Lawrenceburg leads region in IREAD scores, local schools exceed state average

(LAWRENCEBURG, Ind.) – Schools in Southeast Indiana are outperforming the state average when it comes to student literacy rates.

Data released by the Indiana Department of Education on Tuesday shows 88.7 percent of Indiana third graders passed the IREAD this past school year.

Lawrenceburg Schools was well-above the state average with a 99.2 percent pass rate. That's also the highest mark for all schools in our region. 

Here is how other local schools fared on the IREAD:

• Batesville - 98.8%

• Sunman-Dearborn  - 97.7%

• Milan - 93.2%

• Franklin County 90.1%

• Switzerland County  92.1%

• Greensburg - 96%

• Rising Sun - 95.3%

• South Ripley - 95.8%

• South Dearborn - 94.2%

• Jennings County - 93.7%

• Jac-Cen-Del - 90.4%

• North/South Decatur - 93.1%

• Rush County - 85.6%

The statewide 88.7 rate surpasses pre-pandemic levels and is a 1.5 percent improvement from the 2024-2025 school year. This is also the fifth straight year that literacy rates have increased in the state.

Indiana Secretary of Education Dr. Katie Jenner says the high numbers are a result of the work done by educators, parents and students. 

Dr. Jenner added that her agency is focused on identifying supports for students who need more assistance, including those in special education and adolescent learners who are still working to master reading. 

“This targeted approach will be key to ensuring every student has strong literacy skills that set them up for future success. In Indiana, our foot will remain on the gas pedal when it comes to continuously improving for students,” Dr. Jenner said.