Carmel Clay Schools
PUBLIC SCHOOLS
A complete guide to every school in Indiana's #1 rated public school district
CARMEL CLAY SCHOOLS
Consistently ranked the #1 public school district in Indiana, Carmel Clay Schools serves 16,100+ students across 11 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, and 1 high school.
16,100+
Students
15
Schools
10
Blue Ribbon Awards
183+
State Championships
District Recognition
#1 Rated Public School District in Indiana
10 National Blue Ribbon School Awards
183+ IHSAA State Championships (most in Indiana)
Indiana DOE "A" Rating — Consistently
52 National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists (CHS)
CoSN Trusted Learning Environment Seal
Interactive Map
SCHOOL LOCATIONS
All 15 Carmel Clay schools mapped with building footprints from Hamilton County GIS. Use the filter to view by school level.
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Grades K–5
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
11 neighborhood elementary schools, each with its own character — all sharing the same commitment to academic excellence.
Carmel Elementary
K–5
One of the oldest schools in the district, rebuilt with state-of-the-art facilities.
- • Brand-new facility opened 2021
- • Gifted & Talented program
- • Project Lead The Way (PLTW) curriculum
Cherry Tree Elementary
K–5
Established 1989 along the scenic Hazel Dell Parkway corridor.
- • Top 5% of Indiana schools
- • Hazel Dell corridor location
- • Strong parent community
Clay Center Elementary
K–5
The name traces back to 1912 when Clay Township opened a brick school at 116th and Clay Center Road.
- • Newest elementary in the district (2021)
- • Replaced historic Orchard Park Elementary
- • Modern learning spaces
College Wood Elementary
Blue RibbonK–5
Relocated to its current site in 2004 after originally opening in 1965.
- • National Blue Ribbon School (2017)
- • Strong academic performance
- • Active PTO community
Forest Dale Elementary
K–5
Nestled near the lakes area of east Carmel since 1979.
- • Lakeside setting
- • Established neighborhood feel
- • Nature-adjacent campus
Mohawk Trails Elementary
Blue RibbonK–5
Serving east Carmel families since 1972 with consistently top-tier results.
- • National Blue Ribbon School (2019)
- • High academic achievement
- • Diverse student body
Prairie Trace Elementary
K–5
Located in the desirable northwest corridor along River Road.
- • A+ Niche rating
- • River Road corridor
- • Newer construction (1998)
Smoky Row Elementary
K–5
Serving the north-central Carmel community since 1992.
- • Strong STEM focus
- • Named after historic Smoky Row Road
- • Active enrichment programs
Towne Meadow Elementary
K–5
Opened in 2000 to serve the growing southwest side of the district.
- • Towne Road corridor
- • Close to West Carmel developments
- • Welcoming community
West Clay Elementary
Blue RibbonK–5
Built in 2006 to serve the acclaimed Village of West Clay planned community.
- • National Blue Ribbon School (2016)
- • Serves Village of West Clay
- • High parent involvement
Woodbrook Elementary
K–5
Located along the busy 116th Street corridor on the eastern edge of the district.
- • 116th Street corridor
- • Established since 1970
- • Close-knit school culture
Grades 6–8
MIDDLE SCHOOLS
Three middle schools serving the west, central, and east sides of Carmel — bridging elementary foundations to high school excellence.
Carmel Middle School
6–8
Originally opened as Carmel Junior High, it remains the heart of the district.
- • The original district middle school (1964)
- • Central location near Old Town
- • Strong arts & athletics
Clay Middle School
6–8
Serving east Carmel families with strong academic and extracurricular programs.
- • Serves eastern Carmel communities
- • Opened as Clay Junior High (1974)
- • Competitive academic teams
Creekside Middle School
Blue Ribbon6–8
The district's newest middle school, recognized nationally for academic excellence.
- • National Blue Ribbon School (2013)
- • Indiana Blue Ribbon School (2025)
- • Newest middle school (2004)
Grades 9–12
CARMEL HIGH SCHOOL
The crown jewel of the district — Indiana's largest and most decorated public high school.
Carmel High School
9–12 · ~5,200 students
The largest public high school in Indiana and one of the most decorated in the nation.
Visit CHS Website View Campus MapHighlights
- • #1 Ranked High School in Indiana
- • Largest public high school in Indiana (~5,200 students)
- • 183+ IHSAA state championships — most in the state
- • 52 National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists
- • 60% AP participation rate
- • On-campus planetarium & performing arts center
Athletics
- • Girls Swimming: 40 consecutive state championships — longest streak in U.S. high school history
- • Boys Swimming: 10+ consecutive state championships
- • 6x Bands of America Grand National Champion (Marching Band)
- • Nationally competitive in cross country, soccer, tennis, and track
Academics & Arts
- • 200+ clubs and extracurricular activities
- • Award-winning HOSA and DECA programs
- • Scholastic Art and Writing Award winners
- • World-class performing arts department
Local Insight
"Schools are the #1 question I get from families relocating to Carmel. The good news? There isn't a bad option. Every school in the district performs at a level most cities would envy."
— Sheldon Barnes, Managing Broker
Guidance
CHOOSING YOUR SCHOOL ZONE
How School Boundaries Work
In the Carmel Clay district, your home address determines which elementary and middle school your children will attend. All students feed into Carmel High School for grades 9–12. When buying a home, the school zone is a key factor — and we can help you find homes in the exact boundary you want.
Transfers & Open Enrollment
Carmel Clay Schools does offer a transfer request process for families who prefer a different school within the district. Approval depends on capacity and other factors. Contact the district office for current policies.
We Know the Boundaries
As local real estate professionals, we know exactly which homes fall in which school zones. If a specific elementary or middle school matters to your family, let us know — we'll make sure you're looking at the right neighborhoods from day one.
Find Your Family's Home
NEED HELP FINDING A
HOME IN THE RIGHT ZONE?
Tell us which school your family prefers, and we'll curate home options in that exact boundary. No guesswork — just homes that fit your family's priorities.