Five Charter Networks Seek Partnership with IPS

Five charter school networks want to partner with Indianapolis Public Schools next school year.

These schools would operate independently from most district policies but can receive services like bussing and food plans. In exchange, the charter schools’ academic achievements count towards IPS’ final accountability grade from the state.

Charter partnerships with IPS have been controversial but are largely supported by the current school board. Commissioner Mary Ann Sullivan voiced her support during November's school board meeting.

“The smartness of collaboration for our entire community, most importantly for our kids,” Sullivan says. “The arguments we get into are usually arguments about adult stuff not about kid stuff.”

Purdue Polytechnic High School wants to open a second location on Indianapolis’ north side. Their first high school is already partnered with IPS. Its leaders say the second location would be an option for northside residents of the district and township students.

“We wanted to go somewhere where we could attract and make it easy for students who are in those schools, where there are no other options –– other than paying money to go to a private school,” Scott Bess, head of Purdue Polytechnic High School says. “We wanted to give them an option to have a high-quality high school to attend.”

Other interested partners include KIPP Indy Schools. KIPP leaders plan to open a high school next year and hope to partner with the district. Its middle and elementary school are already partnered with IPS.

Phalen Leadership Academies want to bring two schools into a district partnership –– Phalen already has two schools partnered with IPS.

Tindley Accelerated Schools want to bring its five existing charter schools into the district.

Unlike the other four charter school networks, Invent Learning Hub has not yet opened a school. Its leaders want to open a K-4 school on the city’s southeast side.

All the proposed charter partners will open or remain open regardless of a district partnership.

The school board is slated to vote to approve or deny charter partnerships early next year.