Serving 228 students in grades 1-5, Merle Sidener Academy 59 - A High Ability School ranks in the top 1% of all schools in Indiana for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 5%, and reading proficiency is top 5%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 79% (which is higher than the Indiana state average of 39%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 81% (which is higher than the Indiana state average of 41%).
The student-teacher ratio of 11:1 is lower than the Indiana state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 69% 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: 1-5
- Enrollment: 228 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1
- Minority Enrollment: 69%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 1% in IN
- Math Proficiency: 79% (Top 5%)
- Reading Proficiency: 81% (Top 1%)
- Science Proficiency: 85-89% (Top 1%)
- Attendance Zone: Merle Sidener Gifted Academy's attendance zone covers the entire district in Indianapolis, IN, encompassing approximately 79.5 square miles. Typically, it takes 10-15 minutes to drive to the school, with an average distance of 6.4 miles to the zone edge and a maximum distance of 11.4 miles.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IN Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Merle Sidener Academy 59 - A High Ability School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Indiana for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
School Overview
Merle Sidener Academy 59 - A High Ability School's student population of 228 students has declined by 35% over five school years.
The teacher population of 21 teachers has grown by 16% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 1-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
228 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 17-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
21 teachers
Showing 2015–2025. Full 17-year historical data available below ↓
School Calendar
School Motto
EMPOWERING HIGH ABILITY STUDENTS FOR TOMORROW’S LEADERSHIP
School Rankings
Merle Sidener Academy 59 - A High Ability School ranks within the top 1% of all 1,743 schools in Indiana (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Merle Sidener Academy 59 - A High Ability School is 0.72, 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
#15 out of 1743 schools
(Top 1%)
(Top 1%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
79%
39%
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
81%
41%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
85-89%
34%
Student-Teacher Ratio
11:1
15:1
Showing 2015–2025. Full 17-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
3%
3%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 17-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
19%
15%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 17-year historical data available below ↓
Black
39%
14%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 17-year historical data available below ↓
White
31%
62%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 17-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
8%
6%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 15-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 17-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)15.4%
23.7%
Eligible for Free Lunch
44%
42%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 17-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
4%
6%
Showing 2012–2025. Full 17-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
Red and Gold
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IN Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Merle Sidener Academy 59 - A High Ability School's ranking?
Merle Sidener Academy 59 - A High Ability School is ranked #15 out of 1,743 schools, which ranks it among the top 1% of public schools in Indiana.
What schools are Merle Sidener Academy 59 - A High Ability School often compared to?
Merle Sidener Academy 59 - A High Ability Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Joseph J. Bingham School 84 Center For Inquiry by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
79% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 39% IN state average), while 81% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 41% IN state average).
How many students attend Merle Sidener Academy 59 - A High Ability School?
228 students attend Merle Sidener Academy 59 - A High Ability School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
39% of Merle Sidener Academy 59 - A High Ability School students are Black, 31% of students are White, 19% of students are Hispanic, 8% of students are Two or more races, and 3% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Merle Sidener Academy 59 - A High Ability School?
Merle Sidener Academy 59 - A High Ability School has a student ration of 11:1, which is lower than the Indiana state average of 15:1.
What grades does Merle Sidener Academy 59 - A High Ability School offer ?
Merle Sidener Academy 59 - A High Ability School offers enrollment in grades 1-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Merle Sidener Academy 59 - A High Ability School part of?
Merle Sidener Academy 59 - A High Ability School is part of Indianapolis School District.
In what neighborhood is Merle Sidener Academy 59 - A High Ability School located?
Merle Sidener Academy 59 - A High Ability School is located in the Glendale neighborhood of Indianapolis, IN.
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