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Charter School Summaries

 

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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. The school offers a classical education focused on math, reading, oral composition, music, art, and physical education. The school also teaches library and technology skills. Students learn through drills, repetition, phonics, writing composition books, and oral presentations. Students' progress is measured through teachers' classroom tests, skill checklists, standardized tests, and assessments of classroom projects. 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. Parents may become involved in the school through a series of parent-teacher project planning committees.

  • Grades served: K-8 during the 2009-10 school year
  • 7th year of operation
  • Ms. Thelma Wyatt- Principal
  • Website: http://ajbrown.heritageacademies.com
  • Phone: 317.891.0730
  • Address: 3600 North German Church Road

The 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 2009-10 school year
  • 4th year of operation
  • Mr. Charlie Schlegel - Principal
  • 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 2009-10 school year
  • 6th 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 and classroom-tested "back-to-basics" approach with a curriculum focused on reading, writing and math, and requires mastery of essential skills for promotion to the next level. Teachers monitor student growth and proficiency of academic standards and track mastery through ongoing assessments of skills and core knowledge. Incorporated within Plato, the web-based curricular model, are instructional strategies and unit assessments to ensure students receive intensive remediation in areas of weakness.

  • Grades served: K-8 for the 2009-10 school year
  • 8th 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.

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.

  • Grades served: K-12 in the 2009-10 school year
  • 8th year of operation
  • Dr. Anita Silverman - Principal
  • Website: http://www.fallcreekacademy.org
  • Phone: 317-536-1026
  • Address: 2540 North Capitol, Suite 100

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.

  • Grades served: K-6 during the 2009-10 school year
  • 8th year of operation
  • Ms. Frances Malone - Director of Education, Ms. Latika Warthaw - Principal
  • Website: Flanner House's website is currently under construction.  Please call the school for more information.
  • Phone: 317.925.4231
  • Address: 2424 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Street

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 2009-10 school year
  • 5th year of operation
  • Ms. Keena Foster - Principal
  • Website: http://fountainsquareacademy.org
  • Phone: 317.536.1028
  • Address: 1615 South Barth Avenue

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: 9-12 during the 2009-10 school year
  • 4th year of operation
  • Ms. Janet McNeal- Principal
  • Website: www.herronhighschool.org
  • Phone: 317.231.0010
  • Address: 110 East 16th Street

Honor Charter Academy will offer a classical education focused on math, reading, oral composition, music, art, and physical education. The school also teaches library and technology skills. Students learn through drills, repetition, phonics, writing composition books, and oral presentations. Gifted children and children with special needs receive specially tailored learning opportunities. Students' progress is measured through teachers' classroom tests, skill checklists, standardized tests, and assessments of classroom projects. After-school tutoring programs are also available. Students may also participate in summer school programs to master grade level content. Parents may become involved in the school through a series of parent-teacher project planning committees. Honor Charter Academy will grow to eventually serve children in grades K-8.

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 2009-10 school year
  • 4th year of operation
  • Ms. Gale Stone- Principal
  • Website: www.fairbankscd.org/highschool.htm
  • Phone: 317.572.9440
  • Address: 8102 Clearvista Parkway

 Indiana Aerospace Jr./Sr. High School has an educational model unlike any other in the state of Indiana. The model infuses aviation and aerospace themes into a rigorous science, technology, engineering, and mathematics curriculum. All students will complete a Core 40 with Academic Honors curriculum. The curriculum will provide students the opportunity to engage in multidisciplinary projects, enroll in dual-credit classes with Vincennes University, Purdue University and Indiana State University, and work in internships with local aerospace industry firms.

Upon graduating, students will each total more than 300 hours of shadow experiences and internships with local aerospace industry firms, giving them vital hands-on experience and knowledge prior to furthering thier education at the post-secondary level.

  • Grades served: 7th grade for 2010-2011 school year (will eventually serve grades 7-12 at capacity)
  • Will open in Fall 2010
  • Mr. Roger Tomey - Executive Director
  • Website:
  • Phone: 317.657.8949
  • Address: To be determined

Indianapolis Lighthouse Charter School's mission is to prepare students for college through a rigorous arts-infused curriculum. The school engages students by providing them with the basic skills necessary to be successful.  To achieve the goal of arts infusion, Indianapolis Lighthouse Charter School's art teacher collaborates with classroom teachers to ensure high quality instruction. The school actively seeks to involve families in the school through volunteer opportunities, weekly feedback folders that inform parents of their students' performance and behavior, and monthly parent nights. The school also offers a pre-kindergarten program on a sliding fee scale.  Pre-school students are eligible to enter the school's lottery, but are not automatically enrolled in Indianapolis Lighthouse Charter School for kindergarten. 

Indianapolis Lighthouse Charter School opened in August 2005, and now serves pre-kindergarten through  9th grade. Eventually, the school will grow to serve up to grade 12. The school operates weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with 190 instructional days per year.

