Merrillville High School is a public high school in Merrillville, Indiana, United States, for students in grades nine through twelve.
Serving 2,051 students in grades 9-12, Merrillville High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Indiana for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 16% (which is lower than the Indiana state average of 38%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 32% (which is lower than the Indiana state average of 41%).
The student:teacher ratio of 16:1 is higher than the Indiana state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 92% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Indiana state average of 37% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 2,051 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 92%
- Graduation Rate: 92% (Top 30% in IN)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 16% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 32% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 16% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IN Dept. of Education
School Overview
Merrillville High School's student population of 2,051 students has declined by 6% over five school years.
The teacher population of 127 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
2,051 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
127 teachers
School Rankings
Merrillville High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,763 schools in Indiana (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Merrillville High School is 0.50, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.56. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1397 out of 1763 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
16%
38%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
32%
41%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
16%
34%
Student : Teacher Ratio
16:1
15:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
1%
3%
Hispanic
19%
15%
Black
68%
13%
White
8%
63%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
4%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
92%
88%
Eligible for Free Lunch
50%
43%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
9%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IN Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Pirates
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Merrillville High School's ranking?
Merrillville High School is ranked #1397 out of 1,763 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Indiana.
What schools are Merrillville High School often compared to?
Merrillville High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Crown Point High School, Munster High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
16% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 38% IN state average), while 32% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 41% IN state average).
What is the graduation rate of Merrillville High School?
The graduation rate of Merrillville High School is 92%, which is higher than the Indiana state average of 88%.
How many students attend Merrillville High School?
2,051 students attend Merrillville High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
68% of Merrillville High School students are Black, 19% of students are Hispanic, 8% of students are White, 4% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Merrillville High School?
Merrillville High School has a student ration of 16:1, which is higher than the Indiana state average of 15:1.
What grades does Merrillville High School offer ?
Merrillville High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Merrillville High School part of?
Merrillville High School is part of Merrillville Community School Corp School District.
School Reviews
5 8/19/2021
Very Good School.
3 3/31/2021
I went the school back in the late 90s. So Thats been over 2 decades. It was an influential school then and is now probably from the website. I would recommend it for the diversity then the other surrounding schools. It was diversity back there when I went back in the late 90s. The other schools did not have any blacks that even enrolled their MHS had over 17 percent. Now is it is over 60 percent black. I still Recommended Pirate Land!!!!!!!! Go Pirates!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
5 9/14/2020
I have two current MHS high schoolers and one that graduated a few years ago. My oldest graduated in 2017 and had 15 college credits when he left MHS. He was well prepared for college and has continued to excel. He will be graduating in 2021 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. My youngest two, 10th and 11th grade are also doing well and have had a positive school experience. The school offers so much. You have to take advantage of the opportunities you are given and be focused and do your work. I really am shocked that the school ranked so low because that has not been our experience.
4 6/1/2020
I graduated from Merrillville High School nine years ago and I think that it was an all right experience overall. The people that have worked there have always what's desired what's best for me. I always remembered when Mrs. Staffel was ever afraid to stay behind and help me with my math work. I also appreciated how much my guidance counselor, Mrs. Wilson, was there to honestly guide me through every one of my situations. All in all, I'm grateful that MHS is my alma mater.
5 12/27/2018
The student demographic has experienced a significant shift over the past 15 or so years. The younger generation of students coming in are facing circumstances that challenge their ability to perform at the level the district has maintained in previous years. My heart goes out to the parents, teachers and staff that are continuously striving to uphold a high standard for their children. The families that have stayed and those who moved in continue to push their kids in the right direction; YOU have my highest respect. Merrillville is still an excellent place to live and we not going to give up the fight towards keeping it that way. Thank you.
2 6/3/2014
Merrillville high school is a good high school....if you are a sohpmore jounier or senior the freshmen are destroyed they are so hard on them that the highest drop out rate is the freshmen. MERVILLVILLE HIGH SCHOOL focuses so much on disipline that they forget to listen.
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