For the 2026 school year, there are 11 public middle schools serving 6,109 students in Gary, IN.
The top-ranked public middle schools in Gary, IN are Aspire Charter Academy, Gary Virtual Academy and Gary Lighthouse Charter School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Gary, IN public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 8% (versus the Indiana public middle school average of 32%), and reading proficiency score of 14% (versus the 40% statewide average). Middle schools in Gary have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Indiana public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 97% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Indiana public middle school average of 36% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Best Public Middle Schools in Gary, IN (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Aspire Charter Academy
Charter School
(Math: 20% | Reading: 29%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
4900 W 15th Ave
Gary, IN 46406
(219) 944-7400
Gary, IN 46406
(219) 944-7400
Gr: K-8 | 684 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #22.
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: #33.
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 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #4 - 54. - 5.
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 students Student-teacher ratio: 118:1
Rank: #4 - 54. - 5.
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: #66.
Lake Ridge New Tech Middle School
(Math: 7% | Reading: 15%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
3601 W 41st Ave
Gary, IN 46408
(219) 980-0730
Gary, IN 46408
(219) 980-0730
Gr: 5-8 | 447 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 72%
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.
Gary Middle School
(Math: 2% | Reading: 13%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
301 Parke St
Gary, IN 46403
(219) 321-8547
Gary, IN 46403
(219) 321-8547
Gr: 6-8 | 365 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #99.
Bailly Middle School
(Math: 4% | Reading: 11%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
4621 Georgia St
Gary, IN 46409
(219) 980-6326
Gary, IN 46409
(219) 980-6326
Gr: 6-8 | 355 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #1010.
Charter School Of The Dunes
Charter School
(Math: 6% | Reading: 7%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
7300 East Melton Rd
Gary, IN 46403
(219) 939-9690
Gary, IN 46403
(219) 939-9690
Gr: PK-8 | 836 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
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 middle schools in Gary, IN?
The top-ranked public middle schools in Gary, IN include Aspire Charter Academy, Gary Virtual Academy and Gary Lighthouse Charter School.
How many public middle schools are located in Gary?
11 public middle schools are located in Gary.
What is the racial composition of students in Gary?
Gary public middle schools minority enrollment is 97% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Indiana public middle schools average of 36% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Which public middle schools in Gary are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public middle 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, Gary Career Center vs. Bailly Middle School
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