Friday Five 21August2026

THE FRIDAY FIVE
August 21, 2026

1.
ZCHS Ranks Among Indiana’s Best High Schools

U.S. News & World Report ranks ZCHS No. 3 statewide and No. 2 among Indiana public high schools

Zionsville Community High School has once again earned recognition among the top high schools in Indiana, ranking No. 3 overall in the state and No. 2 among Indiana public high schools in the 2026-2027 U.S. News & World Report Best High Schools rankings.

U.S. News evaluated approximately 27,000 eligible public high schools nationwide, with nearly 18,000 schools ultimately receiving a ranking. Zionsville Community High School ranked No. 230 nationally.

The rankings consider six key measures of school performance, including student achievement on state-required assessments, graduation rates and college readiness. The methodology also examines the depth of the curriculum and how effectively schools serve all students, including those from underserved populations.

College readiness is measured in part through student participation and performance on Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate exams.

This recognition reflects the collective work happening every day at ZCHS: students challenging themselves, educators creating opportunities for learning and growth, and families and a community that continue to support our schools.

Congratulations, ZCHS, on this outstanding recognition!

2.
Opportunity in Every Direction

ZCHS Clubs and Activities Fair connects students with ways to explore, belong, and get involved

Rankings tell part of the story. The opportunities available to students every day help tell the rest.

Engagement was on full display at the ZCHS Clubs and Activities Fair, where students had the chance to explore the many ways to get involved beyond the classroom. With a wide range of clubs, organizations, and activities represented, students could discover new interests, connect with others, and find opportunities to lead, serve, create, and belong.

The many experiences available at ZCHS are part of what makes the high school experience so strong. Dozens of offerings. Lots of support. Countless opportunities for students to find their place and pursue what interests them.

From academic and service organizations to arts, activities, and special-interest clubs, there are countless ways for students to make their ZCHS experience their own.

3.
Strumming into Something New

Trailside Elementary School students add some new sounds to music class

New sounds are filling the music room at Trailside Elementary School this week.

Fourth-grade students picked up the ukulele and began learning the basics of playing, while third-grade students started their own musical adventure with the recorder.

New music instruments bring new skills, new challenges, and plenty of opportunities to learn, create, and have a little fun along the way.

And the music is just getting started!

4.
Finding a Place at Zionsville Middle School

Activities Fair gives students a look at the many ways to get involved

Trying something new is part of the experience across ZCS, and at Zionsville Middle School, students recently had plenty of opportunities to do just that. The ZMS Activities Fair gave students a chance to explore the clubs, activities, and organizations available beyond the classroom.

The fair offered another reminder that getting involved is about more than filling a schedule. It is an opportunity to connect, contribute, build confidence, and find a place to belong. With so many ways to participate, there is something for everyone at ZMS.

New year. New opportunities. Plenty of ways to get involved!

5.
Partners in the Journey

Curriculum Nights connect families with classrooms, teachers, and the year ahead

From finding ways to get involved to discovering what happens inside the classroom, this week also gave ZCS families an opportunity to step into the school experience.

Elementary schools and middle school grades 7 and 8 welcomed families and guardians for Curriculum Nights, offering a closer look at what students will be learning and experiencing throughout the year.

Families had the opportunity to hear directly from teachers, learn more about classroom expectations and curriculum, and better understand the many ways students will be supported.

These evenings are another opportunity to strengthen the partnership between home and school that plays such an important role in student success.

A new school year brings plenty to learn, and we’re grateful to have our families alongside us for the journey.

Let's talk
ZCS

Coffee, a walk, and a conversation with Superintendent Dr. Rebecca Coffman

Do you have questions about ZCS finances? Do you want to better understand how school funding works or what’s ahead for our district?

Superintendent Dr. Rebecca Coffman and Chief Financial Officer Regina May would love to connect.

Join an upcoming Coffee Talk, Walk and Talk, or bring the conversation to your group. HOAs, neighborhood groups, book clubs, community organizations, and others are also invited to reach out and schedule a time for Dr. Coffman to visit, share information, and answer questions.

Coffee. A walk. Your next meeting. Let’s talk ZCS. Coffee. A walk. Your next meeting. Let’s talk ZCS.

Understanding School Finance

ZCS expertise helps bring a complex topic to life for communities across Indiana

There’s a new resource available to help make the sometimes-complex world of school finance a little easier to understand.

ZCS Chief Financial Officer Regina May, SFO, contributed her expertise to a statewide school finance video created in partnership with the Central Indiana Education Services Center (CIESC), Indiana School Public Relations Association (INDSPRA) and Indiana Association of School Business Officials (IASBO).

Mrs. May joined school finance and communications professionals from across Indiana in helping develop a resource designed to explain how public schools are funded and why understanding school finance matters.

We are proud to see our CFO's knowledge and expertise contributing not only to ZCS, but to a resource that can help families and communities across the state better understand public education funding.

School finance can be complicated. Take a few minutes to watch the video and learn more.

Campaign Reminders

Please review this important reminder regarding campaign-related activities, materials, and expectations on ZCS school campuses. This information and guidance can be found at the link below.

Campaign Reminders

More
Information

High School Parents

Mark Your Calendar For EagleFest

Highlights from EagleFest 2025

Support the Zionsville Education Foundation.
Get Your Hat.

Haven't picked up your 2026 ZEF hat yet? There's still time!

With a donation of $75 or more to the Zionsville Education Foundation, you'll receive this year's exclusive ZEF hat while supplies last.

Donate online at zionsvilleeducationfoundation.org, and your hat will be delivered to you. Prefer to pick it up in person? Visit he ZEF tent at EagleFest on August 28.

Hats are available through EagleFest or while supplies last. Your support helps ZEF continue to provide innovative opportunities and resources that enhance learning for ZCS students and staff.