Carmel High School

Summary:

Carmel High School is a public high school located in Carmel, Indiana, serving grades 9-12 with a total enrollment of 5,192 students. It is part of the Carmel Clay Schools district, which is ranked 7th out of 381 districts in Indiana and has a 5-star rating from SchoolDigger. Carmel High School has consistently been ranked among the top high schools in Indiana, with a statewide ranking between 2-6 over the past several years and a 5-star rating from SchoolDigger.

Carmel High School stands out for its exceptional academic performance, diversity, and support for student success. The school consistently outperforms the state and nearby schools on standardized tests, with 84.69% of 11th-grade students proficient or better in SAT/Evidence-based Reading and Writing, compared to the state average of 50.51%. In SAT/Mathematics, 64% of 11th-grade students were proficient or better, compared to the state average of 31.14%. Carmel High School also has an exceptionally high four-year graduation rate of 98.4%, significantly higher than nearby schools like Options Indiana (28.7%) and Options Noblesville (55.5%).

Despite its high academic performance, Carmel High School has a relatively diverse student population, with a racial makeup of 68.1% White, 4.26% African American, 6.26% Hispanic, 16.78% Asian, and 4.31% two or more races. This diversity is higher than many of the nearby schools, such as Westfield High School (75.91% White) and Options Westfield (71.05% White). Carmel High School also ranks among the top schools in Indiana for the performance of various student subgroups, including Asian, African American, Hispanic, and multi-racial students.


Detail:

Public 9-12

 520 E Main St
       Carmel, IN  46032


(317) 846-7721

District: Carmel Clay Schools

SchoolDigger Rank:
5th of 431 Indiana High Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $10,687 Help


Student/teacher ratio:  16.8 Help
Number of students:  5,200

Racial breakdown:

White:
66.4%
Asian:
17.7%
Hispanic:
7.4%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  13.4% Help


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 Compare Carmel High School to nearby high schools!

Performance Trends
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Compare Details Carmel High School ranks better than 98.8% of high schools in Indiana. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 95.73. (See more...)
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The four-year cohort graduation rate measures the percentage of students at Carmel High School who earn a standard high school diploma within four years of starting ninth grade.
Help
Chronic absenteeism in a school refers to a situation where students repeatedly miss school, with the threshold often defined as missing 10% or more of school days for any reason, excused or unexcused.
Student Body
Help
Compare Details Racial makeup is: White (66.4%), Asian (17.7%), Hispanic (7.4%). (See more...)
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Compare Details 13.4% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)
Teachers
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Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Carmel High School is 16.8. (See more...)
Help
Compare Carmel High School employs 308.5 full-time teachers.
Finance
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Compare Details The average total spent per student at Carmel High School is $10,687.
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Carmel High School:

SchoolDigger ranks Carmel High School 5th of 431 Indiana public high schools. (See Carmel High School in the ranking list.)

High School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Multi-racial students:
English Language Learner students:
Special Education students:
Low Socio Economic Status students:
Female students:
Male students:
Asian students:
African American students:
Hispanic students:
White students:


Carmel Clay Schools:

SchoolDigger ranks Carmel Clay Schools 6th of 381 Indiana school districts. (See district ranking list.)

Average Parent Rating:

Read all reviews and ratings detail for Carmel High School.

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Your rating for Carmel High School?

Rank History for Carmel High School

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Compare

Rank History for all students at Carmel High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools IN State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2005 96.88 2nd 349 99.4%
2006 94.91 3rd 349 99.1%
2007 95.82 2nd 354 99.4%
2008 95.69 4th 360 98.9%
2009 96.10 3rd 364 99.2%
2010 91.34 2nd 362 99.4%
2011 90.24 2nd 364 99.5%
2012 88.72 3rd 373 99.2%
2013 87.89 3rd 353 99.2%
2014 85.78 3rd 379 99.2%
2015 88.52 4th 400 99.0%
2016 95.34 2nd 394 99.5%
2017 95.87 4th 380 98.9%
2018 97.50 3rd 385 99.2%
2019 95.93 3rd 389 99.2%
2021 96.96 3rd 388 99.2%
2022 99.39 5th 409 98.8%
2023 96.74 6th 398 98.5%
2024 95.73 5th 431 98.8%
See the entire list of Indiana High School Rankings!

Rank History for Multi-racial students at Carmel High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools IN State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2022 98.92 1st 94 98.9%
2023 98.77 2nd 104 98.1%
2024 97.78 3rd 102 97.1%
See the entire list of Best Indiana High Schools for Multi-racial Students!

Rank History for English Language Learner students at Carmel High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools IN State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 55.74 22nd 74 70.3%
2024 94.83 1st 94 98.9%
See the entire list of Best Indiana High Schools for English Language Learner Students!

