When it comes to raising a family in Indiana, strong schools often sit at the top of the priority list and the Hoosier State delivers. Indiana achieved an unprecedented milestone in 2024-2025, with 87.3% of third graders demonstrating proficient reading skills on the IREAD assessment. That's nearly a five-percentage-point jump from the previous year and the largest single-year increase since the assessment began in 2013.

Several towns stand out for consistently producing some of the state's highest-performing school districts. Whether you're relocating to Indiana or searching for a community where education takes center stage, these towns deserve a spot on your shortlist.

West Lafayette: Indiana's Top-Ranked District

West Lafayette Community School Corporation claims the #1 spot in Niche's 2025 Best School Districts in Indiana rankings, and that distinction isn't accidental. With Purdue University in its backyard, West Lafayette brings an academic culture that permeates the entire community. The district earns high marks for STEM education and global learning opportunities, with US News recognizing it with badges for Best Schools and STEM programs.

Purdue itself just ranked 10th globally for research excellence in the 2026 Interdisciplinary Science Rankings from Times Higher Education, topping the Big Ten and ranking third among U.S. public universities. That academic energy filters into the local K-12 schools, where students benefit from university partnerships and a community that values education at every level.

What families should know:

• Niche #1 ranked district in Indiana with A+ rating

• Strong STEM focus with Purdue University partnerships

• US News Best Schools and STEM badges

• Walkable college-town atmosphere

• Diverse student body with strong parent engagement

Carmel: Nationally Recognized and Championship-Level

Carmel Clay Schools routinely appears among the top districts not just in Indiana, but nationally. Ranked #2 in the state by Niche, the district serves over 16,000 students across 15 schools. Carmel High School alone boasts 54 National Merit Scholarship Commended Students in the 2026 program.

The town itself has earned recognition as the #1 Best Small City in America according to WalletHub's 2025 rankings, featuring the Arts & Design District, extensive trail systems including the Monon, and over 150 roundabouts keeping traffic moving. Families here get top-tier academics alongside a polished suburban lifestyle.

What families should know:

• Niche #2 in Indiana with A+ rating

• 54 National Merit Scholarship Commended Students (2026 program)

• Median home price around $575,000 (October 2025), up 16.9% year-over-year

• WalletHub's #1 Best Small City in America (2025)

Zionsville: Academic Excellence Meets Village Charm

Zionsville Community Schools ranks #3 in Indiana according to Niche, and the community backs that reputation with deep parent involvement and competitive academics. The district earns an A+ for academics, teachers, and college prep.

Beyond test scores, Zionsville offers families something increasingly rare: a walkable downtown with brick-lined streets, local boutiques, and a tight-knit atmosphere that feels worlds away from suburban sprawl. The district emphasizes both rigor and support, with small class sizes and strong gifted programs.

What families should know:

• Niche #3 in Indiana with A+ rating across academics, teachers, and college prep

• Median home price sits around $721,000 (October 2025), up 9% year-over-year

• Walkable downtown with local shops and restaurants

• Strong parent involvement and community support

Munster: Northwest Indiana's A+ Standout

The School Town of Munster ranks #4 in Indiana, making it the highest-rated district outside the Indianapolis metro area. Located in Lake County near the Illinois border, Munster offers families A+ academics with easier access to Chicago while maintaining that Indiana community feel.

Wilbur Wright Middle School boasts an A rating, making it the best-rated public middle school in Lake County. The district serves around 4,172 students across five schools, with strong parent reviews highlighting the welcoming environment and quality instruction.

What families should know:

• Niche #4 in Indiana with A+ rating

• 5 schools serving 4,172 students

• Median home price around $385,000

• Best-rated public middle school in Lake County

• Easy Chicago commute for families working across the state line

Brownsburg: Value, Community, and Back-to-Back Champions

Brownsburg Community Schools offers families strong academics at a more accessible price point than its northern neighbors. Ranked #5 in Indiana by Niche, the district earns A to A+ grades for college readiness, test scores, and teacher quality, and it's currently the fastest-growing school corporation in the state.

The community made headlines in late 2025 when Brownsburg High School football captured back-to-back Class 6A state championships, finishing the season at 14-0. That championship culture extends beyond athletics: six BHS seniors earned National Merit Semifinalist recognition in 2025.

What families should know:

• Niche #5 in Indiana with A to A+ for academics and college prep

• Back-to-back Class 6A state football champions (2024, 2025)

• Fastest-growing school corporation in Indiana

• Median home price around $350,000 (October 2025), significantly less than Carmel or Zionsville

Fishers: Big District, Big Resources

Hamilton Southeastern Schools serves the Fishers community with one of the largest enrollments in the state with over 21,000 students. Ranked #6 in Indiana by Niche, the district employs more than 2,500 full and part-time staff, making it the largest employer in Fishers. Students have access to 300+ clubs, athletic programs, and performing arts opportunities.

In 2025, 13 HSE schools earned Indiana Purple Star Designations for their support of military-connected students. The district recently opened the Royals Innovation Lab at Launch Fishers, giving students hands-on experience with entrepreneurship and technology.

What families should know:

• Niche #6 in Indiana with A+ rating for academics and college readiness

• 21,000+ students with 300+ extracurricular programs

• 13 schools hold Indiana Purple Star Designations

• Median home price around $444,000 (November 2025)

The town's vibrant Nickel Plate District adds to the appeal, giving families easy access to restaurants, shops, and community events. If you're considering a move to Fishers, join the Fishers newsletter to stay up to date on local happenings.

