The top reported proficiency rate is 79% in Math. The lowest is 54% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on Central Elementary School
Central Elementary School is a regular public school in Valparaiso, Indiana, serving kindergarten through fifth grade as part of the Valparaiso Community Schools district. It is one of the district’s smaller elementary buildings, with a modest total enrollment for its grade band. The school sits in a community that combines college-town character with regional commercial and government functions: Valparaiso is the county seat of Porter County, home to Valparaiso University and an Ivy Tech regional campus, and hosts manufacturers producing magnets, steel products, packaging, and fire-protection equipment. The city is situated at the junctures of several major state and U.S. routes, making it a regional crossroads, and it lies roughly 50 miles southeast of Chicago and a short drive from Indiana Dunes National Park. The built environment is notably hilly, a result of the glacial Valparaiso Moraine, and the downtown along Lincolnway remains the civic and commercial center, with the university campus nearby. The city’s population has been growing, and Porter County ranks among the higher per capita income counties in the state.
The student body at Central Elementary reflects a mix of backgrounds. A strong majority of students are white, with a substantial Hispanic share and smaller proportions of Black, Asian, and multiracial students. A notable share of families qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, indicating a range of economic circumstances in the school community. Data on students with individualized education programs and English learners was not available, so a parent may wish to ask the school directly about special education and language support services.
Academically, Central Elementary’s performance on Indiana’s ILEARN assessments places it in a strong position relative to other elementary schools in Porter County. When overall proficiency across tested subjects and grades is averaged, the school lands in the top quartile among districts in the county. In math, a strong majority of students met or exceeded state expectations, making that subject a clear strength. English language arts proficiency was also solid, though at a lower rate than math, and parents whose children need reading or writing support may want to check what interventions or enrichment are available. In science and social studies, which are tested at fifth grade, proficiency rates were lower than in math and ELA, though the number of students tested in those subjects was smaller. Participation in the assessments was near complete, so the results are representative of the student body.
No chronic absenteeism data was reported, and the school’s staffing ratios, discipline rates, and course access information were not available in the data provided. The district itself had no major parent-relevant changes—such as referendums, boundary adjustments, or curriculum shifts—reported in recent public materials, so the local educational landscape appears stable for now.
For a family considering Central Elementary, the school offers a small, neighborhood-oriented setting with academic performance that trends above the county median, particularly in math. The broader Valparaiso area provides a mix of university town amenities, access to outdoor recreation at the national park, and highway links to the Chicago region. The school’s moderate ELA and science results suggest that a parent should engage with teachers to understand how their child’s needs in those subjects will be addressed. Overall, this is a solidly performing elementary school in a growing, economically diverse community, with math standing out as the strongest academic pillar.
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