North Central High School

1801 East 86th Street

School District

M S D Washington Township
Grade

9-12
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:21
Type

public

School Map for M S D Washington Township

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by parent on January 25, 2025

My son has done so well at this school. We moved from southern Illinois to Indianapolis and my son went from getting C, D’s and F’s at his previous school in Illinois to A’s and B’s at North Central. He really likes going to school now and made a handful of friends his first week.
Submitted by parent on December 30, 2019

Fantastic. This school has been academically challenging while maintaining a broad range of performing arts and athletic state and national champion groups/teams
Submitted by student on November 06, 2018

Fantastic school. I learned so much there and didn’t mind doing homework. I’d usually get it done before the school day was over.
Submitted by parent on April 23, 2018

Along with other low rated school the worse
Submitted by student on March 02, 2018

My experience with the school has been ok so far.
Submitted by parent on October 30, 2016

NC is an okay school. Is there things I pray will improve? Absolutely, but im sure I could make a list with any school. Overall, i can't complain. From my experience it seems like what you put in is what you get out. If I was a parent that never reached out to communicate with my son's teachers and admin, they wouldnt kno us, we wouldnt know them. However I am a parent who is constantly on skyward, constantly emailing teachers etc. so my experience has been positive. Teachers even thank me for checking in, at the end of the day: you can't withdraw what you don't deposit...
Submitted by other on August 06, 2015

Great school with good people. Yes, at North Central some of the people aren't the kind a people you want your kid hanging out with, but if your kid hangs out with the right crowd he/she will love their experience at NCHS. The teachers are very passionate about what they teach. In a big school you would think there won't be as much attention paid to your individual child, but if your child likes what is being taught and/or is just a good kid then the teacher will recognize that.
Submitted by other on July 15, 2015

NCHS should have more options for children with IEP's. Because of the large number of students in the school, they do little for those needing extra help. If your child does not fit in and behave and act like the rest of the class, this is not the school for you. Teachers would rather get the child out of class then do what the law requires per Article 7 and follow the agreed upon plan per the child's IEP (individual education plan). They have the backing of administration as well. They all work together to be sure to expelled the child as often as possible to be sure they don't have to bother with them. They will expell a a special ed child with no homebound services UNLESS you know your rights and push for it. They WILL NOT tell you this information. Once NCHS learns that all children with or without challenges deserve the same education as their peers it will be a fair facility. Until then be sure to know your rights in Article 7 and know you will have to fight to have them enforced. Unfortunately not all parents know their rights and their children suffer.#nottheschoolforspecialkids
Submitted by other on June 08, 2015

North Central High School provides the ultimate learning experience, both in and out of the classroom. The sheer size of the school, the diversity of the student body and the interactive nature in which the teachers interact with the students is something that many other schools can only dream of. I graduated from North Central in 2009 and I would not trade my experience at North Central for anything. Learning to interact with kids from all different socioeconomic backgrounds, different religions, different races and different countries is what really shaped me and helped me going forward. If you can get into the IB program, that is fantastic, but the honors classes are just as rigorous. NC is also home to amazing athletics teams, dance groups, showchoirs and student clubs, allowing a nurturing environment for kids to explore their talents, whatever they may be. As it is with most things, you get as much out of it as you are willing to put in. So for those willing to go all in, North Central provides the best opportunity to learn about in a real world environment where the sky really is the limit!
Submitted by parent on June 02, 2015

Please take the time to actually visit schools as you make your school choices. Schools such as North Central, which have a wide diversity of students from many backgrounds, may have lower scores on standardized tests than other schools, but if you compare the top students at North Central with students at other schools, you'll see that North Central is a FANTASTIC school that truly challenges and prepares its students for rigorous futures. The performing arts -- band, orchestra, choir -- are top notch, consistently placing in the top of the state competitions year after year. TAKE TIME TO GO HEAR THEM -- you'll immediately notice how fantastic they are. The discipline the students learn in these arts programs rubs off into all areas of their lives. My oldest son is now thriving as a sophomore in engineering, and has landed a highly sought after paid internship as a coop student. His NC education definitely prepared him for this.
Submitted by parent on February 10, 2015

NCHS is a welcoming and rigorous school with a strong focus on the academic and character development of its students. It s a large school with an ethnically and economically diverse student body, which accounts for its wider spread on standardized test scores and state rankings. This in no way reflects the school as being sub-par. The well-rounded diversity of students and faculty at NC is one of it core strengths. While it has areas that could be improved, NC offers a broad range of opportunities to meet most any students needs and interests. For parents concerned about the quality education their student will receive here, rest assured, NC will challenge any student who wants to excel, and provide the faculty, facilities, and resources to enable them to succeed. NC has leading visual and performing arts programs - an overwhelming number of these students are college bound. Community volunteerism is high. It is topped ranked in the state for college readiness and competes very well with its peer public and private schools. The administration and community provide the resources its students need to succeed, and are very encouraging with students and communicative with parents.
Submitted by teacher on January 05, 2015

North Central is a great high school school in a very supportive community. The North Central staff embraces the very diverse learners that they serve. They provide excellent educational programming for all students; however, with more state funding, they could provide even more opportunities for students beyond the traditional school day.
Submitted by other on January 05, 2015

