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Charter School of the Dunes

Public, Charter Grades PK, KG-8

980^th

SchoolDigger Rank ?

of 1,005 Indiana Elementary Schools

Better than 2% of Indiana elementary schools

Summary

Charter School of the Dunes is a public charter elementary school serving grades K-8 in Gary, Indiana, a high-poverty school district. With 674 students, the school has consistently ranked in the bottom 5-10% of Indiana elementary schools over the past decade, earning a 0 out of 5 star rating from SchoolDigger.

The school faces significant challenges, with a very high percentage of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch (95.1% in 2023-2024) and an alarmingly high chronic absenteeism rate (33.8% in 2023-2024). Academically, Charter School of the Dunes struggles, with proficiency rates on ILEARN assessments far below state averages - just 13.12% in English Language Arts, 6.91% in Math, and 10% in Science, compared to state averages of 40.3-42.7%, 34.5-51.5%, and 42.4-43.2% respectively. Despite spending significantly more per student ($13,255 in 2023-2024) than nearby schools, the school has been unable to translate that into improved academic outcomes.

In comparison, nearby schools like Wallace Aylesworth Elementary and Crisman Elementary in the Portage Township Schools district, while still serving high-poverty populations, generally outperform Charter School of the Dunes on test scores and other metrics. Addressing the root causes of Charter School of the Dunes' challenges, whether through instructional improvements, attendance initiatives, or other supports, will be crucial for the school to make meaningful progress.

836

Students ?

17.7

Student/teacher ratio ?

$13,255

Per pupil spending ?

67.5%

Free/discounted lunch ?

7300 East Melton Rd
Gary, IN 46403

(219) 939-9690

District: Charter School of the Dunes

Racial breakdown:

African American:

84.7%

Hispanic:

8.9%

Two or more races:

4.5%

See top rated Indiana elementary schools

Compare Charter School of the Dunes to nearby elementary schools!

At a glance

▬ Ranking trend: Holding steady — 6th percentile in 2015 → 2nd in 2025

Worth a look

!Test scores below the Indiana average (10% vs 38% meeting standards)

!In the lower quartile statewide (2nd percentile)

!High chronic absenteeism (31% vs 17% Indiana)

Students meeting standards (2024-2025) ?

This school10%

District avg10%

Indiana avg38%

Elementary school

980^th of 1,005

Indiana public elementary schools ?

Bottom 2%▼ down 4 pts since 2015

From bottom 6% (2015) to bottom 2% (2025)

See the entire ranking list of Indiana Elementary Schools →

★★★★★

SchoolDigger rating ?

Middle school

426^th of 480

Indiana public middle schools ?

Bottom 11%▲ up 4 pts since 2015

From bottom 7% (2015) to bottom 11% (2025)

See the entire ranking list of Indiana Middle Schools →

★★★★★

SchoolDigger rating ?

353^rd of 380Charter School of the Dunes among Indiana districts

Statewide rank percentile over time (100 = the top-ranked school in the state; click a legend item to add a student group)

Elementary school ranking

Show full rank history (all student groups)

All Students

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Indiana percentile	Rating
2025	5.8	980 of 1005	2.5%	☆☆☆☆☆
2024	5.7	991 of 1011	2.0%	☆☆☆☆☆
2023	5.7	991 of 1016	2.5%	☆☆☆☆☆
2022	4.5	1007 of 1020	1.3%	☆☆☆☆☆
2021	6.5	970 of 1016	4.5%	☆☆☆☆☆
2019	2.8	1016 of 1031	1.5%	☆☆☆☆☆
2018	4.4	992 of 1027	3.4%	☆☆☆☆☆
2017	2.7	1006 of 1033	2.6%	☆☆☆☆☆
2016	10.3	971 of 1046	7.2%	☆☆☆☆☆
2015	8.7	977 of 1040	6.1%	☆☆☆☆☆
2014	4.8	999 of 1036	3.6%	☆☆☆☆☆
2013	9.6	983 of 1035	5.0%	☆☆☆☆☆
2012	5.2	982 of 1015	3.3%	☆☆☆☆☆
2011	1.3	1018 of 1025	0.7%	☆☆☆☆☆
2010	4.8	982 of 1009	2.7%	☆☆☆☆☆
2009	10.9	935 of 1003	6.8%	☆☆☆☆☆
2008	2.6	980 of 996	1.6%	☆☆☆☆☆
2007	0.8	978 of 985	0.7%	☆☆☆☆☆
2006	1.1	956 of 961	0.5%	☆☆☆☆☆
2005	0.2	959 of 959	0.0%	☆☆☆☆☆

Middle school ranking

Show full rank history (all student groups)

