Classical, Diverse, College Preparatory
As Indianapolis’ best public high school, Herron High School offers a rigorous, classical, liberal arts, college-preparatory education to an intentionally-diverse population of approximately 860 high school students in the heart of Indianapolis.
Accolades
Since our founding in 2006, Herron High School has accumulated a long list of awards and accolades that have earned it the reputation as Indianapolis’ best public high school. Its recent accolades include:
- Ranked as Indianapolis’ best public high school by US News and World Report.
- Designated as a Gold Medal school by U.S. News and World Report.
- Ranked among the top 1 percent of high schools nationwide by Newsweek, US News and World Report and The Washington Post.
- Received an “A” grade on the Indiana Department of Education accountability report card every year it has been rated.
- Awarded the Indiana Department of Education’s Four Star Award for Academic Excellence, the state’s highest recognition of academic excellence.
View Herron’s awards & accolades
History
The concept for Herron High School originated in 2003 under the leadership of Joanna Beatty Taft, Executive Director of the Harrison Center for the Arts. Recognizing the need for high quality, tuition-free public education located within the city’s urban neighborhoods, Ms. Taft brought together local residents, educators, non-profit organizations and business leaders to create an original structure for a classical, liberal arts education. Now in its 12th year, Herron High School has achieved exceptional academic results and helped to transform the surrounding Herron-Morton neighborhood and near northside of Indianapolis.
Read more about Herron’s history
Alumni
Herron High School students remain part of our community of scholars even after they graduate. We seek to continue to provide resources and opportunities for our alumni to remain engaged in our school community.
Learn how Herron alumni stay connected
About Indianapolis Classical Schools
Established in 2017, Indianapolis Classical Schools is one community with two great high schools – Herron High School and Riverside High School – with one board of directors and a unified vision and mission to set a new standard for high school education in Central Indiana.
Learn more about Indianapolis Classical Schools
The Basics
Founded: 2006-2007 school year
Authorizer: Mayor of Indianapolis’ Office of Education Innovation
School type: Co-educational
Grades: 9-12
Enrollment: 861 (2017-18 school year)
Student Demographics
White: 63%
Black: 20%
Multiracial: 7%
Hispanic: 8%
American Indian: 1%
Asian: 1%
Free-and-Reduced Meal Status
Paid meals: 63%
Reduced-price meals: 12%
Free meals: 25%
