Lake County Schools & Education
Lake County, Indiana
School Score
24/100
Higher = better
Rating
Below Average
Graduation Rate
89.3%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
89.3%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 92.6%
Per-Pupil Spending
$5,266
National avg $13,239
State avg $5,507
School Score
24/100
Higher = better
State avg 39/100
State School Rank
#81
of 92 counties (1 = best)
Explore Lake County across the ByCounty Network
Education Overview
About Schools in Lake County, Indiana
Indiana's Diverse Education Powerhouse
Lake County features a massive educational network of 120 public schools serving 75,089 students. With 30 different districts and a mix of 70 elementary, 20 middle, and 23 high schools, the scale of options is unparalleled in the region. This infrastructure serves a wide variety of urban and suburban communities.
Navigating Challenges in a Large System
The graduation rate stands at 89.3%, which exceeds the national average of 87.0% but falls slightly behind the Indiana average. Per-pupil expenditure is $5,266, supporting a school score of 49.4. These figures reflect the complex task of managing the state's most diverse and densely populated school landscape.
A Hub for District and Charter Choices
School City of Hammond is the largest district with 11,505 students, followed closely by Crown Point's 9,064. Lake County is also a leader in school choice, hosting 13 charter schools that represent nearly 11% of the county's total institutions. This variety allows families to choose between traditional district schools and alternative public models.
From Urban Centers to Suburban Sprawl
The county is overwhelmingly suburban, with 91 schools in suburb settings and 19 in city environments. While the average school size is 642, the county is home to massive campuses like Lake Central High School, which enrolls over 3,000 students. This mix offers everything from large-scale 'mega-schools' to smaller urban academies.
A Wealth of Options for Every Family
Lake County's 30 districts mean that home buyers have a vast array of educational environments to choose from. Whether you want the resources of a large suburban district like Lake Central or the unique focus of a charter school, you will find it here. Start your search in Northwest Indiana to find the perfect school-home match.
School Overview
Total Schools
120
in Lake County
Total Enrollment
75,089
students
School Districts
30
districts
Charter Schools
13
11% of total
School Type Breakdown
30 School Districts in Lake County
School City of Hammond
Lake Central School Corporation
Crown Point Community School Corp
Merrillville Community School Corp
School Town of Munster
Gary Community School Corp
School City of Hobart
School City of East Chicago
Tri-Creek School Corporation
School Town of Highland
120 Public Schools in Lake County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Central High School | Lake Central School Corporation | 9–12 | High | 3,069 |
| Crown Point High School | Crown Point Community School Corp | 9–12 | High | 2,948 |
| Merrillville High School | Merrillville Community School Corp | 9–12 | High | 2,042 |
| Hammond Central High School | School City of Hammond | 9–12 | High | 1,863 |
| Morton Senior High School | School City of Hammond | 9–12 | High | 1,609 |
| Munster High School | School Town of Munster | 9–12 | High | 1,564 |
| 21st Century Charter Sch of Gary | 21st Century Charter Sch of Gary | KG–12 | Charter | 1,337 |
| Hobart High School | School City of Hobart | 9–12 | High | 1,306 |
| Gary Lighthouse Charter School | Gary Lighthouse Charter School | KG–12 | Charter | 1,127 |
| Robert Taft Middle School | Crown Point Community School Corp | 6–8 | Middle | 1,091 |
| East Chicago Central High School | School City of East Chicago | 9–12 | High | 1,079 |
| Hal E Clark Middle School | Lake Central School Corporation | 5–8 | Middle | 1,069 |
| Griffth Jr/Sr High School | Griffith Public Schools | 6–12 | High | 1,059 |
| Colonel John Wheeler Middle School | Crown Point Community School Corp | 6–8 | Middle | 1,046 |
| Lowell Senior High School | Tri-Creek School Corporation | 9–12 | High | 1,033 |
| West Side Leadership Academy | Gary Community School Corp | 9–12 | High | 1,013 |
| Highland High School | School Town of Highland | 9–12 | High | 987 |
| Kahler Middle School | Lake Central School Corporation | 5–8 | Middle | 922 |
| Pierce Middle School | Merrillville Community School Corp | 7–8 | Middle | 919 |
| Hobart Middle School | School City of Hobart | 6–8 | Middle | 917 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$5,266
State avg $5,507
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Lake County, Indiana — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Lake County, Indiana?
Lake County features a massive educational network of 120 public schools serving 75,089 students. With 30 different districts and a mix of 70 elementary, 20 middle, and 23 high schools, the scale of options is unparalleled in the region. This infrastructure serves a wide variety of urban and suburban communities.
How do schools in Lake County perform academically?
The graduation rate stands at 89.3%, which exceeds the national average of 87.0% but falls slightly behind the Indiana average. Per-pupil expenditure is $5,266, supporting a school score of 49.4. These figures reflect the complex task of managing the state's most diverse and densely populated school landscape.
What are the major school districts in Lake County, Indiana?
School City of Hammond is the largest district with 11,505 students, followed closely by Crown Point's 9,064. Lake County is also a leader in school choice, hosting 13 charter schools that represent nearly 11% of the county's total institutions. This variety allows families to choose between traditional district schools and alternative public models.
What is the school experience like in Lake County?
The county is overwhelmingly suburban, with 91 schools in suburb settings and 19 in city environments. While the average school size is 642, the county is home to massive campuses like Lake Central High School, which enrolls over 3,000 students. This mix offers everything from large-scale 'mega-schools' to smaller urban academies.
How can I find homes near good schools in Lake County, Indiana?
Lake County's 30 districts mean that home buyers have a vast array of educational environments to choose from. Whether you want the resources of a large suburban district like Lake Central or the unique focus of a charter school, you will find it here. Start your search in Northwest Indiana to find the perfect school-home match.
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Data Sources
Education data sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. School scores are derived composite metrics.
Data is informational only. Coverage varies by county and reporting year. Not for use as the sole basis for educational decisions.