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GreatSchools Rating

Arsenal Technical High School

Public | 9-12 | 2202 students

We are best known for variety of magnet programs
Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
Based on 2 ratings
2012:
Based on 1 rating
2011:
No new ratings
2010:
Based on 1 rating

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20 reviews of this school


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Posted May 4, 2013

( LONG BUT ITS WORTH READING!) Something people should know about the school prior to going here is that the school offeres a variety of programs and opportunities for EVERYONE. HOWEVER! it depends on the INDIVIDUAL if they want to take these opportunities. IF one does not apply themselves then those chances will fade if you dont take the chances. What i like most about Tech is the diversity. For any future Tech students who is reading this please please please take advantages of the programs and apply yourself because you will be rewarded many things such as I honor roll parties, was part of tech legion (highest award you can get), part of National Honors Society(recognizes your academic achievement and helps you be a community helper), part of after school activities(FUN!) and Arsenal tech helped me become a great person who will contribute well to future society. R-E-M-E-M-B-E-R. TECH WILL HELP YOU IF YOU HELP YOURSELF FIRST.
—Submitted by a student


Posted January 17, 2013

Tech High School was the beginning of my teaching career in the 70's. I consider myself lucky to have worked in Indianapolis Public Schools.
—Submitted by a teacher


Posted May 8, 2012

Not a good school - bullying of children constantly! Kids will not be protected here by the administration.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 3, 2010

It's a good school for students who want more than one option or the colllege feeling and the business world things.I wouldn't recromend this school to anyone but I would tell them to go there if they want a certain type of career in mind.
—Submitted by a student


Posted October 27, 2009

There are many activities to go along with programs to develop into a positive society member
—Submitted by a teacher


Posted September 3, 2009

This school is an outstanding school for students who like to interact with their teachers and meet new people everday. I graduated from this highschool and am now attending college.
—Submitted by a student


Posted May 3, 2009

This school is amazing and has several opportunities for students to advance in academics, sports, and the arts.


Posted February 26, 2009

I really enjoy this school plenty of diversity. and everyone always makes friends.
—Submitted by a student


Posted September 2, 2008

it is a really nice school with great courses. the students are very diverse and open about beliefs and cultures. it is a great mixture of backgrounds and the students are great. everyone is easy to get along with and the teachers are very open to helping you succeed.
—Submitted by a student


Posted January 12, 2008

I currently attend this school and I would say that it is fairly decent. We have alot of racism in the school but I think that the link between us all overpowers it by much. I do enjoy the small school and the fact that we now have lockers. But the small schools are very helpful because it shows the seperation of education if your in a higher small school then you want to have a better education. Like Magnet is first of course the one I am in. then follows CTA then New Tech High then International following Creative Expression. Most of the teachers are cool but many have a very stiff side to them. But overall this is a great school to attend because of the campus it really prepares you for your future life in college
—Submitted by a student


Posted November 23, 2007

My son goes to Tech, I graduated from Tech, my Mom graduated from Tech and my Great Uncle was in the first 4 year graduating class. It has the same high quality of teachers and curriculum. Just needs the support of the 'powers that be.'
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 7, 2007

I graduated from Tech HS in 2005 and really enjoyed my time at the school. There are plenty of opportunities for students to excell and get involved in extracurricular activities. One of the best schools in Indianapolis.
—Submitted by Kyle, a former student


Posted January 13, 2007

I currently attend Aresenal Technical, and I am in the Academy of Creative Expressions. I transferred to Arsenal Technical after attending a very small, non-diverse school. Out of four hundred students, one student was African American. Because of Arsenal Technical being an inner-city school, I am exposed to many different cultures I never would be otherwise. Although the academic standards are not what I'm used to (I used to be in all Advanced Placement classes), the life experience itself is worth it.
—Submitted by April Hayes, a student


Posted October 26, 2006

I am current Tech student. Since the small schools have come to Tech I find that teachers think it's easier while students dislike them. I am in the Enterprise International Academy. I do like my academy a lot. At the moment we do not have a Japanese teacher and it is said that we are seeking one. I am in the Foreign Language Magnet. Academics at Tech are definitely something. I find everything challenging and exciting. I believe that the music and art classes are very cramped. There are many people in each class and that makes it difficult to have much needed work space. I don't see many parents in or at Tech. I know many parents like to come to the schools games. I find that the parent support mainly goes to sports and related.
—Submitted by Summer, a student


