Monroe County, Indiana – The Monroe County Community School Corporation (MCCSC) has once again earned statewide recognition for its continued excellence in education. According to the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Elementary and Middle Schools rankings, several MCCSC schools have achieved top honors, reflecting the district’s commitment to providing exceptional academic opportunities for all students.
Two schools stood out among Indiana’s best this year—Jackson Creek Middle School, which secured the #8 spot among all middle schools statewide, and Childs Elementary School, which ranked #9 among elementary schools across Indiana. Both schools’ placements in the top ten underscore the district’s strong academic foundation and its dedication to student achievement.
The good news doesn’t stop there. Unionville Elementary School and University Elementary School also earned recognition, placing within the top 50 elementary schools in the state. Meanwhile, Marlin Elementary School and Tri-North Middle School both landed within the top 6% of all schools statewide, a distinction that further highlights the consistency of excellence found throughout the MCCSC district.
Earlier in the academic year, U.S. News & World Report released its rankings for Indiana high schools, with MCCSC’s two flagship institutions—Bloomington High School South and Bloomington High School North—both finishing within the top 6% across the state. These results paint a clear picture of an educational system that succeeds at every level, from the earliest years through high school graduation.
“Our teachers, staff, and community are what truly make MCCSC schools among the best in the state,” said MCCSC Superintendent Dr. Markay Winston. “I am proud of the unique strengths each of our 23 schools brings to our community, and together we create an educational environment where every student can thrive.”
The district’s success stems from more than just test scores—it’s the result of an intentional focus on innovation, inclusion, and opportunity. MCCSC offers a diverse range of academic programs designed to prepare students for success in college, careers, and beyond. With five STEM-certified schools and districtwide STEAM programming from kindergarten through 12th grade, MCCSC gives students a solid foundation in science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics.
Students also have access to three International Baccalaureate World Schools within the district, allowing them to pursue globally recognized academic pathways. Beyond the classroom, MCCSC emphasizes a holistic approach to education through athletics, performing and visual arts, and an array of extracurricular programs. The district even boasts an Arts Integration school, a comprehensive outdoor education program, and the Academy of Science and Entrepreneurship—an Early College high school offering dual credit and college-level experiences.
MCCSC students benefit from robust academic offerings that include more than 40 dual credit courses, 34 Advanced Placement options, and 26 career pathways, giving them a head start on higher education and workforce readiness. The district also supports language learning through its Spanish Dual Language Immersion program and ensures that high-ability learners have access to specialized instruction. For families seeking flexible learning options, MCCSC Online provides a virtual alternative, while comprehensive student support services help ensure every learner receives the guidance and resources they need to succeed.
With these achievements, MCCSC continues to demonstrate why it stands among Indiana’s top-performing districts. Families interested in exploring what MCCSC schools have to offer can visit mccsc.edu/explore, while community members can stay informed about district updates and initiatives at mccsc.edu/community.
From innovative programming to award-winning schools, MCCSC’s success story is one built on collaboration, vision, and a shared belief that every child deserves the best education possible.
