For the 2026 school year, there are 8 public charter schools serving 5,224 students in Gary, IN.
The top-ranked public charter schools in Gary, IN are Aspire Charter Academy, Gary Middle College and Gary Lighthouse Charter School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Gary, IN public charter schools have an average math proficiency score of 10% (versus the Indiana public charter school average of 20%), and reading proficiency score of 14% (versus the 26% statewide average). Charter schools in Gary have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Indiana public charter schools.
Minority enrollment is 99% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Indiana public charter school average of 69% (majority Black).
Best Public Charter Schools in Gary, IN (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Aspire Charter Academy
Charter School
(Math: 20% | Reading: 29%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
4900 W 15th Ave
Gary, IN 46406
(219) 944-7400
Gary, IN 46406
(219) 944-7400
Gr: K-8 | 684 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #22.
Gary Middle College
Charter School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
131 East 5th Ave
Gary, IN 46402
(219) 888-7120
Gary, IN 46402
(219) 888-7120
Gr: 9-12 | 202 students Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #33.
Gary Lighthouse Charter School
Charter School
(Math: 9% | Reading: 12%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
725 Clark Road
Gary, IN 46406
(219) 977-9583
Gary, IN 46406
(219) 977-9583
Gr: K-12 | 1,138 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #4 - 54. - 5.
21st Century Charter School Of Gary
Charter School
(Math: 8% | Reading: 12%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
556 Washington St
Gary, IN 46402
(219) 886-9339
Gary, IN 46402
(219) 886-9339
Gr: K-12 | 1,180 students Student-teacher ratio: 118:1
Rank: #4 - 54. - 5.
Thea Bowman Leadership Academy
Charter School
(Math: 8% | Reading: 12%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
3401 W 5th Ave
Gary, IN 46406
(219) 944-3100
Gary, IN 46406
(219) 944-3100
Gr: K-12 | 773 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1
Rank: #66.
Steel City Academy
Charter School
(Math: ≤5% | Reading: 10-14%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
2650 W 35th Avenue
Gary, IN 46408
(219) 750-1010
Gary, IN 46408
(219) 750-1010
Gr: K-12 | 286 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #77.
Charter School Of The Dunes
Charter School
(Math: 6% | Reading: 7%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
7300 East Melton Rd
Gary, IN 46403
(219) 939-9690
Gary, IN 46403
(219) 939-9690
Gr: PK-8 | 836 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: n/an/a
Excel Center - Gary
Charter School
4610 W Ridge Road
Gary, IN 46408
(219) 789-5236
Gary, IN 46408
(219) 789-5236
Gr: 9-12 | 125 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 90%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public charter schools in Gary, IN?
The top-ranked public charter schools in Gary, IN include Aspire Charter Academy, Gary Middle College and Gary Lighthouse Charter School.
How many public charter schools are located in Gary?
8 public charter schools are located in Gary.
What is the racial composition of students in Gary?
Gary public charter schools minority enrollment is 99% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Indiana public charter schools average of 69% (majority Black).
Which public charter schools in Gary are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public charter schools in Gary include: Charter School Of The Dunes vs. 21st Century Charter School Of Gary, Thea Bowman Leadership Academy vs. 21st Century Charter School Of Gary, 21st Century Charter School Of Gary vs. Thea Bowman Leadership Academy
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