For the 2026 school year, there are 10 public schools serving 4,046 students in Jefferson County, IN (there are 4 private schools, serving 951 private students). 82% of all K-12 students in Jefferson County, IN are educated in public schools (compared to the IN state average of 90%).
The top-ranked public schools in Jefferson County, IN are Deputy Elementary School, Lydia Middleton Elementary School and Rykers' Ridge Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Jefferson County, IN public schools have an average math proficiency score of 36% (versus the Indiana public school average of 39%), and reading proficiency score of 43% (versus the 42% statewide average). Schools in Jefferson County have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Indiana public schools.
Minority enrollment is 11% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Indiana public school average of 38% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Best Public Schools in Jefferson County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Deputy Elementary School
(Math: 60-79% | Reading: 50-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
14350 W Mulberry
Deputy, IN 47230
(812) 274-8007
Deputy, IN 47230
(812) 274-8007
Gr: PK-4 | 138 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 2%
Rank: #22.
Lydia Middleton Elementary School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
714 W Main St
Madison, IN 47250
(812) 274-8005
Madison, IN 47250
(812) 274-8005
Gr: PK-4 | 333 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: #33.
Rykers' Ridge Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
2485 N Rykers' Ridge Rd
Madison, IN 47250
(812) 274-8006
Madison, IN 47250
(812) 274-8006
Gr: PK-4 | 194 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Rank: #44.
Southwestern Elementary School
(Math: 45% | Reading: 49%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
273 South Main Cross St
Hanover, IN 47243
(812) 866-9400
Hanover, IN 47243
(812) 866-9400
Gr: PK-5 | 633 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: #55.
Madison Consolidated Jr High School
(Math: 41% | Reading: 45%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
701 8th St
Madison, IN 47250
(812) 274-8003
Madison, IN 47250
(812) 274-8003
Gr: 5-8 | 728 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #66.
Madison Consolidated High School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
743 Clifty Dr
Madison, IN 47250
(812) 274-8408
Madison, IN 47250
(812) 274-8408
Gr: 9-12 | 769 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #77.
Southwestern High School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
167 S Main Cross St
Hanover, IN 47243
(812) 866-6230
Hanover, IN 47243
(812) 866-6230
Gr: 9-12 | 350 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #88.
Anderson Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
2325 Cherry Dr
Madison, IN 47250
(812) 274-8004
Madison, IN 47250
(812) 274-8004
Gr: PK-4 | 489 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #99.
Southwestern Middle School
(Math: 15% | Reading: 33%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
169 S Main Cross St
Hanover, IN 47243
(812) 866-9500
Hanover, IN 47243
(812) 866-9500
Gr: 6-8 | 280 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: #1010.
Canaan Community Academy
Charter School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
8775 N Canaan Main St
Canaan, IN 47224
(812) 839-0003
Canaan, IN 47224
(812) 839-0003
Gr: K-8 | 195 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Jefferson County, IN?
The top-ranked public schools in Jefferson County, IN include Deputy Elementary School, Lydia Middleton Elementary School and Rykers' Ridge Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Jefferson County?
10 public schools are located in Jefferson County.
What percentage of students in Jefferson County go to public school?
82% of all K-12 students in Jefferson County are educated in public schools (compared to the IN state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Jefferson County?
Jefferson County public schools minority enrollment is 11% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Indiana public schools average of 38% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Which public schools in Jefferson County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Jefferson County include: Madison Consolidated High School vs. Southwestern High School, Southwestern High School vs. Madison Consolidated High School, Madison Consolidated Jr High School vs. Southwestern Middle School
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.