Rank History for Special Education students at Carmel High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools IN State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 99.07 5th 285 98.2%
2024 99.59 5th 289 98.3%
See the entire list of Best Indiana High Schools for Special Education Students!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Carmel High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools IN State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 91.56 9th 379 97.6%
2024 91.89 11th 377 97.1%
See the entire list of Best Indiana High Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at Carmel High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools IN State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 96.96 6th 388 98.5%
2024 95.66 6th 392 98.5%
See the entire list of Best Indiana High Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Male students at Carmel High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools IN State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 96.76 6th 383 98.4%
2024 95.65 6th 392 98.5%
See the entire list of Best Indiana High Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for Asian students at Carmel High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools IN State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2022 91.04 3rd 44 93.2%
2023 89.66 2nd 49 95.9%
2024 87.28 3rd 47 93.6%
See the entire list of Best Indiana High Schools for Asian Students!

Rank History for African American students at Carmel High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools IN State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2022 99.46 1st 125 99.2%
2023 96.23 4th 125 96.8%
2024 95.50 5th 132 96.2%
See the entire list of Best Indiana High Schools for African American Students!

Rank History for Hispanic students at Carmel High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools IN State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2022 97.83 6th 164 96.3%
2023 93.35 5th 166 97.0%
2024 83.25 25th 184 86.4%
See the entire list of Best Indiana High Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for White students at Carmel High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools IN State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2022 99.19 7th 378 98.1%
2023 95.67 10th 375 97.3%
2024 95.25 7th 381 98.2%
See the entire list of Best Indiana High Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: Indiana Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

As you review the school rankings data, please be aware that some of the information from certain demographics is missing. The reason for this omission is that the data has been redacted from the source data itself due to low population samples in these specific demographic groups.

Redacting data from low population samples is a necessary step to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results, as small sample sizes may not be representative of the broader population. Additionally, this measure helps protect the privacy of individuals belonging to these demographic groups.

Carmel High School Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    
  
Subgroup: 




Data source: Indiana Department of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 4.3)
67%

0%

33%

0%

0%

  

Reviews:
by a parent
Wednesday, October 8, 2014

Open Quote Over half the teachers care and the rest don't care at all. It shouldn't be a surprise they can't engage their students if they don't care. The teachers think if they make it hard for a student to succeed, they are a superior school. The math department is the worst I've ever seen. There is absolutely no support if your student isn't strong in math. I think a teacher should be graded on how many students get Cs,Ds and Fs. I'm am repulsed by the attitude in the math department because they don't care. I'm disappointed the principal doesnt shape up this dept because there are many kids suffering. The lack of instruction affects the SATs and ACTS. It even impacts the college choice and scholarships. I would pass on this school if your kid isn't a self taught math student. Carmel puts your kid at a disadvantage. Close Quote


by a parent
Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Open Quote 39 National Merit semifinalists at this one school for the 2010-2011 school year. Excellent academics and athletics. Close Quote



Enrollment information for Carmel High School

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Compare
Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1988 1974 0 18 4 1 n/a n/a 0 1997
1989 1863 3 12 2 0 n/a n/a 0 1880
1990 1786 6 29 11 0 n/a n/a 0 1832
1991 1793 10 39 16 0 n/a n/a 0 1858
1992 1798 12 56 13 3 n/a n/a 0 1882
1993 1810 12 55 10 2 n/a n/a 0 1889
1994 1806 13 75 10 1 n/a n/a 0 1905
1995 2636 27 94 25 2 n/a n/a 1 2785
1996 2636 27 94 25 2 n/a n/a 1 2785
1997 2821 25 84 15 3 n/a n/a 0 2948
1998 2858 37 112 16 2 n/a n/a 0 3025
1999 2995 43 112 18 3 n/a n/a 0 3171
2000 3126 48 148 20 2 n/a n/a 0 3344
2001 3153 61 174 37 3 n/a n/a 0 3428
2002 3130 78 241 62 1 n/a n/a 0 3512
2003 3130 78 241 62 1 n/a n/a 0 3512
2004 3257 76 272 69 1 n/a n/a 0 3675
2005 3340 73 315 67 0 n/a n/a 0 3795
2006 3439 76 326 74 1 n/a n/a 0 3916
2007 3423 85 327 79 2 n/a n/a 85 4001
2008 3404 110 345 76 1 n/a n/a 114 4050
2009 3451 122 366 89 2 n/a n/a 140 4170
2010 3626 141 387 96 3 n/a n/a 136 4389
2011 3638 152 408 75 6 24 140 0 4443
2012 3699 154 431 77 11 22 161 0 4555
2013 3781 158 455 95 9 23 163 0 4684
2014 3771 175 503 112 8 18 187 0 4774
2015 3782 182 518 126 12 12 198 0 4830
2016 3809 180 567 148 5 11 210 0 4930
2017 3798 191 595 149 6 11 250 0 5000
2018 3768 206 613 164 8 18 283 0 5060
2019 3877 192 681 194 5 19 318 0 5286
2020 3930 199 714 192 5 19 341 0 5400
2021 3873 204 775 196 3 17 346 0 5414
2022 3743 191 816 329 3 15 230 0 5327
2023 3536 221 871 325 6 9 224 0 5192
2024 3454 230 920 383 8 8 197 0 5200

