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GreatSchools Rating

Center for Inquiry

Public | K-8 | 350 students

We are best known for primary and middle years IB program
Last modified
Community Rating

5 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
Based on 2 ratings
2012:
Based on 2 ratings
2011:
No new ratings
2010:
Based on 2 ratings

Teacher quality

Principal leadership

Parent involvement

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The Principal's point of view

Avatar

Andrea Hunley, September 22, 2012

The mission of CFI is to develop a community of respectful, life long learners, who use inquiry, critical thinking, and problem solving skills, to be socially responsible contributors to a changing global society

17 reviews of this school


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Posted May 14, 2013

CFI is a jewel in the IPS crown. The curriculum is challenging and engaging. The 5th grade IB exhibition was amazing. Our daughter and her friends put so much thought and effort into their issues, I was blown away with the things they tackled. The teachers at this school are phenominal. They are responsive if there are questions or concerns and they know the kids really well. I've also been impressed with Mrs. Hunley.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 23, 2013

As a parent who sends his children to CFI, I can state without hesitation that the school has a wonderful sense of community. Communication with parents is outstanding, through online systems, parent-teacher conferences, and speedy replies to emails from our childrens' teachers. Every morning our children are greeted with smiling faces and kind words. We enjoy talking with other parents as we pick up and drop off our children. In regards to class size, I found the sizes to be no larger than some of the private schools we looked at, and in some instances, they were smaller. The principal is new, and may seem formal at first, but throughout the year she has proven to be very warm and caring, sitting with the kids during convocations and reassuring one of my children when he had a hard time saying goodbye to us one day. Our kids look up to her and love her visits to the classroom! I am very happy with our children's experience at CFI.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 2, 2012

I have been extremely lucky to work at CFI for 12 years. Throughout my time, I have been supported by amazing colleagues, administrators, parents, and community partners. The children I serve are passionate about learning and community service. CFI is more than a school, it is a family.
—Submitted by a teacher


Posted September 11, 2012

We have had kids at this amazing IB school for 10 years, and it is nothing short of remarkable--rigorous, nurturing, diverse, arts savvy, project-based, eco-conscious, entirely focused on the whole child and launching them as inquiring citizens of the world. This is what public education should be.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 12, 2010

For five years, I was an at home parent. I've watched my daughter Kayla grow in many ways. I am so very proud of the growth she's already undergoing by attending CFI.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 9, 2010

It's a neighborhood school with an international perspective. CFI focuses on not just the 3 R's, but strives for well-rounded children who come well-rounded adults.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 21, 2009

This is our first year here. I think this school does a great job on student success. They really help each and every student succeed in all aspects of learning.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 21, 2009

The diversity, the teachers, the principle. What is there not to love. My kids love to go to school!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 16, 2009

I attended Center For Inquiry for 8 years and it prepared me for my future. The teachers put a lot of work into their curriculum and collaborate with each other to make lessons that work for everyone. The school is a community where teachers, parents, and students all have a say in what they would like to learn.


Posted September 15, 2009

Center For Inquiry is an award-winning K-8 in Indianapolis. It just received a Blue Ribbon Award from the Dept. of Education for excellence.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 17, 2009

I am currently and 8th grader at The Center for Inquiry. I have been attending since the 1st grade, and I have nothing but wonderful things to say about my experience there. The teachers care about their students and want you to succeed. The diversity is great, and the curriculum is challenging.
—Submitted by a student


Posted May 27, 2008

I grew up in the suburbs of Indianapolis and received an excellent education. I was nervous about sending our child into the IPS school district until I discovered CFI. We are going on three years at the school and I couldn't be happier. The teachers and staff are amazing and any time I've had a concern they have addressed it promptly. What really makes this school though is it's not just the teachers that care but also the parents. There is a very strong community there that is not at all exclusive. Now we just have to figure out high school
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 17, 2007

I love CFI School #2. Ms. Collier and Mr. Turner are the most involved, caring, hard-working school leaders I've known. The parental and teacher involvement is phenomenal as well. Mr. Heiter, Mr. Bollenbacher, Mrs. Beaumont, Mrs. Snow, Ms. Draa...all superb teachers.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 3, 2007

Excellent school with high standards for academics and behavior. Teachers and staff are extremely dedicated and enthusiastic. My 5th grader transferred to CFI from another IPS school and the difference is astounding. My children have attended public, private and parochial schools, so we have some perspective with which to compare schools. CFI is by far the best elementary school we have experienced. We feel lucky to be a part of this community.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 29, 2007

My grand daughter is attending CFI and we are very happy with the school and staff. I sent all of my children to parochial school so I was a little apprehensive. What a great surpirse! Great programs. Nice to see so many parents (and grand parents!) involved.
—Submitted by Rosemary, a parent