Indianapolis Metropolitan High School's goal is for every student not only to graduate from high school but to also attain some level of post-secondary education. The MET is based on a highly successful model developed by the Big Picture Company. The school is committed to educate "one student at a time" in a small school setting. The design of the MET is centered on a personalized approach to learning, family involvement, and an integration of academic and applied learning both inside and outside the classroom. Most of the academic programs are project-based and include Learning Through Internships with adult mentors, service learning projects, and school-based group and individual projects related to student interest. Students are assigned "advisories" for the duration of their time at the school, enabling a small group of fifteen students to work consistently with the same "advisor" (or teacher) to complete all of their academic work. The advisor, the student, and the parents work together to develop a standards-based Individual Learning Plan, which is designed to guide the student's work over the course of his or her time at the school.

  • Grades served: 9-12 during the 2009-10 school year
  • 6th year of operation
  • Mr. Scott Bess - Chief Operating Officer
  • Website: www.indianapolismet.org
  • Phone: 317.524.4638
  • Address: 1635 West Michigan Street

The Indianapolis Project School (TPS) is a K-8, teacher-designed model that opened with Kindergarten through sixth grade in August 2008. 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.

  • Grades served: K-7 during the 2009-10 school year
  • 2nd year of operation
  • Mr. Tarrey Banks - Principal
  • Website: www.theprojectschool.org
  • Phone: 317.608.0210
  • Address: 1145 East 22nd Street 

Students at the Irvington Community School will master a challenging curriculum, acquire "cultural captital" through an appreciation of the arts, be physically fit, learn a world language, and develop a strong ethical compass. The school will rigorously measure academic achievement, and will partner with area organizations to prepare future community leaders for successful and responsible lives.

  • Grades served: K-12 during the 2009-2010 school year
  • 8th year of operation (first year under authorization of the Mayor.)
  • Mr. Tim Ehrgott - President
  • Website: www.ics-charter.org
  • Phone: 317.357.5359
  • Address: 6705 East Julian Avenue (K-8)
    6040 E. Pleasant Run Parkway South Drive (9-12)

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 2009-10 school year
  • 6th year of operation
  • Ms. Estee Kelly - Principal
  • Website: www.kippindy.org
  • Phone: 317.637.9780
  • Address: 1740 East 30th Avenue

Monument Lighthouse Charter School serves kindergarten through 8th grade, and will eventually grow up to 12th grade. Monument Lighthouse Charter School (MLCS) engages students in education by infusing the arts throughout the curriculum and by providing students with the basic skills necessary to be successful. Lighthouse Academies, Inc., a nonprofit charter management organization, developed MLCS's educational program. The Core Knowledge sequence, which presents carefully ordered facts, historical figures, and concepts by individual grade levels, is the centerpiece of the curriculum.  MLCS also implements Open Court reading, Saxon Math, and Full Option Science System. MLCS involves families in the school through volunteer opportunities, weekly feedback folders that inform parents of their students' performance and behavior, and monthly parent nights.

  • Grades served: K-8 during the 2009-10 school year
  • 3rd year of operation
  • Ms. Jamie Brady - Principal
  • Website: www.lighthouse-academies.org/monument.htm
  • Phone: 317.351.2880
  • Address: 4002 North Franklin Road

The mission of Paramount School of Excellence: A Challenge Foundation Academy is to offer a world-class education to each child. Built on a foundation of knowledge and wisdom, each child will maximize their potential, developing the skills necessary to become successful and productive citizens in a Global society. Developing compassion and understanding, students will learn to respect their environment, themselves and one another. In addition to core academic instruction, the school will have a strong character education, physical education, music, art and world language programs. Paramount School of Excellence will also be Indianapolis' premiere "green school". The school is fully committed to waste reduction, reuse/recycling, geen-friendly paper/printing use, natural and biodegradable cleaning materials, anti-bacterial and chemical-free ingredients, and efficient power consumption through the use of fluorescent light bulbs and wind power.

  • Grades served: K-5 for 2010-2011 school year (will eventually serve grades K-8 at capacity)
  • Will open in Fall 2010
  • Mr. Tommy Reddicks - Principal
  • Website: http://paramountschool.org/
  • Phone: 800.778.9334
  • Address: 3020 Nowland Avenue

Southeast Neighborhood School of Excellence (SENSE) is a community-driven and neighborhood-based elementary school that nurtures academic excellence, social development and civic responsibility in every individual. SENSE seeks to build a strong foundation for learning and living by creating in its students a thirst for knowledge and an enthusiasm for learning. SENSE  school uses the Core Knowledge program, which teaches essential elements of math and oral/written expression in a comprehensive and systematic way. Teachers also work together to carefully link lessons from one year to the next. Students learn about basic principles of constitutional government, key events in world history, masterpieces of art and music, and traditional stories and poems. Science courses are taught through hands-on experiments, and math is taught with an emphasis on everyday examples.

  • Grades served: K-6 during the 2009-10 school year
  • 6th year of operation
  • Mr. J. C. Lasmanis- Principal
  • Website: www.senseindy.org
  • Phone: 317.423.0204
  • Address: 1601 South Barth Avenue

The Stonegate Early College High School for Science and Technologies (SECHS) 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 credit while in high school. SECHS adopted the Early College High School Initiative's core principles and based its curriculum on the Indiana State Academic Standards. At SECHS, 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.  SECHS 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 2009-10 school year
  • 4th year of operation
  • Dr. Scott Syverson - Principal
  • Website: www.lechs.net
  • Phone: 317.354.1100
  • Address: 2855 North Franklin Road

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Last Updated:  11/19/2009 6:02 AM

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