Thea Bowman Leadership Academy

Thea Bowman Leadership Academy is a K-12 charter school in Gary, Indiana. It was established by the Drexel Foundation for Educational Excellence, Inc., and is managed by American Quality Schools, Inc. The school is named after Sr Thea Bowman, an African-American Catholic nun, teacher, and scholar in the 20th century.
Serving 849 students in grades Kindergarten-12, Thea Bowman Leadership Academy 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 8% (which is lower than the Indiana state average of 39%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 12% (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.

Quick Facts (2025)

  • School Type: Charter School
  • Grades: Kindergarten-12
  • Enrollment: 849 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1
  • : 90-94% (Top 50% in IN)
  • : Bottom 50%
  • : 8% (Btm 50%)
  • : 12% (Btm 50%)
  • : 6-9% (Btm 50%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IN Dept. of Education

Top Rankings

Thea Bowman Leadership Academy ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Indiana for:

Category
Attribute

School Overview

Thea Bowman Leadership Academy's student population of 849 students has declined by 21% over five school years.
The teacher population of 48 teachers has declined by 34% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-12
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
849 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
48 teachers
Year Founded
2003
School Calendar

School Rankings

Thea Bowman Leadership Academy 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 Thea Bowman Leadership Academy is 0.13, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.57. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
This School
State Level (IN)
#1681 out of 1743 schools
(Bottom 50%)
8%
39%
12%
41%
6-9%
34%
Student-Teacher Ratio
18:1
15:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
n/a
3%
Hispanic
4%
15%
Black
93%
13%
White
n/a
63%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
3%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
0.13
90-94%
88%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
69%
43%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
5%
6%
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IN Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Thea Bowman Leadership Academy's ranking?
Thea Bowman Leadership Academy is ranked #1681 out of 1,743 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Indiana.
What schools are Thea Bowman Leadership Academy often compared to?
Thea Bowman Leadership Academyis often viewed alongside schools like 21st Century Charter Sch Of Gary by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
8% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 39% IN state average), while 12% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 41% IN state average).
What is the graduation rate of Thea Bowman Leadership Academy?
The graduation rate of Thea Bowman Leadership Academy is 90-94%, which is higher than the Indiana state average of 88%.
How many students attend Thea Bowman Leadership Academy?
849 students attend Thea Bowman Leadership Academy.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
93% of Thea Bowman Leadership Academy students are Black, 4% of students are Hispanic, and 3% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Thea Bowman Leadership Academy?
Thea Bowman Leadership Academy has a student ration of 18:1, which is higher than the Indiana state average of 15:1.
What grades does Thea Bowman Leadership Academy offer ?
Thea Bowman Leadership Academy offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Thea Bowman Leadership Academy part of?
Thea Bowman Leadership Academy is part of Thea Bowman Leadership Academy School District.

School Reviews

5   9/1/2015
My child is so happy since starting at Thea Bowman Elementary. He enjoys coming to school and continues to excel academically. And when he is happy, I am happy.
- Posted by Parent - jolon

Review Thea Bowman Leadership Academy. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:

  • Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
  • Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Rate this school:

Recent Articles

Why Single-Sex Public Schools are Growing in Popularity
Why Single-Sex Public Schools are Growing in Popularity
This article examines the growing trend of single-sex public schools in the United States. It explores the potential benefits, research findings, and controversies surrounding gender-specific education, as well as the factors driving its increasing popularity among parents and educators.
When Teachers Cheat: The Standardized Test Controversies
When Teachers Cheat: The Standardized Test Controversies
Teachers across the country are being accused of cheating on standardized tests, using erasers to conveniently change their students’ answers. However, are these teachers driven to cheat because the funding system is flawed?
When Field Trips Turn Deadly: Who is Responsible?
When Field Trips Turn Deadly: Who is Responsible?
Recent deaths during field trips have parents and school officials questioning the safety of these excursions. Learn about these tragedies and what parameters should be in place to ensure a safe field trip.

Quick Facts (2025)

  • School Type: Charter School
  • Grades: Kindergarten-12
  • Enrollment: 849 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1
  • : 90-94% (Top 50%)
  • : Bottom 50%
  • : 8% (Btm 50%)
  • : 12% (Btm 50%)
  • : 6-9% (Btm 50%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IN Dept. of Education

Request Information

Related School Videos

Quick Links