Posted October 25, 2005

CFI(Center For Inquiry) is a high quality school that offers many extracurricular activities and has a relatively high level of parent involvement. The school is inquiry-based with a focus on the needs and interests of the students. The school has multi-age classrooms. My 5th grader has been there since Kindergarten and feels very secure. She knows the teachers and many of the students in different grade levels.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 25, 2004

This is an excellent school. It has small classroom size and a great teacher to student ratio. My youngest daughter attends this school and loves everything about it. The parents are encouraged to be involved. We are a tight knit community. It also is great that my child does not have to attend another school for middle school. She can attend the same school for 9 years. Next year we are hoping to have a full year class schedule, which will be wonderful for my family. I highly recommend this school. You have to apply early to get in but it is well worth the time.
—Submitted by Ami Kindley, a parent


Community ratings and reviews do not represent the views of GreatSchools nor does GreatSchools check their accuracy or verify the reviewers' identities. Use your discretion when evaluating these reviews.

About these ratings

The Community Rating is the school’s average rating from its community members (e.g., parents, students, and school staff). The highest possible rating is five stars; the lowest is one star.

The test results by subgroup show how the designated group of students is performing in comparison to the general population.
English/Language Arts

The state average for English/Language Arts was 85% in 2012.

40 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
85%

2011

 
 
93%

2010

 
 
87%
Math

The state average for Math was 79% in 2012.

40 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
80%

2011

 
 
89%

2010

 
 
84%
Scale: % passing

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Indiana used the Indiana Statewide Testing for Educational Progress-Plus (ISTEP+) assessment to test students in grades 3 through 8 in English/language arts and math, grades 4 and 6 in science, and in grades 5 and 7 in social studies. The ISTEP+ is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Indiana. The goal is for all students to score at the passing level on the test.

See Indiana's state standards

Source: Indiana Department of Education

English/Language Arts

The state average for English/Language Arts was 82% in 2012.

43 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
88%

2011

 
 
77%

2010

 
 
77%
Math

The state average for Math was 79% in 2012.

43 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
77%

2011

 
 
64%

2010

 
 
49%
Science

The state average for Science was 78% in 2012.

43 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
86%

2011

 
 
67%

2010

 
 
79%
Scale: % passing

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Indiana used the Indiana Statewide Testing for Educational Progress-Plus (ISTEP+) assessment to test students in grades 3 through 8 in English/language arts and math, grades 4 and 6 in science, and in grades 5 and 7 in social studies. The ISTEP+ is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Indiana. The goal is for all students to score at the passing level on the test.

See Indiana's state standards

Source: Indiana Department of Education

English/Language Arts

The state average for English/Language Arts was 78% in 2012.

37 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
78%

2011

 
 
82%

2010

 
 
79%
Math

The state average for Math was 86% in 2012.

37 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
81%

2011

 
 
92%

2010

 
 
87%
Social Studies

The state average for Social Studies was 67% in 2012.

37 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
70%

2011

 
 
69%

2010

 
 
63%
Scale: % passing

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Indiana used the Indiana Statewide Testing for Educational Progress-Plus (ISTEP+) assessment to test students in grades 3 through 8 in English/language arts and math, grades 4 and 6 in science, and in grades 5 and 7 in social studies. The ISTEP+ is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Indiana. The goal is for all students to score at the passing level on the test.

See Indiana's state standards

Source: Indiana Department of Education

English/Language Arts

The state average for English/Language Arts was 78% in 2012.

33 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
85%

2011

 
 
93%

2010

 
 
87%
Math

The state average for Math was 82% in 2012.

33 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
91%

2011

 
 
93%

2010

 
 
71%
Science

The state average for Science was 64% in 2012.

33 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
61%

2011

 
 
68%

2010

 
 
61%
Scale: % passing

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Indiana used the Indiana Statewide Testing for Educational Progress-Plus (ISTEP+) assessment to test students in grades 3 through 8 in English/language arts and math, grades 4 and 6 in science, and in grades 5 and 7 in social studies. The ISTEP+ is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Indiana. The goal is for all students to score at the passing level on the test.

See Indiana's state standards

Source: Indiana Department of Education

English/Language Arts

The state average for English/Language Arts was 75% in 2012.

25 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
88%

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
86%
Math

The state average for Math was 78% in 2012.

24 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
88%

2011

 
 
96%

2010

 
 
79%
Social Studies

The state average for Social Studies was 71% in 2012.

25 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
80%

2011

 
 
83%

2010

 
 
79%
Scale: % passing

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Indiana used the Indiana Statewide Testing for Educational Progress-Plus (ISTEP+) assessment to test students in grades 3 through 8 in English/language arts and math, grades 4 and 6 in science, and in grades 5 and 7 in social studies. The ISTEP+ is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Indiana. The goal is for all students to score at the passing level on the test.

