to budget reductions for the following school year, including staffing cuts and program adjustments. The district also carries two property tax levies—an Operations Levy and a Safety Levy—that fund core operations and school safety personnel. These are ongoing costs for homeowners within the district boundaries and are worth factoring into any budget planning.
For a family whose child is performing at a high academic level in the elementary grades and who values a small school environment with strong test results, Decatur High Ability Academy is a clear fit. The peer group is one where most students are meeting rigorous benchmarks, and the school’s name and performance suggest an intentional focus on academic challenge. The surrounding neighborhood offers moderately priced housing compared to the broader Indianapolis market, which may appeal to families looking for affordability without leaving the city. However, the district’s recent budget constraints are worth understanding more fully. Parents may want to inquire directly about current class sizes, program offerings, enrichment, and any changes to the high ability program itself, especially given the funding pressures. Because the data do not include details on extracurriculars, field trips, or support services, a visit and conversation with staff would give a fuller picture of what a typical day looks like for a student here.
See more original research from School Decision →