Students at Indianapolis Metropolitan High School are required to apply to at least three, two- or four-year colleges or universities before graduation and participate in college prep activities throughout the year.

Press Release

Indianapolis, Ind. -- Thirty-eight seniors will walk across the stage to receive diplomas on Saturday, May 31, during the graduation ceremony for Indianapolis Metropolitan High School, the public charter school operated by Goodwill Education Initiatives, Inc.

95% of Indianapolis Met’s class of 2008 will be attending a two- or four-year college or university this fall.

Goodwill Education Initiatives opened the public charter high school in 2004. Students’ interests drive their learning, class sizes are small, students earn credit for work at internships and earn dual credit for taking college classes.

The goal of the school is for every student not only to graduate, but also to attain some level of post-secondary education.

The school’s college prep curriculum gives students hands-on access to post-secondary educational options. Students are required to apply to at least three, two- or four-year colleges or universities before graduation, and participate in college prep activities throughout the year, including classroom instruction on college choices, essay writing for admissions applications, SAT and ACT test prep and college culture.

But the school’s support of graduating seniors won’t stop once they’ve walked across the stage to accept their high school diplomas on Saturday. This summer, Indianapolis Met will offer several activities to keep students excited about college and to help them prepare for the transition.

These activities will include lessons on outfitting college dorm rooms and coping with homesickness and studying. Throughout the year, college counselors and staff will keep in touch with graduates via e-mail, telephone calls and online networking sites.

“Seeing the progress our students have made academically and in their personal qualities from their freshman year is nothing short of amazing,” said Scott Bess, chief operating officer. “The biggest thing is they are seeing new possibilities they didn’t see years ago.”

During Saturday’s ceremony, Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard, the only mayor in the country with the authority to grant charters, will address the graduates.

The ceremony is scheduled for 1 p.m. in Ransburg Auditorium at the University of Indianapolis.

Source: Goodwill Education Initiatives, Inc.