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Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Gary Public Charter Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 8 public charter schools serving 5,224 students in Gary, IN.
The top-ranked public charter schools in Gary, IN are Aspire Charter Academy, Gary Middle College 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 charter schools have an average math proficiency score of 10% (versus the Indiana public charter school average of 20%), and reading proficiency score of 14% (versus the 26% statewide average). Charter schools in Gary have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Indiana public charter schools.
Minority enrollment is 99% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Indiana public charter school average of 69% (majority Black).

Best Public Charter Schools in Gary, IN (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Aspire Charter Academy
Charter School
(Math: 20% | Reading: 29%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
4900 W 15th Ave
Gary, IN 46406
(219) 944-7400
Gr: K-8 | 684 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #22.
Gary Middle College
Charter School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
131 East 5th Ave
Gary, IN 46402
(219) 888-7120
Gr: 9-12 | 202 students Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #33.
Gary Lighthouse Charter School
Charter School
(Math: 9% | Reading: 12%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
725 Clark Road
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:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
556 Washington St
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:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
3401 W 5th Ave
Gary, IN 46406
(219) 944-3100
Gr: K-12 | 773 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1
Rank: #66.
Steel City Academy
Charter School
(Math: ≤5% | Reading: 10-14%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
2650 W 35th Avenue
Gary, IN 46408
(219) 750-1010
Gr: K-12 | 286 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #77.
Charter School Of The Dunes
Charter School
(Math: 6% | Reading: 7%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
7300 East Melton Rd
Gary, IN 46403
(219) 939-9690
Gr: PK-8 | 836 students 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
Gr: 9-12 | 125 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 90%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public charter schools in Gary, IN?
The top-ranked public charter schools in Gary, IN include Aspire Charter Academy, Gary Middle College and Gary Lighthouse Charter School.
How many public charter schools are located in Gary?
8 public charter schools are located in Gary.
What is the racial composition of students in Gary?
Gary public charter schools minority enrollment is 99% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Indiana public charter schools average of 69% (majority Black).
Which public charter schools in Gary are often viewed compared to one another?

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