See Indiana's state standards

Source: Indiana Department of Education

English/Language Arts

The state average for English/Language Arts was 73% in 2012.

24 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
92%

2011

 
 
78%

2010

 
 
93%
Math

The state average for Math was 80% in 2012.

24 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
92%

2011

 
 
95%

2010

 
 
93%
Scale: % passing

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Indiana used the Indiana Statewide Testing for Educational Progress-Plus (ISTEP+) assessment to test students in grades 3 through 8 in English/language arts and math, grades 4 and 6 in science, and in grades 5 and 7 in social studies. The ISTEP+ is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Indiana. The goal is for all students to score at the passing level on the test.

See Indiana's state standards

Source: Indiana Department of Education

Algebra I

The state average for Algebra I was 70% in 2012.

26 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
77%

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
100%
Scale: % passing

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Indiana used the End-of-Course (ECA) assessment to test students in middle and high school in Algebra I, Biology I, and English 10. The ECA is a criterion-referenced assessment developed specifically for students completing their instruction in Algebra I, Biology I, or English 10. The goal is for all students to score at the passing level on the test.

See Indiana's state standards

Source: Indiana Department of Education

  • In 2011-2012, this school received a grade of "B".
  • In 2010-2011, this school received a grade of "A".
  • In 2009-2010, this school received a grade of "B".

About the tests


Indiana uses the A through F School Grading System to assess the overall performance of a school. For the 2011-2012 school year, schools were graded based on performance and participation levels in state standardized tests and student growth using the Indiana Growth Model. In addition, high schools were graded on four-year (on-time) graduation rates and college and career readiness indicators including Advanced Placment exam results and industry certification exam results.

See Indiana's state standards

Source: Indiana Department of Education

GreatSchools Rating

What makes up this rating?

Academic rating
6 / 10
Climate rating
Not available

This school's GreatSchools Rating is based on academics (90%) and climate (10%). The academic rating measures students' test scores, academic growth and college readiness. The climate rating measures safety, cleanliness, parent involvement and more.

Learn more about our methodology

What is the new GreatSchools Rating?

Rating legend
Below
average
Average
Above
average

Our rating (from 1 to 10) reflects a school's overall performance. The higher the rating, the more likely the school will prepare your child for the future, so choose an above-average school (8-10) if possible. For average schools (4-7), do careful research and look for evidence that the school has high-quality programs. For below-average schools (1-3), take caution; a low-performing school may not provide the instruction or environment your child needs to learn, and you may need to supplement classroom lessons at home.

Academic rating

The academic rating is made up of equally-weighted parts: students' test scores, their academic growth (for elementary and middle schools) and their readiness for college (for high schools). The graphs below compare this school's results in each area to other schools in the city and state. Growth and college readiness ratings are coming soon, pending publication of 2012 data.
Overall academic rating

6

Average

Test score rating 2012*
This school
City
State
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Learn more about this school's test scores »

Student growth rating 2012**
This school
City
State
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
This school
Reading growth
Average
Math growth
Average

*Test scores are based on 2012 ISTEP and ECA results from the state of Indiana.

**The academic growth rating measures how schools affect student test score improvement over time in reading and math. Data is from the 2012 school year and is provided by the Indiana Department of Education.

Climate ratings

Climate rating for this school is not yet available.

Student ethnicity

Ethnicity This school State average
White 50% 73%
Black 31% 12%
Hispanic 8% 8%
Multiracial 8% 4%
Asian 3% 2%
American Indian 0% 0%
Native Hawaiin or Pacific Islander N/A 0%
Source: IN Dept. of Education, 2010-2011

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Students participating in free or reduced-price lunch program 48%N/A47%
Special education 17%N/A15%
English learners 5%N/A5%
Source: IN Dept. of Education, 2010-2011

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 14N/A17
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Teacher resources

Special staff resources available to students Art teacher(s)
Gifted specialist(s)
Instructional aide(s)/coach(es)
Librarian/media specialist(s)
Math specialist(s)
Music teacher(s)
PE instructor(s)
Nurse(s)
Reading specialist(s)
School psychologist
School social worker/counselors(s)
Speech and language therapist(s)
Foreign languages spoken by school staff Spanish
Read more about programs at this school
Source: Manually entered by a school official.

