Elementary Schools in MSD Decatur Township

Summary:

MSD Decatur Township serves approximately 2,500 students across seven elementary schools, offering education from kindergarten through fifth grade in the Indianapolis metropolitan area. Within MSD Decatur Township, Decatur High Ability Academy is a clear standout performer among the district's elementary schools. This school demonstrates significantly higher proficiency rates in English Language Arts, Math, and Science across all grades compared to the district and state averages. For example, in English Language Arts, Decatur High Ability Academy boasts a 74% proficiency rate, far exceeding the district's average of 25.58%. Similarly, its math proficiency is 85%, significantly higher than the district's 22.53%. This academic excellence is complemented by the lowest student-teacher ratio in the district at 12.7:1, suggesting a more personalized learning experience. While it has the lowest spending per student at $8,921, its high performance indicates efficient resource utilization. In contrast, the other six elementary schools in MSD Decatur Township—Blue Academy, Lynwood Elementary, Valley Mills Elementary School, West Newton Elementary School, Gold Academy, and Stephen Decatur Elementary School—share a similar district rank of 275 out of 380 in Indiana and a 1-star rating from SchoolDigger. These schools generally show lower proficiency rates, often falling below state averages, and have higher student-teacher ratios compared to Decatur High Ability Academy. The data highlights a notable disparity in academic achievement within the MSD Decatur Township district. While most elementary schools operate at a similar performance level, Decatur High Ability Academy stands out with its superior test scores and favorable student-teacher ratio. Parents seeking the highest academic outcomes for their children within this district may find Decatur High Ability Academy to be a compelling option, while the other schools in the MSD Decatur Township district present a more uniform, though generally lower, performance profile. Further investigation into the specific programs and resources offered by each school would provide a more comprehensive understanding for parents. ## Key Insights * **Decatur High Ability Academy is a top performer:** This school significantly outperforms other elementary schools in MSD Decatur Township and state averages in English Language Arts, Math, and Science proficiency across all grades. * **Lower student-teacher ratio at Decatur High Ability Academy:** With a ratio of 12.7:1, it offers a more individualized learning environment compared to other schools in the district. * **Other district schools show similar performance:** Blue Academy, Lynwood Elementary, Valley Mills Elementary School, West Newton Elementary School, Gold Academy, and Stephen Decatur Elementary School share the same district rank and a 1-star rating, indicating generally lower academic performance compared to Decatur High Ability Academy. * **Potential correlation between low free/reduced lunch rate and high achievement:** Decatur High Ability Academy has the lowest free/reduced lunch rate (68.63%), which may be associated with its high academic achievement. * **Efficient resource use at Decatur High Ability Academy:** Despite having the lowest spending per student ($8,921), this school achieves high academic results, suggesting efficient resource management.