One of the oldest and largest schools in Indianapolis, Ben Davis High School was founded in 1892 and named after Vandalia Railroad executive Benjamin Davis, who helped establish a railway stop in the neighborhood in the late 19th century.
Today, Ben Davis High School enrolls about 3,000 students in the 10th through 12th grades.
Ben Davis High School is committed to exceptional scholastic standards and has been honored with a National Award for Excellence in Education by the United States Department of Education.
Unique academic programming at Ben Davis High School includes classes in engineering and technology, military science as part of the Ben Davis Marine Corps JROTC, the performing arts and world languages that include Spanish, French and German.
Students may apply many courses toward college credit, and Ben Davis' business department offers learning opportunities in business administration and information technology.
The school's purple Giants have won 29 Indiana High School Athletic Association state championships in football, cross country, basketball, swimming and track and field.
An outstanding school, Ben Davis High School educates today's scholars and tomorrow's leaders.
Ben Davis High School
Public High School
|
Grade 10-12
1200 N Girls School Rd,
Indianapolis, IN
Metropolitan School District of Wayne Township
School Details
Head of School
Sandra Squire
Student Teacher Ratio
18:1
Average SAT Score
1050
Average ACT Score
24
Math Proficiency
13%
Reading Proficiency
29%
Average GPA
3.42
Graduation Rate
89%
Niche Grade
C+
B+
B+
B+
B
A
A
B-
Source: Niche
Niche Grade Details
Academics
Average GPA
3.42
Reading Proficiency
29%
Math Proficiency
13%
Teachers
Student Teacher Ratio
18:1
Teachers
180
Full Time Teachers
180
Teachers in First or Second Year
8%
College Prep
Average SAT
1050
Math
520
Verbal
530
Average ACT
24
Math
23
English
23
Reading
25
Science
23
Number of AP Courses
7
AP Pass Rate
30.3%
AP Math Enrollment
Average
AP Science Enrollment
Low
Other AP Enrollment
Very Low
Clubs and Activities
Girls Athletic Participation
Very Low
Boys Athletic Participation
Low
GreatSchools Rating
Source: GreatSchools
GreatSchools Rating Details
Teachers and Staff
Students Per Counselor
272:1
Student Diversity
Male
52.4%
Female
47.6%
Black
39.8%
Hispanic
33.2%
White
21.2%
Two or more races
5%
Asian or Pacific Islander
<1%
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
<1%
Native American
<1%
School Rankings
#10
Best HS For Athletes in Indiana
#24
Most Diverse Public HS in Indiana
Specialty School Programs
AP Programs Offered
Free/Reduced Lunch Offered
Athletics Program
Colleges Students are Considering
Students are most interested in or go on to attend these colleges.
Indiana University Indianapolis
1,021 Students
Indiana University - Bloomington
978 Students
Ball State University
766 Students
Purdue University
657 Students
University of Indianapolis
619 Students
Indiana State University
541 Students
Butler University
433 Students
Marian University Indianapolis
338 Students
Ivy Tech Community College - Downtown Indianapolis
185 Students
Purdue University Fort Wayne
183 Students
What Students Want to Study
Niche users from this school are most interested in the following majors.
Nursing
281 Students
Business
226 Students
Psychology
205 Students
Biology
200 Students
Pre-Medicine Studies
139 Students
Accounting
92 Students
Computer Science
90 Students
Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Administration
76 Students
Small Business Management
60 Students
Criminology
57 Students
This School’s Reviews
Niche Reviews
5/17/2025
If there was one thing that I would like my school to improve on, it's to encourage students to look into their future plans more and to help us more with scholarships and items regarding college.
5/14/2025
My overall experience with Ben Davis High School has been great. You always have someone to go to when you need help or someone to talk to. Many sports and extracurricular activities are offered, also many different classes to choose from. Overall, it's a great school and really diverse.
2/15/2025
I love Ben Davis I came from a white school and I didn't feel welcomed or at home and when I came back to Ben Davis I felt exactly that
GreatSchools Reviews
6/7/2025
Never again. Beyond ridiculous amd not safe. Didn't even keep their promise.
10/26/2022
Great teachers. Nice campus. Tons of extra curricular activities. Marching band is incredible
7/12/2021
I graduated from BD. Very diverse school , as it is one of the largest in IN. Great athletic programs. From my experience, it has teachers that truly care about your education and a program that helps students to excel. Does also offer a career center on site as well.
11/5/2017
Our choice to enroll our kids at Ben Davis came after researching the AP/Honors courses available compared to other private high schools in the area. We knew the rich AP course offerings (20+ classes) coupled with the diverse student body were perfect for our family. And the decision has proven frui...
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Map
Attendance Zone
List Price Range
$167K - $387K
Homes For Sale
45
Average Home Value
$248,317
Median Lot Size
12,632 Sq Ft
% Renters
37%
Average Household Income
$77,381
% of College Grads
21%
Median Age
37
Average House Size
1,643 Sq Ft
% Commercial Property
58.9%
Homes for Sale
Homes for Rent
-
$765 - $2,988 per month
- The Boardwalk at Westlake Apartments and Townhomes
- Studio - 3 Beds
- 1-2 Baths
- 441+ Sq Ft
- 6000 W Lake South Dr
- Indianapolis, IN
-
-
$890 - $2,375 per month
- Astoria Park Apartment Homes
- 1 - 2 Beds
- 1.5 Baths
- 670+ Sq Ft
- 3640 Beluga Ln
- Indianapolis, IN
Additional Schools in the Area
Public Schools shown may be Choice Schools
Choice Schools
Choice schools may not serve this home. Please check the school district website to see all schools serving this home.
- 9th
- Public
- 9th to 12th
- Public
- 9th to 12th
- Private
Parks in this Area
Ben Davis Park
- Baseball/Softball
- Playground
- Parking Lot
Miller Park
- Trails
- Playground
Krannert Park
- Basketball
- Fishing
- Trails
Thatcher Park
- Baseball/Softball
- Basketball
- Picnic Area
Leonard Park
Chapel Hill Park
- Basketball
- Grills
- Picnic Area
Additional Neighborhoods in this Area
Haughville
A historic Near Westside neighborhood working towards a brighter future
Ben Davis High School is a public school for students in grades 10-12 in Indianapolis, IN and is served by the Metropolitan School District of Wayne Township in Indiana. The school has a total enrollment of 3,278 and maintains a student-teacher ratio of 18:1. Academic records show that 13% of students achieve proficiency in math, and 29% are proficient in reading. Ben Davis High School has received feedback and ratings, with a Niche grade of B and a GreatSchools Rating of 3 out of 10. The average GPA is 3.42, the graduation rate is 89%, and average standardized test scores include an SAT score of 1050 and an ACT score of 24. The average home value in this area is $248,317. Discover additional schools in the area, like Ben Davis Ninth Grade Center, Speedway Senior High School, Covenant Christian High School, and more. Learn more about what Indianapolis has to offer, and browse homes for sale and for rent near Ben Davis High School.