Indiana Department of Education changing how schools are graded

Wednesday, November 4, 2026 at 7:00 PM

By Rusty Nixon

Indiana is changing the way schools are graded, with a new system that considers more than just test scores.

The Indiana State Board of Education approved the new system in March 2026. Schools will continue to receive letter grades from A through F, but those grades will now be based on several measures of student success.

According to the Indiana Department of Education, the new system looks at how well students perform in reading, math, and other subjects, along with how much they improve from year to year.

Attendance will also play a role in school grades.

For younger students, the system focuses on basic reading and math skills. For middle school students, it also considers academic progress and preparation for high school.

High schools will be graded on factors including whether students are on track to graduate and how well they are preparing for college or careers. Students can earn credit toward their school's grade through achievements such as completing advanced classes, earning job-related certifications, and participating in work-based learning programs.

Multiple area schools are gearing up for the changes, by discussing what the new guidelines mean at local school board meetings.

The new system takes effect with the 2025-2026 school year, and the first grades under the new model are expected to be released in late 2026.

More information is available on the Indiana Department of Education's website.