Posted November 27, 2005

I'm a current student at Arsenal Technical High school. I'm an honor student and play three varsity sports. I'm also in the magnet program and have been since my freshmen year. I haven't been to other high schools but i know that tech high school is the best. The teachers at the school are wonderful and care a lot about you and your education. They want to see you suceed and become somebody.Also the sports may not be the best but the relationships that you build with your teen mates and coaches are phenomenal. Everyone on the team gets along and the coaching staff is the best ever. When i get older i probably will send my kids to this school b/c i know the future for this school performance will only increase.
—Submitted by Bernard Mickle, a student


Posted May 22, 2005

I graduated from Tech in 2005 and i loved my time with the school. I was active with many sports teams, musical groups, and publishing clubs within the school. I recieved an excellent education which carried me on to win national scholarships, national awards, and state awards for my talents. IPS has always led me in the right direction.
—Submitted by Kyle Flood, a former student


Posted April 16, 2005

I was a student at Arsenal Tech I graduated 1983 and have nothing, but good memories at this school. I now have a son who attends Tech he's in one of the magnet programs and he also loves being there. He is active in 3 sports and a challenging class schedule, but he says he would not have it any other way. He is currently a shopmore and has plans of attending Purdue University on a scholarship in the science and medical feild. Go Titans. Mark Thompson Sr.
—Submitted by Mark Thompson, a former student


Posted February 16, 2005

I was a student at Tech and was a part of the Math/Science/Technology Magnet. I thought that the work was extremely challenging and the extracurricular activities were very good. Their musicals are unmatched by any of the other IPS high schools and their JROTC is top of the line.
—Submitted by Heather Walden, a former student


Posted January 23, 2005

I am a student at Arsenal tech. I am in one of their very many magnet programs. I also participate in a variety of sports and music programs at my school. I would recommend any 8th graders that aren't sure about what they would like to study in college or what they want to do beyond high school to go to arsenal tech because it so many different programs offered there and if you ever change your mind you will find another program to fall right back into. And after being in the program at school you may qualify to do a co-op or internship your senior year for part of the school day.
—Submitted by Julie Wonders, a student


Posted January 4, 2005

arsenal technical high school is a great school with great programs I have kids who graduated with honors from aresenal technical high school and my youngest three are still a part of the magnet program. Arsenal Technical High School is one of the best IPS schools in indianapolis.
—Submitted by Thelma Norman, 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.
Algebra I

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

364 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
54%

2011

 
 
44%

2010

 
 
35%
Biology I

The state average for Biology I was 46% in 2012.

265 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
25%

2011

 
 
35%

2010

 
 
23%
English

The state average for English was 78% in 2012.

442 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
60%

2011

 
 
41%

2010

 
 
50%
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 "D".
  • In 2010-2011, this school received a grade of "C".
  • In 2009-2010, this school received a grade of "F".

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
4 / 10
Climate rating
4 / 10

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?

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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

4

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 »

College readiness rating 2011***
This school
City
State
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
This school
Percent of graduates taking ACT: 25%
Average Composite ACT score: 18

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

***This rating is based on the average SAT scores of students that graduated in 2011. ACT scores were used if more students took that test. Data is provided by the Indiana Department of Education.

Climate ratings

This rating encompasses five elements of school climate: safety and cleanliness, respect and relationships, expectations for students, teacher collaboration and support, and parent involvement. The results are based on analysis of the Indianapolis Teacher Climate Survey conducted in 2012 by GreatSchools in partnership with the Indiana Department of Education and the City of Indianapolis.

Overall climate rating

4

Average
Based on 8 teacher
responses

We rated schools on …



Keeping things safe, clean, and orderly.

This rating evaluates a school's environment, based on its safety, order, cleanliness and more. More highly rated schools have well-kept facilities and a safe environment conducive to learning. Schools rated poorly may have a chaotic environment, conflicts among students or even theft or violence.


