IPS experiences biggest enrollment drop since pandemic

Steep decline raises financial and planning concerns for local families

Jan. 30, 2026 at 3:55am

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Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) saw a 6% enrollment drop this year, its biggest loss since the COVID-19 pandemic, while nearby charter schools also shrank. The declining student numbers across Marion County are raising concerns about the financial and planning challenges for local families and school leaders.

Why it matters

The steep enrollment decline at IPS and neighboring charter schools is forcing lawmakers and education officials to weigh major changes, including the creation of an Indianapolis Public Education Corporation that could control school buildings, transportation, and property tax revenue. This comes as IPS and charter leaders debate how to manage the shrinking student population.

The details

The enrollment drop at IPS is the largest since the pandemic began, with the district losing around 3,000 students. Nearby charter schools have also seen declines, adding to the financial and logistical challenges facing the local education system. Lawmakers are considering establishing an Indianapolis Public Education Corporation that could centralize control over key resources, even as IPS and charter leaders discuss strategies for addressing the declining student numbers.

  • IPS saw a 6% enrollment drop in the 2025-2026 school year, its biggest loss since the COVID-19 pandemic began.

The players

Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS)

The public school district serving the city of Indianapolis, which has experienced a significant enrollment decline in recent years.

Indianapolis Public Education Corporation

A proposed entity that could take control of school buildings, transportation, and property tax revenue in Indianapolis, as lawmakers weigh major changes to address the declining student population.

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What’s next

Lawmakers are expected to make a decision on the proposed Indianapolis Public Education Corporation in the coming months, which could significantly reshape the local education landscape.

The takeaway

The steep enrollment drop at IPS and nearby charter schools is forcing difficult conversations and potential structural changes to the Indianapolis education system, as local leaders grapple with the financial and logistical challenges of serving a shrinking student population.