For the 2026 school year, there are 10 public high schools serving 5,601 students in Gary, IN.
The top-ranked public high schools in Gary, IN are Calumet New Tech High School, Gary Middle College and Gary Virtual Academy. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Gary, IN public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 8% (versus the Indiana public high school average of 29%), and reading proficiency score of 13% (versus the 46% statewide average). High schools in Gary have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Indiana public high schools.
Gary, IN public high school have a Graduation Rate of 72%, which is less than the Indiana average of 89%.
The school with highest graduation rate is 21st Century Charter School Of Gary, with ≥95% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in Indiana or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 97% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Indiana public high school average of 37% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Best Public High Schools in Gary, IN (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Calumet New Tech High School
(Math: 6-9% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
3900 Calhoun St
Gary, IN 46408
(219) 838-6990
Gary, IN 46408
(219) 838-6990
Gr: 9-12 | 620 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 78%
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 Virtual Academy
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: 11-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1800 E 35th Ave
Gary, IN 46409
(219) 881-5466
Gary, IN 46409
(219) 881-5466
Gr: K-12 | 45 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Rank: #44.
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 student Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #5 - 65. - 6.
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 student Student-teacher ratio: 118:1
Rank: #5 - 65. - 6.
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: #77.
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: #88.
West Side Leadership Academy
(Math: 3% | Reading: 10-14%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
9th & Gerry St
Gary, IN 46406
(219) 413-9870
Gary, IN 46406
(219) 413-9870
Gr: 9-12 | 1,232 student 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%
Rank: n/an/a
Gary Career Center
Vocational School
1800 E 35th Ave
Gary, IN 46409
(219) 962-7571
Gary, IN 46409
(219) 962-7571
Gr: 6-12
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public high schools in Gary, IN?
The top-ranked public high schools in Gary, IN include Calumet New Tech High School, Gary Middle College and Gary Virtual Academy.
How many public high schools are located in Gary?
10 public high schools are located in Gary.
What is the racial composition of students in Gary?
Gary public high schools minority enrollment is 97% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Indiana public high schools average of 37% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Which public high schools in Gary are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public high schools in Gary include: Thea Bowman Leadership Academy vs. 21st Century Charter School Of Gary, 21st Century Charter School Of Gary vs. Thea Bowman Leadership Academy, West Side Leadership Academy vs. Thea Bowman Leadership Academy
Recent Articles
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.