Ben Davis University High School

Ben Davis University High School

Public High School | Grade 10-12
1155 S High School Rd,  Indianapolis, IN
Metropolitan School District of Wayne Township
4.1
3.7
387 Students
A
Niche Grade
Ben Davis University High School enrolls nearly 400 students in grades 10-12 as part of the Metropolitan School District of Wayne Township, providing students with a high-quality public school education on the west side of Indianapolis. Built around 40 core courses, Ben Davis' curriculum allows students to earn college credits toward an associate degree at Vincennes University. The school's administration prides itself on promoting a "personalized" learning environment where smaller class sizes, inclusion and supportive student-teacher relationships are emphasized. Offering four major fields of study, Ben Davis University High School students can graduate with associate degrees in liberal arts, business management, information technology and health careers. Promoting technology use and 21st-century scholarship, Ben Davis also connects students with valuable work internships in the 11th and 12th grades. With over 30 extracurricular clubs and activities to choose from, students at Ben Davis University High School can channel their personal interests by joining the Euchre, Origami, Pickleball, the Bob Ross painting clubs and many others. Winner of 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022 College Success Awards in Indiana, Ben Davis University High School has been consistently recognized for its outstanding commitment to preparing students for higher education.

School Details

Head of School
Ms Rebecca Daugherty
Student Teacher Ratio
21:1
Average SAT Score
1020
Average ACT Score
20
Math Proficiency
27%
Reading Proficiency
57%
Average GPA
3.47
Graduation Rate
95%
Annual Tuition
$0

Niche Grade

B+
Academics
A
Teachers
A
College Prep
A
Administration
B
Resources/Facilities
B+
Clubs and Activities
B-
Food
Source: Niche
Niche Grades

Niche grades and rankings are calculated using dozens of public data sets and millions of reviews. Niche data scientists and user researchers rigorously analyze data and user opinions to assess the key aspects of K-12 Schools, Colleges, and Places to Live. Every month, millions of students and families use the Niche grades and report cards to find the right school or neighborhood.

Niche Grade Details

Academics
Average GPA
3.47
Reading Proficiency
57%
Math Proficiency
27%
Teachers
Student Teacher Ratio
21:1
Teachers
18
Full Time Teachers
18
Teachers in First or Second Year
9.1%
College Prep
Average SAT
1020
Math
500
Verbal
520
Average ACT
20
Math
19
English
20
Reading
22
Science
20
Clubs and Activities
Girls Athletic Participation
Very Low
Boys Athletic Participation
Very Low

GreatSchools Rating

Source: GreatSchools
GreatSchools Rating
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

GreatSchools Rating Details

Teachers and Staff

Students Per Counselor
206:1

Student Diversity

Female
57.8%
Male
42.2%
Hispanic
38%
Black
34.1%
White
24.6%
Two or more races
2%
Asian or Pacific Islander
1.4%

School Rankings

#8 Best College Prep Public HS in Indiana
#11 Best Public HS Teachers in Indiana
Source: Niche

Specialty School Programs

Free/Reduced Lunch Offered

Colleges Students are Considering

Students are most interested in or go on to attend these colleges.
Indiana University Indianapolis 393 Students
Indiana University - Bloomington 368 Students
Ball State University 268 Students
University of Indianapolis 268 Students
Purdue University 229 Students
Butler University 196 Students
Indiana State University 191 Students
Marian University Indianapolis 129 Students
Purdue University Fort Wayne 67 Students
University of Notre Dame 60 Students

What Students Want to Study

Niche users from this school are most interested in the following majors.
Business 99 Students
Nursing 81 Students
Biology 76 Students
Psychology 65 Students
Pre-Medicine Studies 60 Students
Accounting 52 Students
Computer Science 42 Students
Information Technology 39 Students
Health Professions 37 Students
Social Work and Youth Services 25 Students

This School’s Reviews

Niche Reviews
4.1 220 Reviews
3.0 Senior
2/12/2025
it's good at what it's trying to do. which is getting kids ready for college. but in my opinion, it's been too easy, I've gone by these past 3 years living on Easy Street being able to sleep in class and not get in trouble for it and have not been held accountable. they say that this school is meant to help you get ready for college but that only happens in the last year of schooling here. it's stressful and scary, I don't think I'm ready for college but ill do my best.
3.0 Senior
6/6/2024
The best part about my experience at Ben Davis Univeristy High School would be the school's enthusiasm in preparing us for college no matter the grade we are in. The worst parts, however, would be the lack of communication between staff especially when it came to days we had different schedules due to tests or field trips, and the resources and support provided for students when it comes to help with assignments or some kind of counseling.
4.0 Senior
4/4/2024
Overall BDU is a good school with great teachers and courses. There is a major focus on college readiness, including adjunct professors and the opportunity to graduate with an associates degree.
GreatSchools Reviews
3.7 3 Reviews
5.0 student
11/17/2018
The best , they don’t do drama there , and they act like adults ; responsible and kind. One of the best school in IN. And a lot more incredible stuff are there.
5.0 student
7/31/2014
While the earlier reviews may have been true, it's definitely improved. I am a senior here this year, and coming to this school has been the best decision I've ever made. My friends that graduated before I will say they DO prepare you for college. This school is also like a family. You can go to any...
1.0 student
6/11/2010
I would say that you should send your child to a prepratory school instead of this school because at this school they dont prepare you first they just push you into it.

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Ben Davis University 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. Annual tuition is $0. The school has a total enrollment of 387 and maintains a student-teacher ratio of 21:1. Academic records show that 27% of students achieve proficiency in math, and 57% are proficient in reading. Ben Davis University High School has received feedback and ratings, with a Niche grade of A and a GreatSchools Rating of 7 out of 10. The average GPA is 3.47, the graduation rate is 95%, and average standardized test scores include an SAT score of 1020 and an ACT score of 20. The average home value in this area is $247,948. Discover additional schools in the area, like Ben Davis High School, Ben Davis Ninth Grade Center, Impact Academy 3, and more. Learn more about what Indianapolis has to offer, and browse homes for sale and for rent near Ben Davis University High School.

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