North Central High School is a four-year comprehensive high school (in Washington Township), with an enrollment of 3,615 students representing 50 different nationalities, speaking 46 different native languages. Our North Central faculty of 211, provides students with course content that challenges them to achieve their potential. For more than 66 years, North Central has set the standard for excellence, encompassing 190 acres of land on the northern edge of Indianapolis. Our students are provided with state-of-the-art technology by distributing 1:1 Chromebooks, science laboratories, world language labs, and a multimedia information center. Additionally, students have access to an art gallery, performing and visual arts classrooms, and a 1255-seat auditorium.
North Central also has a lighted athletic complex with three soccer fields, a baseball and softball complex, lacrosse and rugby fields, a complete internal five-kilometer cross-country course, a football stadium, and thirty tennis courts. Inside facilities include two gyms, two wrestling rooms, a natatorium, and workout rooms. Adjacent to North Central is the J. Everett Light Career Center which offers courses in career preparation, several of them for dual credit with local universities. Currently, North Central is under construction as we continue to improve our learning environments for students. The video below details the renovations that are underway.
General Info:
Address: 1801 E 86th Street, Indianapolis
Phone: (317) 259-5301
Q&A with North Central High School:
What makes North Central High School unique?
North Central’s robust course offerings include but are not limited to Advanced Placement (AP) courses and dual credit courses in which students can earn college credits through Indiana University’s Advanced College Project (ACP). Students can also earn an International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma when taking North Central’s most rigorous classes. During the sophomore year, all students are expected to participate in North Central’s Panther Exploration Personal Project. This student-directed, topical investigation involves a cycle of inquiry, action, and reflection allowing our students to demonstrate academic mastery of interdisciplinary skills gained.
Sharing a campus with the J. Everett Light Career Center provides easy access for North Central students who want to take advantage of career technical education courses and modern apprenticeship programs preparing them for college and immediate career readiness. Learn more about JEL here: https://www.jelcc.com/
When students are involved – they succeed at exemplary levels at North Central as evidenced by the Class of 2023 earning scholarships totaling $35 million. This is why we are intentional about offering diverse opportunities beyond the classroom whether it is a plethora of academic clubs, student advocacy groups, recreation, state championship level athletics or state award-winning performing arts programs.
Our award-winning faculty operates with the fundamental belief that every Panther in every classroom can and will elevate their learning to the highest potential if:
- a strong teacher and student learning partnership is cultivated;
- the student participates in a socially, physically, and intellectually safe learning community where their identities and voices are affirmed, valued, and represented;
- there are high expectations for culturally responsive, student-centered instruction; and
- educators model a growth mindset and commit to purposeful collaboration and professional learning.
As a result of this belief and insistence on academic excellence, students currently take more AP, dual credit, and International Baccalaureate courses than at any time in the school’s history.
What is North Central’s age/grade range?
At North Central High School, we proudly serve students in grades 9-12.
What is North Centrals enrollment policy? Are there any key dates parents should be aware of?
As a traditional public school, Washington Township has an open enrollment policy and provides a tuition-free, high-quality education for all students. We welcome students at any time; however, we encourage families to take advantage of natural transition times for the ease of the student. Registration information can be found on our district website.
Do you offer financial assistance?
As a traditional public school, Washington Township provides a wonderful array of educational offerings for all students free of charge. Assistance with meals is available through a simple application process.
What are the standard school day hours?
Hours of academic operation for North Central High School are Monday-Friday, 8:30 am-3:30 pm. For families with students in different academic levels, our middle school hours are 9:20 am-4:20 pm and our elementary school hours are 7:50 am-2:35 pm.
Is there a uniform or dress code?
Uniforms are not required at North Central; however, students are expected to dress appropriately to not distract from the learning environment.
How many children attend North Central High School? How many students are in the average classroom?
North Central High School is home to a diverse student body of approximately 3,615 students. Class size varies depending on the course, but most courses host 23 to 28 students per section.
Does North Central have a homework policy?
Homework at North Central High School focuses solely on previously taught content or skills for additional practice unless a teacher is intentionally implementing a flipped classroom approach to instruction. Students should receive feedback regarding their progress. Non-assessment (Independent Practice) points may include but are not limited to homework, classwork, or practice. All of these combined should make up 20 percent of the overall grade.
Does North Central offer support for students with special needs?
Any student at North Central who is identified as an exceptional learner will be supported in a variety of ways to ensure that they are successful. The supports in place for these students are determined via legally outlined procedures and reviewed periodically to maintain the best support for student success.
What specialty classes / extracurricular activities does North Central offer (gym, art, language, sports etc.)?
At North Central, we offer a wide variety of extracurricular and co-curricular activities including 24 competitive athletic programs, 21 performing arts classes that include band, orchestra, choir and theater art classes, ten different visual arts classes at both the beginner and advanced levels, academic and social clubs, and more! With so many options available, all students can find an opportunity that is right for them. Additionally, an after-school activity bus transportation is available for those living within the district’s boundaries, (Monday-Thursday) to provide equitable opportunity for participation. In addition, there are 61 clubs and activities in which students can find their niche with new clubs often being added.
What are North Central’s safety policies?
Keeping students safe is paramount at North Central High School. Some of our daily security practices include random metal detector wanding of bus/car riders and walkers. External doors remain locked, and security personnel are stationed at building entrances leaving a secure point of entry into the school. Students, staff, and visitors carry a district-issued ID while on campus. Washington Township employs a number of School Resource Officers dedicated to ensuring a safe environment for our students and staff.
Who should parents contact for more information about North Central?
If you are interested in learning more about North Central High School, please contact our Student Programs and Testing Coordinator, Ms. Kimberly Dickerson, via email at [email protected] or via phone at 317.259.5301 ext 45337.