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Carmel High School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 1997 120.8 16.5 0.4
1989 1880 120.1 15.6 0.5
1990 1832 120.8 15.1 0.5
1991 1858 124.2 14.9 0.3
1992 1882 125.4 15.0 1
1993 1889 94.5 20.0 0.8
1994 1905 128.6 14.8 1
1995 2785 165.4 16.8 1.1
1996 2785 165.4 16.8 1.1
1997 2948 178.3 16.5 0.8
1998 3025 185.1 16.3 0.9
1999 3171 197.8 16.0 1.3
2000 3344 211.2 15.8 1.6
2001 3428 208.8 16.4 1.6
2002 3512 204.2 17.2 2.5
2003 3512 204.2 17.2 2.5
2004 3675 207.9 17.7 3.3
2005 3795 212.8 17.8 4.1
2006 3916 216.9 18.1 4.3
2007 4001 n/a n/a 4.5
2008 4050 227.3 17.8 5.4
2009 4170 229.8 18.1 6
2010 4389 218.2 20.1 7.5
2011 4443 238.0 18.6 8.1
2012 4555 234.9 19.3 9.1
2013 4684 250.0 18.7 9.4
2014 4774 255.4 18.6 10.4
2015 4830 252.0 19.1 10.5
2016 4930 263.0 18.7 9.2
2017 5000 278.3 17.9 8.8
2018 5060 277.5 18.2 10.1
2019 5286 284.0 18.6 9.3
2020 5400 286.1 18.8 10
2021 5414 291.7 18.5 10.4
2022 5327 317.0 16.7 10.3
2023 5192 291.5 17.8 13.2
2024 5200 308.5 16.8 13.4

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio Carmel High School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 1997 120.8 16.5 0.4
1989 1880 120.1 15.6 0.5
1990 1832 120.8 15.1 0.5
1991 1858 124.2 14.9 0.3
1992 1882 125.4 15.0 1
1993 1889 94.5 20.0 0.8
1994 1905 128.6 14.8 1
1995 2785 165.4 16.8 1.1
1996 2785 165.4 16.8 1.1
1997 2948 178.3 16.5 0.8
1998 3025 185.1 16.3 0.9
1999 3171 197.8 16.0 1.3
2000 3344 211.2 15.8 1.6
2001 3428 208.8 16.4 1.6
2002 3512 204.2 17.2 2.5
2003 3512 204.2 17.2 2.5
2004 3675 207.9 17.7 3.3
2005 3795 212.8 17.8 4.1
2006 3916 216.9 18.1 4.3
2007 4001 n/a n/a 4.5
2008 4050 227.3 17.8 5.4
2009 4170 229.8 18.1 6
2010 4389 218.2 20.1 7.5
2011 4443 238.0 18.6 8.1
2012 4555 234.9 19.3 9.1
2013 4684 250.0 18.7 9.4
2014 4774 255.4 18.6 10.4
2015 4830 252.0 19.1 10.5
2016 4930 263.0 18.7 9.2
2017 5000 278.3 17.9 8.8
2018 5060 277.5 18.2 10.1
2019 5286 284.0 18.6 9.3
2020 5400 286.1 18.8 10
2021 5414 291.7 18.5 10.4
2022 5327 317.0 16.7 10.3
2023 5192 291.5 17.8 13.2
2024 5200 308.5 16.8 13.4

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.
Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Carmel High School

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YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019 $228 (2.5%) $8,771 (97.5%) $8,999
2020 $240 (2.5%) $9,389 (97.5%) $9,629
2021 $239 (2.4%) $9,854 (97.6%) $10,092
2022 $243 (2.3%) $10,444 (97.7%) $10,687

Data source: Indiana Department of Education
Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Carmel High School

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Rank
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Ranks 3rd of 389 High schoolsRanks 6th of 398 High schools
 0.7%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
End of Course Biology (Carmel High School)72.860.6
 12.2%
   End of Course Biology (Carmel Clay Schools)72.860.6
 12.2%
   End of Course Biology (Indiana)38.629
 9.6%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students52865192
 1.8%
African American192221
 15.1%
American Indian56
 20%
Asian681871
 27.9%
Hispanic194325
 67.5%
Pacific Islander199
 52.6%
White38773536
 8.8%
Two or More Races318224
 29.6%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients9.3%13.2%
 3.9%


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Frequently Asked Questions about Carmel High School

Yes! Carmel High School is one of the best high schools in the state. It ranks 5th of 431 Indiana high schools.

Students at Carmel High School are 66% White, 18% Asian, 7% Hispanic, 4% African American, 4% Two or more races.

In the 2023-24 school year, 5,200 students attended Carmel High School.


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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Indiana Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.





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