Awards

Academic awards received in the past 3 years
  • Magnet School of Excellence (2010)
  • National Blue Ribbon (2009)
  • Magnet School of Distinction (2009)

Special education / special needs

Level of special education programming offered
  • Moderate - the school consistently offers a full program for particular special education needs
Staff resources available to students
  • Speech and language therapist(s)

Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math (STEM)

Staff resources available to students
  • Math specialist(s)
School facilities
  • Outdoor learning lab
  • Science lab
Clubs
  • Gardening
  • Science club

Arts & music

Staff resources available to students
  • Art teacher(s)
  • Music teacher(s)
School facilities
  • Art room
  • Music room
  • Performance stage
Visual arts
  • Drawing / sketching
  • Painting
Music
  • Band
  • Choir / Chorus
Performing and written arts
  • Creative writing
Clubs
  • Art club
  • Arts and crafts
  • Drama club
  • Origami club
  • Sewing/knitting club

Language learning

Foreign languages taught
  • Chinese (Mandarin)
  • Spanish
Level of ESL/ELL programming offered
  • Moderate - the school consistently offers a full program for particular ESL/ELL needs
Languages supported by ESL/ELL programs
  • Spanish
Staff resources available to students
  • Speech and language therapist(s)
Foreign languages spoken by staff
  • Spanish

Health & athletics

Staff resources available to students
  • Instructional aide(s)/coach(es)
  • Nurse(s)
  • PE instructor(s)
  • School psychologist
School facilities
  • Gym
Clubs
  • Gardening
  • Martial arts (judo, tae kwon do, karate, etc)

Gifted & talented

Instructional and/or curriculum models used
  • International Baccalaureate (IB)
Staff resources available to students
  • Gifted specialist(s)
School leaders can update this information here.

School basics

School start time
  • 9:10 am
School end time
  • 3:50 p.m.
School Leader's name
  • Andrea Hunley
Best ways for parents to contact the school
  • Phone
Gender
  • Coed
Is there an application process?
  • Yes
Fax number
  • (317) 226-3740

Programs

Instructional and/or curriculum models used

Don't understand these terms?
  • International Baccalaureate (IB)
  • Multi-aged
Specific academic themes or areas of focus

Don't understand these terms?
  • Global
Bi-lingual or language immersion programs offered

Don't understand these terms?
  • No
Level of special education programming offered
  • Moderate - the school consistently offers a full program for particular special education needs
Foreign languages taught
  • Chinese (Mandarin)
  • Spanish
Level of ESL/ELL programming offered
  • Moderate - the school consistently offers a full program for particular ESL/ELL needs
Languages supported by ESL/ELL programs
  • Spanish

Resources

Staff resources available to students
  • Art teacher(s)
  • Gifted specialist(s)
  • Instructional aide(s)/coach(es)
  • Librarian/media specialist(s)
  • Math specialist(s)
  • Music teacher(s)
  • Nurse(s)
  • PE instructor(s)
  • Reading specialist(s)
  • School psychologist
  • School social worker/counselors(s)
  • Speech and language therapist(s)
Foreign languages spoken by staff
  • Spanish
Extra learning resources offered
  • Mentoring
  • Remediation
  • Tutoring
Transportation provided for students by the school / district
  • Buses/vans for students only
School facilities
  • Art room
  • Cafeteria
  • Gym
  • Internet access
  • Library
  • Music room
  • Outdoor learning lab
  • Performance stage
  • Playground
  • Science lab
Partnerships with local resources and organizations
School leaders can update this information here.

Sports

Boys sports
  • Basketball
  • Soccer
Girls sports
  • Basketball
  • Cheerleading
  • Soccer

Arts & music

Visual arts
  • Drawing / sketching
  • Painting
Music
  • Band
  • Choir / Chorus
Performing arts
  • Creative writing

Student clubs

Clubs (distinct from courses)
  • Art club
  • Arts and crafts
  • Book/reading club
  • Chess club
  • Community service
  • Drama club
  • Game club
  • Gardening
  • Martial arts (judo, tae kwon do, karate, etc)
  • Origami club
  • Science club
  • Sewing/knitting club
  • Student council/government
School leaders can update this information here.

School culture

Dress Code
  • Dress code
Bullying policy
  • This school has a bullying and/or cyber bullying policy in place.
Parent involvement
  • Attend parent nights
  • Chaperone school trips
  • Coach sports teams or extracurricular activities
  • Join PTO/PTA
  • Organize cultural events
  • Organize fundraising events (school auction, bake sales, etc.)
  • Present special topics during curricular units
  • Serve on school improvement team or governance council
  • Volunteer in the classroom
  • Volunteer time after school
School colors
  • Black and Gold
School mascot
  • Panther
More from this school
  • We offer tours of the school every other Friday morning. Please contact us to participate in a tour.
School leaders can update this information here.
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

725 N New Jersey St
Indianapolis, IN 46202
Website: Click here
Phone: (317) 226-4202

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