When buying a home in the Indianapolis area, there are so many factors to consider. What is the budget? How much time do you want to spend making the house align with your vision? What is your travel time to work? To amenities?
One of the most important factors to consider is the quality of the local school district. Maybe you’ve heard of IB and AP programs but need to know more. Maybe you are committed to early mornings and the Carmel Swim Club is attractive. Maybe you are intrigued by Fisher’s success with Mock Trial. Maybe you are enthused by the prospect of the performing arts at North Central. Indianapolis area schools have all of this and more to offer your family.
Even if you don’t have children, homes in top-rated school districts tend to hold their value better and appreciate more over time–which means a good investment for your family and your wallet. You might consider some of the suggestions when starting your home search in the Indianapolis area before making a purchase.
Find Your School District
Before evaluating school quality, determine which district serves a specific home. Several online tools can help:
- GreatSchools.org – Enter an address to see assigned schools and ratings.
- National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) – Provides district boundaries, school demographics, and performance data.
- Local School District Websites – Many districts provide interactive maps and boundary information.
Some neighborhoods fall within multiple school districts or have different zoning for elementary, middle, and high schools, so double-check with the district before making a decision.
Understand School Rating Systems
School rating websites use various metrics to assess school quality. GreatSchools assigns ratings from 1 to 10 based on:
- Test Scores – Performance on state standardized tests compared to state averages.
- Equity Measures – Achievement gaps among different student groups, such as low-income or minority students.
- Student Progress – How much academic improvement students make year over year.
- College Readiness (High Schools) – Graduation rates, SAT/ACT scores, and AP/IB course availability.
While these ratings provide a good overview, dig deeper into the details to understand a school’s strengths and weaknesses.
Review Test Scores & Academic Performance
Standardized test scores offer insight into a district’s academic success. Key sources include:
- Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) – Provides ILEARN and ISTEP scores, school accountability grades, and graduation rates.
- GreatSchools – Offers a breakdown of test performance by subject and student demographics.
- U.S. News & World Report – Ranks high schools based on test scores, college readiness, and graduation rates.
For example:
- Carmel High School (Carmel Clay Schools) consistently ranks as one of the best in Indiana, known for its high graduation rate, AP course offerings, and strong college preparatory programs.
- Zionsville High School (Zionsville Community Schools) is another top-rated school, excelling in test scores, student-to-teacher ratio, and extracurricular offerings.
- North Central High School (Washington Township Schools) is recognized for its International Baccalaureate (IB) program and strong diversity but may have more variation in performance across student groups.
Check School District Boundaries
School district boundaries can change due to population growth or rezoning. To ensure a home remains in your desired district:
- Check the school district’s website for boundary maps.
- Call the district office to confirm zoning and potential future changes.
- Consult city planning departments if a home is near a district boundary line.
Buying in a district undergoing rezoning could mean your child ends up attending a different school than expected.
Consider Extracurricular Activities & Special Programs
A well-rounded education includes more than academics. Research extracurricular opportunities such as:
- Athletics & Sports – Carmel High School has won multiple state championships in various sports, and Zionsville High School is known for its competitive athletic programs.
- Arts & Music Programs – Washington Township’s North Central High School is highly regarded for its performing arts, including theater and music programs.
- STEM & Advanced Courses – Carmel and Zionsville both offer strong STEM initiatives, AP/IB classes, and dual-credit opportunities.
- Special Education & Gifted Programs – Washington Township provides comprehensive gifted and special education services.
Extracurriculars can enhance student engagement and college applications, making them a key factor in school choice.
Read Reviews and Talk to Parents
Community feedback can provide valuable insights into a school’s environment and leadership. Consider:
- GreatSchools Parent Reviews – Read firsthand experiences from local families.
- Facebook Groups & Nextdoor – Join community discussions about schools.
- School Open Houses & PTA Meetings – Visit schools and speak with teachers and parents.
Hearing from current families can help you gauge teacher quality, school culture, and student engagement.
Consider Long-Term Growth & Property Value
Homes in strong school districts tend to appreciate faster and hold their value better during market downturns. Research:
- Enrollment Trends – Growing districts may receive more funding but can face overcrowding.
- Planned School Improvements – Check for upcoming construction or program expansions.
- Real Estate Market Trends – Ask local realtors how school districts impact home values in different areas.
For example, homes in Carmel Clay Schools and Zionsville Community Schools are in high demand due to their strong reputations, leading to competitive housing markets. Washington Township offers a more diverse school experience with access to an IB curriculum, which can be a major selling point for certain buyers.
Still Overwhelmed?
Researching school districts before buying a home in Indianapolis ensures you make an informed decision that benefits both your family and your property’s value. Use online resources, test scores, district maps, open houses, and community feedback to find the best fit. And ask your real estate professional. The Yosha Snyder Group has experience with both buyers and sellers in central Indiana and are happy to help you navigate what is best for your family.