Fort Wayne lawmakers recognize local schools for literacy achievements

STATEHOUSE (April 9, 2026) – Local schools in Fort Wayne were recently recognized for achieving high literacy rates by the Indiana Department of Education, according to area legislators.

IDOE recognized more than 400 schools across the state achieving a 95% or higher passage rate on the 2025 Indiana Reading Evaluation and Determination (IREAD) assessment at the Literacy Achievement Celebration at the Statehouse on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.

"Strong reading skills open the door to lifelong learning, and it's exciting to see local schools leading the way," said State Rep. Martin Carbaugh (R-Fort Wayne). "This recognition reflects the dedication of teachers, students and families working together to build a strong foundation for our students."

Area schools recognized include:

• Blackhawk Christian Elementary School;
• Central Christian School;
• Concordia Lutheran School;
• Emmanuel Christian School of Fort Wayne;
• Emmaus Lutheran School;
• East Allen County Schools, Cedarville Elementary School;
• Fort Wayne Community Schools, Fred H. Croninger Elementary School;
• MSD Southwest Allen County Schools, Deer Ridge Elementary School;
• MSD Southwest Allen County Schools, Haverhill Elementary School;
• MSD Southwest Allen County Schools, Aboite Elementary School;
• Northwest Allen County Schools, Arcola School;
• Northwest Allen County Schools, Cedar Canyon Elementary School;
• Northwest Allen County Schools, Aspen Meadow Elementary School;
• Northwest Allen County Schools, Oak View Elementary School;
• Northwest Allen County Schools, Huntertown Elementary School;
• Our Lady School;
• Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic School;
• Saint Louis Besancon Catholic School;
• Saint John The Baptist Catholic;
• St. John-Emmanuel Lutheran School;
• Saint Peter's Lutheran School;
• Saint Vincient DePaul School; and
• Woodburn Lutheran School.

"Achieving this level of literacy is outstanding," said State Rep. Dave Heine (R-Fort Wayne). "These schools are setting the bar high and showing what's possible when students are supported early and consistently in their education."

Last year, Indiana's third grade reading scores improved by nearly five percentage points, which is the largest single-year increase since the state launched IREAD in 2013. More than 87% of Hoosier third graders demonstrated proficiency in reading, putting Indiana's literacy rate at this grade level back to pre-pandemic levels.

"Indiana's continued progress in literacy is something to be proud of, and our local schools are a large part of that success," said State Rep. Chris Judy (R-Fort Wayne). "Their commitment to student achievement is helping shape brighter futures."

These IREAD results follow Indiana placing sixth in the country for fourth and eighth grade reading in the 2024 National Assessment of Education Progress (NAEP) rankings.

"When students develop strong reading skills at a young age, it impacts how they learn every subject and can boost their confidence in the classroom," said State Rep. Bob Morris (R-Fort Wayne). "I'm grateful for the educators who are making a difference for Hoosier students every day."

Results from the 2025 IREAD for individual schools and corporations are available on IDOE's website. Click here to learn more about the state's literacy standards.

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State Rep. Martin Carbaugh (R-Fort Wayne) represents House
District 81, which includes a portion of Allen County.
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State Rep. Dave Heine (R-Fort Wayne) represents House
District 85, which includes a portion of Allen County.
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State Rep. Chris Judy (R-Fort Wayne) represents House District 83,
which includes portions of Allen and Whitley counties.
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State Rep. Bob Morris (R-Fort Wayne) represents House
District 84, which includes a portion of Allen County
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