Westfield: Fast-Growing and Family-Focused

Westfield-Washington Schools ranks #7 in Indiana and among the fastest-growing districts in the state, with K-4 enrollment jumping by 660 students over the past five years. The district is actively building new facilities and adjusting attendance boundaries to accommodate growth while maintaining quality.

Westfield High School holds the GreatSchools College Success Award, recognizing the school's track record of preparing students for higher education. The town also ranks among the top cities nationally for STEM jobs and economic performance.

What families should know:

• Niche #7 in Indiana with A+ rating

• One of Indiana's fastest-growing school districts

• GreatSchools College Success Award recipient

• Median home price around $513,000 (November 2025), up 10% year-over-year

Penn-Harris-Madison: South Bend Area's Best Value

Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation in Mishawaka ranks #11 in Indiana and stands out as one of the best school values in the state. With median home prices around $195,000 to $235,000, families get A-rated academics at a fraction of what they'd pay in Hamilton County.

The district serves over 11,500 students across 15 schools, offering extensive resources for college readiness, extracurricular activities, and athletic programs. Penn High School is one of the largest in Indiana, giving students access to a wide variety of courses and opportunities.

What families should know:

• Niche #11 in Indiana with A rating

• 15 schools serving 11,538 students

• Median home price around $195,000 to $235,000, offering exceptional value

• Strong college readiness resources

• Welcoming environment praised in parent reviews

If you're exploring the South Bend area, our South Bend/Mishawaka travel guide breaks down what makes the region special. You can also join the South Bend newsletter to get weekly updates on local events, businesses, and things to do.

Northwest Allen County Schools: Fort Wayne's Top Choice

Northwest Allen County Schools ranks #20 in Indiana and represents Fort Wayne's highest-rated district. Carroll High School consistently ranks among the top public high schools in the Fort Wayne area, with strong academics, athletics, and fine arts programs.

The district is growing rapidly and adding a third middle school for the 2026-27 school year. With Fort Wayne's median home price around $228,000, families can access quality education at an affordable price point while enjoying the amenities of Indiana's second-largest city.

What families should know:

• Niche #20 in Indiana with A rating

• 12 schools serving 8,383 students

• Carroll High School ranked among Fort Wayne's best

• Fort Wayne median home price around $228,000

• District expanding with new middle school opening 2026-27

Greater Jasper Consolidated Schools in Southern Indiana

Greater Jasper Consolidated Schools in Dubois County ranks #19 in Indiana and boasts the highest parent review rating (4.5 out of 5) among the state's top 25 districts. The district serves around 3,320 students across five schools in Jasper, a charming Southern Indiana town known for its German heritage and strong community ties.

The district continues investing in student success, recently adding classrooms at the high school for elective courses. Jasper itself offers a lower cost of living while maintaining that small-town feel where everyone knows your name.

What families should know:

• Niche #19 in Indiana with A rating

• Highest parent review rating (4.5/5) among top 25 districts

• 5 schools serving 3,320 students

• Strong community focus and German heritage

• Lower cost of living in Southern Indiana

Choosing the Right Fit

Which Indiana towns have the best public schools overall? West Lafayette, Carmel, and Zionsville rank as the top three school districts in the state according to Niche's 2025 rankings. School Town of Munster (#4) is the highest-rated district outside Central Indiana, and Hamilton Southeastern (Fishers) rounds out the top six.

What Indiana town offers the best value for families prioritizing schools? Penn-Harris-Madison in the South Bend/Mishawaka area offers A-rated academics with median home prices around $195,000 to $235,000. Northwest Allen County Schools in Fort Wayne provides similar value with Fort Wayne's median around $228,000. For Central Indiana, Brownsburg delivers A-rated academics at around $350,000.

Which school districts are growing fastest in Indiana? Westfield-Washington Schools and Brownsburg Community Schools both rank among the state's fastest-growing districts. HSE Schools (Fishers) continues expanding with over 21,000 students enrolled, and Northwest Allen County Schools is adding a third middle school for 2026-27.

Are there top-rated schools outside the Indianapolis area? Yes. School Town of Munster (#4) in Northwest Indiana earns an A+ rating. Penn-Harris-Madison (#11) serves the South Bend/Mishawaka area, Greater Jasper (#19) anchors Southern Indiana, and Northwest Allen County Schools (#20) leads the Fort Wayne market.

How did Indiana schools perform on 2025 literacy assessments? Indiana achieved a historic 87.3% reading proficiency rate on the 2024-2025 IREAD assessment, a nearly five-percentage-point increase and the largest single-year gain since testing began in 2013.

Final Thoughts

Where you choose to raise your family shapes everything from daily routines to long-term opportunities. These Indiana towns, from the Chicago suburbs to Southern Indiana's rolling hills, have invested heavily in education, and the results show in test scores, college acceptance rates, and community engagement.

Looking for more guidance on finding the right Indiana community? Check out our Best Indianapolis Suburbs to Buy a Home in 2025 or explore our Top Family-Friendly Towns in Indiana. For Southern Indiana specifically, our Dubois County Travel Guide showcases what makes the Jasper area special.