Lawrence Central High School is a public high school with more than 2,300 students, in northeast Marion County, Indiana.
Serving 2,517 students in grades 9-12, Lawrence Central High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Indiana for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 10% (which is lower than the Indiana state average of 39%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 26% (which is lower than the Indiana state average of 41%).
The student-teacher ratio of 18:1 is higher than the Indiana state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 90% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Indiana state average of 38% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 2,517 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1
- Minority Enrollment: 90%
- Graduation Rate: 93% (Top 50% in IN)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 10% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 26% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 8% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Lawrence Central High School serves a central area in Indianapolis, IN, covering approximately 22.3 square miles. Most families can expect a typical drive of 5 to 10 minutes to reach the school, with the furthest edge of the attendance zone located about 7.4 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IN Dept. of Education
School Overview
Lawrence Central High School's student population of 2,517 students has grown by 10% over five school years.
The teacher population of 143 teachers has grown by 30% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
2,517 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
143 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Year Founded
1941
School Calendar
School Motto
The Pride of 56th Street
School Rankings
Lawrence Central High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,743 schools in Indiana (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Lawrence Central High School is 0.63, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.57. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1544 out of 1743 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
10%
39%
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
26%
41%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
8%
34%
Student-Teacher Ratio
18:1
15:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
1%
3%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 37-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
32%
15%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Black
51%
14%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
White
10%
62%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
6%
6%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 15-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Graduation Rate
93%
88.1%
Showing 2014–2023. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)47.5%
23.7%
Eligible for Free Lunch
56%
42%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
4%
6%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 27-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IN Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lawrence Central High School's ranking?
Lawrence Central High School is ranked #1544 out of 1,743 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Indiana.
What schools are Lawrence Central High School often compared to?
Lawrence Central High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Lawrence North High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
10% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 39% IN state average), while 26% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 41% IN state average).
What is the graduation rate of Lawrence Central High School?
The graduation rate of Lawrence Central High School is 93%, which is higher than the Indiana state average of 88.1%.
How many students attend Lawrence Central High School?
2,517 students attend Lawrence Central High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
51% of Lawrence Central High School students are Black, 32% of students are Hispanic, 10% of students are White, 6% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Lawrence Central High School?
Lawrence Central High School has a student ration of 18:1, which is higher than the Indiana state average of 15:1.
What grades does Lawrence Central High School offer ?
Lawrence Central High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Lawrence Central High School part of?
Lawrence Central High School is part of MSD Lawrence Township School District.
In what neighborhood is Lawrence Central High School located?
Lawrence Central High School is located in the Lawrence Fort Ben Oaklandon neighborhood of Indianapolis, IN. There are 4 other public schools located in Lawrence Fort Ben Oaklandon.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
I graduated from this school in 1977. I enjoyed the school and I am doing well. This school is doing better than many other public schools because of local support. But like any other public school, pressure is put upon the teachers to move kids through the system. Parents deteremine parent involvement, but the schools need to open the doors and let the parents know where the doors are! Go to your kids school and and spend a day watching.
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