Western Boone Community School Corporation Builds On Academic & Community Success
As Western Boone Community School Corporation looks toward 2026, the district has much to celebrate and even more to anticipate. The coming year stands to build on a series of academic, extracurricular and community-focused successes that highlight Western Boone’s ongoing commitment to excellence. From innovative college-readiness pathways to notable student achievements, 2026 is shaping up to be a year of continued momentum.
One of the most significant academic milestones will be the progress of the Indiana College Core (ICC) program at Western Boone Jr./Sr. High School. The ICC allows students to earn 30 hours of general education college credit — the equivalent of a full year of college — before graduating high school. For families, this means substantial savings; for students, it means entering college with confidence and flexibility; and for the district, it reflects a strong vision for postsecondary success. Impressively, 20% of the Class of 2026 is on track to complete the Indiana College Core.
Academic success is also advancing at the elementary level. Thorntown and Granville Wells Elementary Schools are celebrating extraordinary literacy outcomes, with 98.1% of Western Boone third graders passing the IREAD assessment. This remarkable accomplishment ranks Western Boone first in Boone County, a testament to the district’s dedicated teachers, strong early-literacy programming and supportive families. In an era when literacy rates are a major focus, Western Boone’s performance is a model of the possibilities with the right focus and mindset.
Another area where the district remains committed is early childhood education. Recognizing the importance of school readiness and affordability for families, Western Boone offers an affordable pre-K program. At just $270 per month, the program offers full-time, high-quality early learning at a cost significantly below many options. As enrollment grows, both residents and non-residents are benefiting from accessible early education that focuses on early literacy and numeracy and kindergarten readiness.
Western Boone’s strong reputation is also drawing families from outside the district. Non-resident enrollment continues to climb, with 260 non-resident students now attending Western Boone Schools in grades K–12. Families are choosing Western Boone for its small-school feel, strong academic performance, extracurricular opportunities and caring community. This growth reflects the district’s positive standing in the area and helps maintain diverse programs and opportunities for all students.
The district’s story is not complete without celebrating the achievements of its talented students beyond the classroom. The Western Boone marching band delivered an outstanding performance in 2025, placing 13th at the Indiana State Fair’s Band Day — one of the state’s most competitive and beloved marching events.
Western Boone’s livestock judging team made its mark on the national stage by placing 11th overall at the American Royal in Kansas City — one of the premier livestock competitions in the country. Their success showcases the strength of the district’s agricultural education programs and the commitment of students dedicated to developing judging, evaluation and animal science skills.
Beginning with the 2025-26 school year, Western Boone athletic teams are competing in the newly formed Monon Athletic Conference. This fall, the girls golf and cross-country teams earned conference titles. The winning legacy continues.
As 2026 approaches, Western Boone is in a position of strength. Academic rigor is rising, early childhood opportunities are expanding, families are choosing the district in greater numbers, and student accomplishments continue to shine in fields ranging from music to agriculture to athletics. Most importantly, the district remains focused on providing a safe, supportive and caring environment for every child — a place where Every Star Shines Brightly.