All Students

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Indiana percentile	Rating
2025	11.8	426 of 480	11.3%	★☆☆☆☆
2024	12.8	428 of 491	12.8%	★☆☆☆☆
2023	9.5	451 of 489	7.8%	☆☆☆☆☆
2022	6.4	477 of 490	2.7%	☆☆☆☆☆
2021	6.7	462 of 483	4.3%	☆☆☆☆☆
2019	6.9	446 of 470	5.1%	☆☆☆☆☆
2018	9.0	437 of 473	7.6%	☆☆☆☆☆
2017	6.1	442 of 472	6.4%	☆☆☆☆☆
2016	14.3	433 of 494	12.3%	★☆☆☆☆
2015	7.3	449 of 485	7.4%	☆☆☆☆☆
2014	1.1	461 of 470	1.9%	☆☆☆☆☆
2013	9.9	419 of 444	5.6%	☆☆☆☆☆
2012	1.9	439 of 447	1.8%	☆☆☆☆☆
2011	2.3	439 of 451	2.7%	☆☆☆☆☆
2010	9.6	405 of 428	5.4%	☆☆☆☆☆
2009	6.4	402 of 423	5.0%	☆☆☆☆☆
2008	0.5	390 of 392	0.5%	☆☆☆☆☆
2007	0.8	380 of 382	0.5%	☆☆☆☆☆
2006	1.5	372 of 375	0.8%	☆☆☆☆☆

By subject vs Indiana (2024-2025) ?

English Language Arts13%

Science10%

Math7%

Social Studies6%-32 vs state

3.3

3 ratings · 2 written reviews

5★1

4★1

3★0

2★0

1★1

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What people are saying

by a principal
Wednesday, January 10, 2018

Charter School of the Dunes is an excellent place to work and be a part of. Staff are compassionate about the success of students. Leadership is flexible and willing to participate in the community and help families in need. Close Quote

by a parent
Monday, July 8, 2013

Sad situation at this school. Kids get passed along all the time and end up in the eighth grade on a second grade reading level. Very unsafe environment. Close Quote

Schools Near Charter School of the Dunes

Choose columns to see: Summary School Students/Teachers Ranking Test Scores Finance All

