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 773 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 17:1 is higher than the Indiana state level of 15:1.
Quick Facts (26-27)
- School Type: Charter School
- Grades: Kindergarten-12
- Enrollment: 773 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Graduation Rate: 90-94% (Top 50% in IN)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 8% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 12% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 6-9% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IN Dept. of Education
School Overview
Thea Bowman Leadership Academy's student population of 773 students has declined by 10% over five school years.
The teacher population of 45 teachers has grown by 7% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
773 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 22-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
45 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 22-year historical data available below ↓
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.
Overall Testing Rank
#1681 out of 1743 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
8%
39%
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
12%
41%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
6-9%
34%
Student-Teacher Ratio
17:1
15:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 22-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
5%
15%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 22-year historical data available below ↓
Black
93%
14%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 22-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
2%
6%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 15-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 22-year historical data available below ↓
Graduation Rate
90-94%
88.1%
Showing 2014–2023. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)33.3%
23.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
60%
42%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 22-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
4%
6%
Showing 2011–2025. Full 22-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 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 School Of Gary, West Side Leadership Academy 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 88.1%.
How many students attend Thea Bowman Leadership Academy?
773 students attend Thea Bowman Leadership Academy.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
93% of Thea Bowman Leadership Academy students are Black, 5% of students are Hispanic, and 2% 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 17:1, 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
3 9/25/2026
TBLA is the best school option in the city of Gary. I have two children who attend and they love their school. The school provides a positive, productive, and welcoming environment. No complaints so far!
5 10/10/2025
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.
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