Indiana Academy and Burris Laboratory School Recognized by U.S. News & World Report as top Indiana High Schools

The Indiana Academy for Science, Mathematics, and Humanities and Burris Laboratory School are once again receiving national recognition. 

U.S. News & World Report recently ranked the Indiana Academy (No. 2) and Burris (No. 7) among the top high schools in Indiana in its “2022 Best U.S. High Schools” listing. Both schools are operated by Ball State University’s Teachers College. 

“These excellent rankings are a testament to the hard work being done by our students, faculty, and staff at both institutions on a daily basis,” said Dr. Anand R. Marri, Teachers College dean. “At Ball State, we value excellence and service. Through the Indiana Academy and Burris, we continue to provide outstanding educational environments, engage our community, serve teachers and students, and advance education throughout Indiana.” 

The annual U.S. News & World Report “Best U.S. High Schools” rankings are determined by students’ outcomes in state assessments, college-level exam scores, and graduation rates. The Indiana Academy ranked as the No. 2 school in the state largely due to its state assessment performance and proficiency—both of which ranked tied for first in the state—and its 98-percent graduation rate. 

Earlier this year, the Indiana Academy—a residential high school for approximately 250 gifted and talented juniors and seniors from across the State of Indiana—was also ranked by Niche as the No. 1 public high school in Indiana. 

“Since its founding in 1988 by the Indiana General Assembly, the Indiana Academy has consistently been an incubator for excellence,” said Dr. Dain Kavars, the Indiana Academy’s executive director. “Our diverse community of students live in our exceptional learning community, where they are challenged by our stimulating curricula that blends tradition with innovation. I’m proud to see that hard work recognized once again by U.S. News & World Report.” 

Burris, which ranked ninth in the state in last year’s U.S. News & World Report “Best U.S. High Schools” listing, was able to improve two spots in this year’s rankings in part because of its students’ increased participation in Advanced Placement (AP) classes—from 70 percent in 2021 to 76 percent this year. Participation and assessment scores in AP classes are the most weighted elements considered for the rankings. 

Founded in 1929 by Teachers College, Burris is now operated by Ball State as a laboratory school for the University. 

“This ranking reflects the ongoing partnership between our educators, staff, and students to create a collaborative environment of respect that challenges everyone to excel,” said Burris principal Dr. Abigail Comber. “Our collaboration with community partners has enabled our educators to model the academic rigor and continuous improvement mindset that is necessary for success.”