North Central HS is part of Washington Township Schools located in Indianapolis, IN. Washington Township has been a standard bearer for excellence in education throughout the state of Indiana for decades. Students are challenged academically, nurtured socially, and supported by dedicated and committed staff. Parents of the Washington Township community along with community leaders have provided over $4million to support innovation in the classroom through the Washington Township Schools Foundation. Washington Township is dedicated to the education of the whole child. All students in grades K-10 are provided a second language learning experience. Opportunities for students to experience leadership and community service are embedded in the culture of this diverse and exceptional district.
Submitted by teacher on January 02, 2015

Outstanding staff with supportive parents that creates a wonderful learning environment for students! Washington Township Schools are one of few public school districts in the nation offering International Baccalaureate (IB) to all students in all schools!
Submitted by principal on January 02, 2015

North Central High School, located in the Metropolitan School District of Washington Township (MSDWT), is situated in the northern section of Indianapolis, Indiana and Marion County. It is a dynamic community with broad diversity in cultures, religions, ethnic groups, races and socioeconomic levels. MSDWT has been an educational leader in Indiana for the last forty years. We hope that beyond this website, you will visit the Washington Township website at http://www.msdwt.k12.in.us/ where you can also access the North Central HS website, and every website of each of our seven elementary schools, and three middle schools. Beyond our websites, we hope that you will plan a visit to any one of our schools, and see firsthand why Washington Township schools are superior schools, in a supportive community. North Central High School offers a comprehensive educational curriculum with special activities and programs geared to provide enrichment, exploration, and instructional support for students. North Central is also proud to provide excellent opportunities for students to participate in outstanding performing arts, fine arts, academic teams, publications, athletics, and other student activities. Very valuable to the administration, is the role that parents have always played in the operations of our school through a very supportive Parent Teacher Organizations (PTO). North Central High School has the finest high school curriculum in the State of Indiana. It annually produces the highest number of students taking Advanced Placement exams and scoring high enough to earn college credits. North Central High School was the first high school in Indiana to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma program. The high school also offers programs that allow students to earn the North Central Academic Honor Diploma and the Indiana Academic Honors Diploma. North Central High School also has the distinction of being Indiana s number two high school in the number of Indiana athletic championships. The MSDWT provides quality education in award winning schools built on a foundation of outstanding educators, administrators, school board members, and supportive parents. Our vision is Superior Schools in a Supportive Community. Come and experience excellence in education, today in our school district.
Submitted by parent on February 07, 2014

My daughter is a Senior at NC. I have to say Mom and I are very happy with her experience all years. The thing I wanted to comment on was the anti bullying and safety policies- they have been excellent. Have to say, stuff happens and NC has jumped on it fast to squash it. Teachers are out in the halls or stand next to their classroom doors when classes change. Teachers have come from other classrooms when necessary - programs in place for quick response. There are armed police in school and there is an Indianapolis police roll-call building on campus grounds. There is a Middle School, a Special Ed school and a J Everet Light student career training center on campus. There exists great "unit integrity" within the student body. Especially impressive with the local and international social-economic diversity within the student body. As young brains develop and exposure to new things come quickly; choices are made. I want to thank Washington Township for adhering to the core principles introduced in Kindergarten and maintained all 13 years that gave a strong support network to kids making choices.
Submitted by student on October 18, 2013

North Central is a very big, diverse, challenging, and fun high school. However, it might not be perfect for everybody. I really like all of the opportunities North Central has to offer. There are more than 100 fun, random, crazy, community service, and academic clubs. (Flash mob, national honors societies, rock climbing, outreach, key club, the lemonade club, etc.) There are a lot of languages that one can learn, and the AP courses are rewarding. In the performing arts department, there are 3 orchestras (go symphony orchestra!) more than 4 choirs, and a few bands (?) Summer school is also a blast! You get credits, learn the way around, and meet new people! (4 credits before I even started freshman year. thank you panther prep!) North Central is not perfect though. Yes there are some very rude, mean, snotty, lazy, and/ or wild people, but those types of people are EVERYWHERE! I am in all honors, meaning I am with the kids who actually care about their education and future. To really have the best experience here, get involved, be social, know people, be in honors, and do your best. North Central might not be for everybody, but I think It is worth looking into. Thank you! :)
Submitted by parent on August 26, 2013

My sons are both graduates of NCHS. One is a UMich graduate who entered there with enough credits to finish in 3 years because of AP and IB credits. He has a Georgetown law degree and works for Boeing. My other son is a 2012 Georgetown University graduate. He teaches AP World History at Wilson High School in the Washington D.C. schools. He also is doing graduate work. NCHS is a great school. Parents need to be involved. For students, there is everything to learn and experience. It is the last chance for free education! NCHS prepares students for college and for life in the big world out there!
Submitted by student on July 23, 2013

this is the worst school in Indianapolis. I went here my freshman year and absolutely hated it!!!!! I am now homeschooled. This school is way to much to handle!!!
Submitted by parent on June 24, 2013

There are many opportunities provided for all students, however, due to it's size, it can be easy to get loss in the shuffle. learn as much as you can abuot the offerings and programs the school has to offer to help your child navigate such a big system.