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Charter School Summaries
en Español
Fall Creek Academy dedicates itself to ensuring that all students grow in character, academics, life skills, the arts, and wellness using teaching skills tailored to meet the needs of each student. Its educational program combines innovative technology-based learning, small group instruction, and project-based learning to allow students to learn at their own pace and enable teachers to provide students with more individualized attention. Students of different grades are in the same classroom, building mentoring and leadership skills in older students. Students receive laptops, which foster a collaborative classroom atmosphere and also provide families access to technology at home. Each student is a young adult in training and learns in a child-centered environment inspired and created through cooperation of teachers, staff, and parents. Students develop exceptional character, leadership, and skills for life.
Fountain Square Academy uses computer technology to engage students in learning and to continually track students' academic progress. The school endeavors for students to learn at their own paces and to benefit from individualized attention from teachers whose mission is to promote academic achievement and character development.
The school equips students with two kinds of literacy: 1) the ability to read, write, speak, and calculate with clarity and precision, and 2) the ability to participate passionately and responsibly in the life of the community. The school enables students to become literate, self-motivated, life-long learners by providing a multi-cultural, student-centered environment in which all students are held to high academic and behavioral standards. Students work in collaborative relationships and perform service to the greater community.
- Grades served: 5-12 in the 2008-09 school year
- 4th year of operation
- Sr. Pamela Kay Doyle- Principal
- Website: http://www.FountainSquareAcademy.org
- Phone: 317.951.1000
- Address: 1615 South Barth Avenue
Andrew J. Brown Academy focuses on high academic achievement, accountability from all stakeholders (parents, staff, and students), and building good moral character rooted in strong parental involvement. The school provides a challenging back-to-basics program aimed at developing all students' abilities to master fundamental academic skills and ultimately increase academic achievement to grade level and beyond. The school offers a classical education focused on math, reading, science, social studies, writing composition, moral focus, music, art, and physical education. The school also teaches library and technology skills. Students learn through open-ended questions strategies, higher-order thinking, research based best practices, phonics, classroom projects, hands-on activities and standards-based instruction. Students' progress is measured through teachers' classroom tests, skill checklists, assessment of classroom projects, standardized and norm-referenced tests and data analysis. After-school tutoring programs are also available. Students may also participate in summer school programs to master grade level content. Limited English language learners can receive support from interpreters during the summer programs so they can continue to develop their English language skills. Opportunities exist for parents to become involved with their child's school in a variety of volunteering capacities from participating in the parent organization to helping out in the classroom.
- Grades served: K-8 during the 2008-09 school year
- 6th year of operation
- Ms. Thelma Wyatt- Principal
- Website: http://ajbrown.heritageacademies.com
- Phone: 317.891.0730
- Address: 3600 North German Church Road
Challenge Foundation Academy's mission is to offer a first-class
education with high academic standards and a commitment to engaging the
whole family in a partnership for learning. This is accomplished by
embracing scientifically-based instructional models, enhanced curriculum
design, state of the art technology, and high academic standards on a
foundation of high moral and ethical character. These components,
coupled with a highly trained staff and progressive leadership, prepare
students to be productive citizens in a rapidly changing world culture.
To accomplish this, The Challenge Foundation Academy enhances the
Indiana State curriculum with the Core Knowledge curriculum to create an
overall program of study that includes the depth and breadth necessary
to meet all students' needs.
- Grades served: K-5 for 2008-09 school year
- 3rd year of operation
- Director: Mr. Charlie Schlegel
- Website: www.teamcfaindy.org
- Phone: 317.803.3182
- Address: 3980 Meadows Drive
Charles A. Tindley Accelerated School offers powerful learning opportunities and innovative classroom structures to keep students interested, engaged, and enrolled in school. Charles A. Tindley Accelerated School targets high school students at risk of dropping out of school and focuses on preparing them for college. The school offers a rigorous college-preparatory program that seeks to challenge each student to pursue education beyond high school. This early college program allows Tindley students to attempt college courses while enrolled in high school.
