Serving 304 students in grades 2-8, Merle Sidener Gifted Academy ranks in the top 5% of all schools in Indiana for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 5%, and reading proficiency is top 5%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 76% (which is higher than the Indiana state average of 38%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 81% (which is higher than the Indiana state average of 41%).
The student:teacher ratio of 15:1 is equal to the Indiana state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 62% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Indiana state average of 37% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 2-8
- Enrollment: 304 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 62%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 5% in IN
- Math Proficiency: 76% (Top 5%)
- Reading Proficiency: 81% (Top 1%)
- Science Proficiency: 85-89% (Top 1%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IN Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Merle Sidener Gifted Academy ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Indiana for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
Diversity
School Overview
Merle Sidener Gifted Academy's student population of 304 students has declined by 13% over five school years.
The teacher population of 20 teachers has grown by 5% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 2-8
Total Students
304 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
20 teachers
Students by Grade
School Rankings
Merle Sidener Gifted Academy ranks within the top 5% of all 1,763 schools in Indiana (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Merle Sidener Gifted Academy is 0.72, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.56. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#27 out of 1763 schools
(Top 5%)
(Top 5%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
76%
38%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
81%
41%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
85-89%
34%
Student : Teacher Ratio
15:1
15:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
1%
3%
Hispanic
21%
15%
Black
30%
13%
White
38%
63%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
10%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
40%
43%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
6%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IN Dept. of Education
Profile last updated:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Merle Sidener Gifted Academy's ranking?
Merle Sidener Gifted Academy is ranked #27 out of 1,763 schools, which ranks it among the top 5% of public schools in Indiana.
What schools are Merle Sidener Gifted Academy often compared to?
Merle Sidener Gifted Academyis often viewed alongside schools like Center For Inquiry School 84 by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
76% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 38% IN state average), while 81% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 41% IN state average).
How many students attend Merle Sidener Gifted Academy?
304 students attend Merle Sidener Gifted Academy.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
38% of Merle Sidener Gifted Academy students are White, 30% of students are Black, 21% of students are Hispanic, 10% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Merle Sidener Gifted Academy?
Merle Sidener Gifted Academy has a student ration of 15:1, which is equal to the Indiana state average of 15:1.
What grades does Merle Sidener Gifted Academy offer ?
Merle Sidener Gifted Academy offers enrollment in grades 2-8
What school district is Merle Sidener Gifted Academy part of?
Merle Sidener Gifted Academy is part of Indianapolis School District.
In what neighborhood is Merle Sidener Gifted Academy located?
Merle Sidener Gifted Academy is located in the Glendale neighborhood of Indianapolis, IN.
School Reviews
Review Merle Sidener Gifted 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
Recent Articles
Understanding the U.S. Department of Education: Structure, Impact, and Evolution
We explore how the Department of Education shapes American education, from its cabinet-level leadership to its impact on millions of students, written for general audiences seeking clarity on this vital institution.
Segregation in K-12 Education: Colonial Era
Explore the origins of educational segregation during the colonial era and the differential treatment of Native American, African American, and white students. This article delves into the historical context, policies, and societal attitudes that shaped early education in colonial America, highlighting the disparities and injustices that persisted within the schooling systems of that time.
December 16, 2024
Personalized Learning: Revolutionizing Education for the 21st CenturyExplore the revolutionary approach of Personalized Learning in K-12 education. This article discusses the benefits, challenges, and potential of tailoring education to individual student needs, incorporating technology and adaptive learning methods to prepare students for the 21st century.
