The top reported proficiency rate is 14% in Science. The lowest is 6% in Social studies.
Original Research by School Decision on Charles Warren Fairbanks Sch 105
Charles Warren Fairbanks School 105 is a regular public elementary and middle school serving pre-kindergarten through sixth grade as part of Indianapolis Public Schools. Located on the northeast side of Indianapolis, this is a relatively large school for its grade band. The student body is predominantly Hispanic, representing more than half of the enrollment, with Black students making up most of the rest. White students and students of two or more races together account for a modest share of the population. A substantial share of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. Data on the share of students with an Individualized Education Program or identified as English learners was not available, so a parent may want to ask the school directly about the range of special education services and English language supports.
State testing results on the ILEARN assessments show that proficiency rates are well below state averages and place the school in the bottom quartile among elementary and middle schools in Marion County across the tested subjects. In math, roughly one in eight students scored at the proficient level or above. In English language arts, the figure was lower, at roughly one in fifteen. Science proficiency was slightly higher, about one in seven students. Social studies proficiency for fifth graders was about one in sixteen. These numbers represent the share of students meeting the state’s proficient benchmark; a parent weighing this school would likely want to understand what interventions and academic supports are in place and how the school is working to improve student outcomes.
Because Fairbanks School 105 does not serve high school grades, there is no graduation rate to report. The school also does not offer the advanced coursework or career pathway programs that are common in a high school setting, and no program offerings were listed for the school beyond the general curriculum. The school operates as a traditional public school within the Indianapolis Public Schools system, which itself has introduced notable changes for families in recent years. The district has moved to a zone-based enrollment system, meaning families are not automatically assigned to a single neighborhood school but can apply to any IPS school through a centralized application process known as Enroll Indy. The district also houses an Innovation Network of schools, some of which are run by independent operators while remaining part of the district. Fairbanks is not listed as an Innovation Network school, so it operates under the district’s direct management. The district has also experienced a long-term decline in enrollment, which can affect school budgets and resource allocation over time.
The housing market in the area around the school is more affordable than the state average. Home values are below the Indiana benchmark, and monthly rents are modest relative to typical incomes. The area has seen a very slight decline in home values over the most recent year measured, while rents have increased at a moderate pace.
Fairbanks School 105 is a school where the academic proficiency numbers are low across the board. A family considering this school should have a clear understanding of what academic support structures exist and how the school uses its resources to address student learning gaps. The zone-based enrollment system of Indianapolis Public Schools means that families living near Fairbanks may have other school options available to them through the district’s choice process, which is worth exploring if academic performance is the primary concern. The school is large, diverse, and serves a community where housing costs are relatively low, making it a practical option for families who value neighborhood proximity and affordability and who are comfortable engaging with the school about its improvement efforts.
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