This school, based on the nationally successful Accelerated model, is one of the first accelerated high schools in the country and a pilot school for the National Center for Accelerated Schools. In the Accelerated model, every student is treated as gifted; high expectations are set for every student, meaning no student is placed in tracked or remedial classes. A range of structures help students achieve, such as "double doses" of math and reading, small class size, service learning, peer tutoring, and parent and community involvement.
- Grades served: 6-12 for the 2008-09 school year
- 5th year of operation
- Mr. Marcus Robinson- Principal
- Website: www.tindleyschool.org
- Phone: 317.545.1745
- Address: 3960 Meadows Drive
Christel House Academy focuses on high standards of academic rigor, efficiency and accountability, while working to develop students' civic and ethical values. It provides a research based, 'whatever it takes' approach in a student-centered environment. Teachers monitor student attainment of academic standards and track mastery through ongoing assessments-- using an intervention based approach to respond to learning difficulties. The cultural arts and internationalism are promoted throughout all facets of the school. Partnerships with community based health agencies ensure a holistic approach to child development.
- Grades served: K-8 for the 2008-09 school year
- 7th year of operation
- Mr. Carey Dahncke- Principal
- Website: www.christelhouse.org
- Phone: 317.783.4690
- Address: 2717 South East Street
The Decatur Discovery Academy is an Expeditionary Learning school in partnership with the Metropolitan School District of Decatur Township that provides a personal learning environment in which students are challenged to learn and excel through a rigorous, inquiry approach learning model and a strong fieldwork component. Students must make a personal commitment fostered by an adult mentoring relationship to become goal-orientated, independent learners with a desire for knowledge. They will also learn that values such as collaboration, perseverance, and craftsmanship are essential to the production of high quality work. The academic expectations for all students are high at Decatur Discovery Academy. Students at Decatur Discovery Academy have the opportunity to take classes at a variety of different universities. The university experiences help Decatur Discovery Academy students successfully transition from high school to post-secondary education upon graduation.
Flanner House Elementary School developed out of the highly effective private school, Flanner House Academy, making it an option for many more families. The school focuses on hard work, achievement, and self-esteem building and promotes a "no excuses" philosophy, which emphasizes academics, character and the belief that all children can learn at high levels, regardless of their socioeconomic backgrounds. The school's environment effectively involves parents and the community. Students have access to a public library on campus and to nearby city parks.
Herron High School provides a rigorous college-preparatory liberal arts education based on a classical curriculum. The school's curriculum is structured around an art history timeline and emphasizes the classic art and literature of many cultures. Through an integrated curriculum and classical methodology, Herron High School believes that all students can learn to think logically, express themselves creatively, appreciate aesthetics fully, and approach any subject intelligently. The academic program incorporates the Trivium, a three-pronged liberal arts educational strategy focused on grammar, logic and rhetoric. The school is committed to instilling civic responsibility in its students and integrates character curriculum into all aspects of the educational program. Herron High School partners with many organizations within the downtown community to provide valuable educational and community-building experiences for the students; the school's partnerships with community organizations are key to fulfilling the school's mission of neighborhood revitalization and creating an environment of collaboration.
- Grades served: 9-11 during the 2008-09 school year
- 3rd year of operation
- Ms. Janet McNeal- Principal
- Website: www.herronhighschool.org
- Phone: 317.231.0010
- Address: 110 East 16th Street
Hope Academy is a high school created by Fairbanks and designed for students who are recovering from alcoholism or drug addiction. The mission of Hope Academy is to provide a safe, sober, and challenging school experience for students who share a commitment to education achievement and personal growth. By combining key characteristics associated with educational excellence, effective schools, and an achievement-oriented curriculum with the promotion of sobriety and health, students graduate remaining sober and ready for higher education and/or the workforce. Staff members at the school are trained to work with recovering students and their unique challenges. Each student develops a continuous learning plan with his or her learning and recovery coach along with a family member; continuous learning plans allow Hope Academy to tailor its curriculum to meet the needs of each student and to ensure student success. In addition to classroom work, students participate in internships designed to supplement academic coursework. Hope Academy students can access academic courses offered by the Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township, Ivy Tech State College, and University of Indianapolis.