Creating healthy, respectful relationships.

This rating measures whether the school has a positive learning environment and cultivates an atmosphere of respect. At a school with a higher rating, it's more likely that the school's culture celebrates hard work and learning, students treat their peers and teachers with respect and class lessons reinforce character strengths such as kindness and tolerance. A school with a lower rating may have a weaker learning environment or allow disrespectful behavior.


Promoting high academic expectations for all students.

This rating sheds light on the academic expectations that teachers have for students. At a school with a higher rating, educators are more likely to stress academic success, ask kids to work hard and expect kids to be college-bound. At schools with lower ratings, it may be more acceptable for students to put in average or minimal effort, perform poorly on tests and lack strong academic goals.


Supporting its teachers.

This rating indicates how teachers feel about their school's professional environment. At a highly rated school, teachers are more likely to work well together, learn from one another, have opportunities for professional development and feel supported by the administration. At a school with lower ratings, teachers may not interact much, feel appreciated or have much input in school decisions and policies.


Informing and including families.

This rating reflects how much communication parents can expect from this school. A highly rated school is more likely to have regular communication (e.g. newsletters, emails, and meetings) between administrators, teachers and parents. This may include information about student progress, homework help and volunteer opportunities. At lower-rated schools, parents may not get regular updates and may feel less welcome at school.

Student ethnicity

Ethnicity This school State average
Black 63% 12%
White 18% 73%
Hispanic 14% 8%
Multiracial 4% 4%
American Indian 0% 0%
Asian 0% 2%
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 83%N/A47%
Special education 18%N/A15%
English learners 7%N/A5%
Source: IN Dept. of Education, 2010-2011

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 15N/A17
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Teacher resources

Special staff resources available to students Assistant principal(s)
Art teacher(s)
Math specialist(s)
Security personnel
School social worker/counselors(s)
Special education coordinator
Read more about programs at this school
Source: Manually entered by a school official.

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
  • Special education coordinator

Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math (STEM)

Specific academic themes or areas of focus
  • Technology
Staff resources available to students
  • Math specialist(s)
School facilities
  • Computer lab
  • Industrial shop
Visual arts
  • Architecture

Arts & music

Staff resources available to students
  • Art teacher(s)
School facilities
  • Art room
  • Music room
  • Performance stage
Visual arts
  • Architecture
  • Drawing / sketching
Music
  • Band
  • Choir / Chorus
  • Instrumental music lessons
Media arts
  • Graphics
  • Technical design and production

Language learning

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

Health & athletics

School facilities
  • Access to sports fields
  • Gym
School leaders can update this information here.

School basics

School start time
  • 7:30 a.m.
School end time
  • 2:30 p.m.
School Leader's name
  • Mr Larry Yarrell
Fax number
  • (317) 226-3932

Programs

Instructional and/or curriculum models used

Don't understand these terms?
  • Standards-based
Specific academic themes or areas of focus

Don't understand these terms?
  • Technology
Level of special education programming offered
  • Moderate - the school consistently offers a full program for particular special education needs
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)
  • Assistant principal(s)
  • Math specialist(s)
  • School social worker/counselors(s)
  • Security personnel
  • Special education coordinator
Transportation provided for students by the school / district
  • Buses/vans for students only
School facilities
  • Access to sports fields
  • Art room
  • Auditorium
  • Cafeteria
  • Computer lab
  • Gym
  • Industrial shop
  • Internet access
  • Library
  • Music room
  • Performance stage
School leaders can update this information here.

Sports

Boys sports
  • Basketball
  • Football
Girls sports
  • Basketball

Arts & music

Visual arts
  • Architecture
  • Drawing / sketching
Music
  • Band
  • Choir / Chorus
  • Instrumental music lessons
Performing arts
  • None
Media arts
  • Graphics
  • Technical design and production
School leaders can update this information here.

Apply

 

TIP: Don't forget to ask about documents required for enrollment, such as your child's birth certificate, proof of address, or a record of immunizations.

 
Apply now
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

1500 E Michigan St
Indianapolis, IN 46201
Website: Click here
Phone: (317) 693-5300

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