The top reported proficiency rate is 14% in English language arts. The lowest is 6% in Math.
Original Research by School Decision on Bailly Middle School
Bailly Middle School is a regular public school serving grades six through eight in Gary, Indiana, part of the Gary Community School Corporation. It is located in the southern part of the city, near the border with Merrillville. The school’s enrollment is moderate for a middle school, with the largest grade cohort in sixth grade and slightly smaller groups in seventh and eighth.
State testing results from Indiana’s ILEARN assessments show that academic achievement is low across subjects. In math, a very small share of students scored at the proficient level or above. In English language arts, the share was somewhat larger but still low. In science, tested in a single grade, proficiency was similarly low. An older social studies result from several years ago, when the school was named Bailly Preparatory Academy and tested only fifth graders, showed a comparable pattern, though assessment changes since then make direct comparisons uncertain. A parent considering this school may want to discuss with staff what academic support and interventions are in place for students who are not yet at grade level.
The student body is overwhelmingly Black, with a modest Hispanic population and very small numbers of white students and those identifying with two or more races. A substantial majority of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, indicating a high concentration of low-income households. Data on students with disabilities and English learners was not available in the source materials, so a parent may want to ask the school directly about those populations and the supports offered. The school does not serve high school grades, so no graduation rate is reported.
Gary is a Rust Belt city with a legacy as a company town founded by U.S. Steel. The city has experienced decades of steep population decline and widespread abandoned housing, with an estimated one-third of homes unoccupied or vacant. Recent investments include a large casino complex and efforts to grow small businesses and lakefront tourism, but the overall trajectory remains one of contraction. Home values in the area are very low compared to state and national benchmarks, and rents are affordable by those same measures. For a family moving to Gary, housing costs are not a barrier, but the broader context of disinvestment and limited amenities in many neighborhoods is important to weigh.
The Gary Community School Corporation operates under state oversight through Indiana’s Distressed Unit Appeals Board, a result of a state takeover that began several years ago. The school board is appointed rather than elected, meaning parents do not have direct electoral influence over district governance. District enrollment has declined sharply over recent years, a pattern that can affect school programming, staffing stability, and the viability of individual buildings. Parents considering Bailly should be aware that the district’s long-term planning is shaped by these constraints.
Relative to districts in Lake County, Bailly Middle School’s overall academic proficiency across tested subjects and grades falls below the midpoint of the comparison group. The data does not include measures of chronic absenteeism, which can be an important indicator of school climate and student engagement. A parent may want to ask about attendance patterns and how the school works with families to keep students in class.
Bailly Middle School serves a population with significant economic need in a city facing deep structural challenges. Its academic outcomes are low relative to the county, and the district’s governance and enrollment trends add uncertainty. A parent who is considering this school will want to visit, talk with teachers and administrators, and understand what targeted supports are available for students who are behind grade level.
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