- Grades served: 9-12 during the 2008-09 school year
- 3rd year of operation
- Ms. Gale Stone- Principal
- Website: www.fairbankscd.org/highschool.htm
- Phone: 317.572.9440
- Address: 8102 Clearvista Parkway
- Grades served: 9-12 during the 2008-09 school year
- 5th year of operation
- Four Principals (one per grade level)
- Website: www.indianapolismet.org
- Phone: 317.524.4638
- Address: 1635 West Michigan Street
KIPP Indianapolis is a middle school dedicated to making sure students achieve the goal of attending college. The school takes no shortcuts and makes no excuses. KIPP staff do whatever it takes to make sure each child is supported in his or her academic development. At the school, educationally underserved students develop the knowledge, skills, and character needed to succeed. KIPP's motto, "there are no shortcuts," is best exemplified by its longer school day and school year, four-hour sessions every Saturday, mandatory summer school, access to teachers during non-school hours, and home visits by school staff. KIPP students spend more time in core academic classes while still reserving time for enrichment courses, including the arts and physical education. Teachers, parents, and students all sign commitments to excellence contracts, which outline specific ways each of these groups is directly responsible for student success. KIPP is part of a successful alliance of KIPP (Knowledge Is Power Program) schools operating across the country.
- Grades served: 5-8 during the 2008-09 school year
- 5th year of operation
- Ms. Omotayo Ola-Niyi- Principal
- Website: www.kippindy.org
- Phone: 317.637.9780
- Address: 1740 East 30th Street
The Lawrence Early College High School for Science and Technologies (LECHS) is a partnership between the Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township and Ivy Tech Community College. Its mission is to provide an academically rigorous high school experience that allows students, especially students who might not thrive in a traditional high school setting, to earn college credits while in high school. LECHS adopted the Early College High School Initiative's core principles and based its curriculum on the Indiana State Academic Standards. At LECHS, all students are required to demonstrate their progress within the curriculum by completing four "gateways" prior to graduation; gateways are student presentations that provide evidence of the students' progress toward their goals. Students also take career and technical courses that form "pathways" beginning with high school courses and extending to advanced studies at Ivy Tech. LECHS is specifically designed for students who may be the first in their families to attend college, are capable of success in college but who might not have performed to their potential yet, need the support of a small school environment focused on non-traditional learning activities, and/or may need additional resources to pay for the high cost of a college education.
- Grades served: 9-12 during the 2008-09 school year
- 3rd year of operation
- Ms. Carolyn Emmert - Interim Director
- Website: www.ltschools.org/schools/echs/
- Phone: 317.964.8080
- Address: 7250 East 75th Street
Southeast Neighborhood School of Excellence (SENSE) is a community-driven, Southeast Neighborhood-based charter elementary school offering grades kindergarten through sixth grade. SENSE nurtures academic excellence, social development, and civic responsibility in every individual, seeking to build a strong foundation for learning and living by creating in its students a thirst for knowledge and an enthusiasm for learning. SENSE is a "back to basics" elementary school that operates on a year-round calendar, has small classes and full day kindergarten. SENSE provides instruction in art, music, physical education, and Spanish language acquisition to all students beginning in kindergarten. For students who are struggling academically, SENSE provides the Sylvan Learning Center Academic Reading Program during the regular school day at no cost to the students' families.
- Grades served: K-6 during the 2008-09 school year
- 5th year of operation
- Mr. J. C. Lasmanis- Principal
- Website: www.senseindy.org
- Phone: 317.423.0204
- Address: 1601 South Barth Avenue
The Indianapolis Project School (TPS) is a K-8, teacher-designed model that will open with Kindergarten through sixth grade this August. TPS is focused on developing positive habits of the Heart, Mind, and Voice through project, place, and problem–based (the P3 Framework) curriculum. Through P3 Projects, students identify real issues in their communities and utilize community assets to address those issues. The Project School utilizes multiage teaming and discipline-based literacy and numeracy workshops to scaffold the skills students need to engage in highly authentic and integrated P3 Projects. Project School students engage in critical, creative, and reflective thinking, thus developing their intellectual character. The Project School is committed to teaching the whole child and developing socially conscious citizens, who can work collaboratively, lead others, and contribute to the greater good. Please visit www.theprojectschool.org for more information on the school.
Phone: 317.926.8751
Address: 1145 East 22nd Street
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