School													Students/Teachers											Ranking (2025)				Ranking (2024)				ILEARN English Language Arts (2025)							ILEARN Math (2025)							ILEARN Science (2025)			ILEARN Social Studies (2025)	Per Pupil Expenditures (2024)
Name	Type	Grades	Address	City	Zip	County	District	Is Charter	Is Magnet	Is Virtual	Is Title I	Phone	Enrollment	Full-time Teachers	Student/ Teacher Ratio	Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	White	Black	Hispanic	Asian	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Average Standard Score (2025)	Statewide Rank (2025)	State Percentile (2025)	SchoolDigger Rating (2025)	Average Standard Score (2024)	Statewide Rank (2024)	State Percentile (2024)	Rank Change from Previous Year	ILEARN English Language Arts 3rd Grade	ILEARN English Language Arts 4th Grade	ILEARN English Language Arts 5th Grade	ILEARN English Language Arts 6th Grade	ILEARN English Language Arts 7th Grade	ILEARN English Language Arts 8th Grade	ILEARN English Language Arts All Grades	ILEARN Math 3rd Grade	ILEARN Math 4th Grade	ILEARN Math 5th Grade	ILEARN Math 6th Grade	ILEARN Math 7th Grade	ILEARN Math 8th Grade	ILEARN Math All Grades	ILEARN Science 4th Grade	ILEARN Science 6th Grade	ILEARN Science All Grades	ILEARN Social Studies 5th Grade	Per Pupil Expenditures Total	Sub-total from Federal Funds	Sub-total from State/Local Funds
Charter School of the Dunes	Public, Charter	PK, KG-8	7300 East Melton Rd	Gary	46403	Lake County	Charter School of the Dunes	Yes	No	No	Yes	(219) 939-9690	836	47	17.7	67.5%	9 (1.1%)	708 (84.7%)	74 (8.9%)	2 (0.2%)	5 (0.6%)	0 (0.0%)	38 (4.5%)	5.8	980^th of 1005 public elementary schools	2.5%		5.7	991^st of 1011 public elementary schools	2.0%	11	8.9	3.8	12.1	14.1	16.0	24.3	13.1	7.6	2.5	4.6	11.0	2.7	12.2	6.9	7.6	12.1	10.0	6.2	$13,255	$3,152	$10,103
Banneker Elementary at Marquette	Public	K-5	6401 Hemlock Ave	Gary	46403	Lake County	Gary Community School Corp	No	No	No	Yes	(219) 321-8545	293	16	18.0	64.8%	5 (1.7%)	274 (93.5%)	7 (2.4%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.3%)	0 (0.0%)	6 (2.0%)	8	952^nd of 1005 public elementary schools	5.3%		8.8	945^th of 1011 public elementary schools	6.5%	7	15.1	15.4	13.3				14.6	20.8	9.6	8.3				12.7	11.5		11.5	8.5	$18,627	$5,373	$13,254
Virgil I Bailey Elementary School	Public	K-5	2100 Union St	Lake Station	46405	Lake County	Lake Station Community Schools	No	No	No	Yes	(219) 962-1302	235	17	13.5	86.4%	79 (33.6%)	26 (11.1%)	106 (45.1%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.4%)	0 (0.0%)	23 (9.8%)	18.5	831^st of 1005 public elementary schools	17.3%		16.2	858^th of 1011 public elementary schools	15.1%	27	18.4	31.1	17.2				22.8	22.5	26.7	10.3				21.1	31.1		31.1	13.8	$12,192	$1,678	$10,513
Alexander Hamilton Elementary School	Public	K-5	2900 Lake St	Lake Station	46405	Lake County	Lake Station Community Schools	No	No	No	Yes	(219) 962-1824	200	14	13.9	76.5%	70 (35.0%)	16 (8.0%)	100 (50.0%)	2 (1.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	12 (6.0%)	17.3	842^nd of 1005 public elementary schools	16.2%		29.6	732^nd of 1011 public elementary schools	27.6%	110	30.8	11.5	6.7				17.9	26.3	26.9	13.3				22.3	34.6		34.6	6.9	$12,913	$1,971	$10,943
John I Meister Elementary School	Public	K-5	3300 Jay St	Hobart	46342	Lake County	River Forest Community School Corp	No	No	No	Yes	(219) 962-1103	373	23	16.5	72.9%	136 (36.5%)	40 (10.7%)	168 (45.0%)	2 (0.5%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	27 (7.2%)	11.7	900^th of 1005 public elementary schools	10.4%		31.8	711^th of 1011 public elementary schools	29.7%	189	9.1	20.3	9.6				13.5	9.2	32.0	1.9				16.2	24.0		24.0	9.6	$10,504	$1,108	$9,396
Mary M Bethune Early Child Dev Center	Public	PK-K	2367 E 21st Ave	Gary	46407	Lake County	Gary Community School Corp	No	No	No	No	(219) 886-6542	231	10	23.1	43.7%	2 (0.9%)	202 (87.4%)	19 (8.2%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.4%)	0 (0.0%)	7 (3.0%)								(n/a)																			$17,381	$9,756	$7,625
George L Myers Elementary School	Public	K-5	3100 Willowdale	Portage	46368	Porter County	Portage Township Schools	No	No	No	Yes	(219) 763-8035	332	22	15.0	41.3%	182 (54.8%)	20 (6.0%)	101 (30.4%)	1 (0.3%)	1 (0.3%)	1 (0.3%)	26 (7.8%)	44.2	579^th of 1005 public elementary schools	42.4%		32.7	697^th of 1011 public elementary schools	31.1%	118	27.4	47.1	42.6				38.1	25.8	56.9	27.7				36.3	43.1		43.1	27.7	$11,588	$1,273	$10,315
Wallace Aylesworth Elementary	Public	K-5	5910 Central Ave	Portage	46368	Porter County	Portage Township Schools	No	No	No	Yes	(219) 763-8010	401	26	15.4	48.6%	181 (45.1%)	81 (20.2%)	99 (24.7%)	1 (0.2%)	1 (0.2%)	0 (0.0%)	38 (9.5%)	24.3	782^nd of 1005 public elementary schools	22.2%		23.1	782^nd of 1011 public elementary schools	22.7%		26.2	28.8	32.0				29.2	42.6	22.5	25.0				29.0	22.5		22.5	10.5	$10,347	$700	$9,647
Central Elementary School	Public	K-5	2825 Russell St	Portage	46368	Porter County	Portage Township Schools	No	No	No	Yes	(219) 763-8015	409	25	16.3	48.9%	187 (45.7%)	64 (15.6%)	121 (29.6%)	2 (0.5%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.2%)	34 (8.3%)	25.8	768^th of 1005 public elementary schools	23.6%		21.8	792^nd of 1011 public elementary schools	21.7%	24	39.5	29.7	14.3				28.6	36.8	34.4	12.7				28.6	31.3		31.3	4.8	$10,864	$777	$10,087
Crisman Elementary School	Public	K-5	6161 Old Porter Rd	Portage	46368	Porter County	Portage Township Schools	No	No	No	Yes	(219) 763-8020	343	24	14.2	45.2%	167 (48.7%)	57 (16.6%)	93 (27.1%)	3 (0.9%)	1 (0.3%)	0 (0.0%)	22 (6.4%)	40.4	619^th of 1005 public elementary schools	38.4%		41.5	608^th of 1011 public elementary schools	39.9%	11	32.1	39.2	34.6				35.2	37.5	56.0	26.9				39.9	39.2		39.2	17.3	$11,181	$701	$10,479

Frequently Asked Questions about Charter School of the Dunes

Is Charter School of the Dunes a good school?

Charter School of the Dunes ranks in the bottom 2.5% of Indiana elementary schools.

What is the racial makeup of Charter School of the Dunes?

Students at Charter School of the Dunes are 85% African American, 9% Hispanic, 5% Two or more races, 1% White.

How many students attend Charter School of the Dunes?

In the 2024-25 school year, 836 students attended Charter School of the Dunes.

What district is Charter School of the Dunes in?

Charter School of the Dunes

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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Indiana Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.