Charters Gain Key Approvals
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowTwo charter school applications have been approved by the Indianapolis Charter School Board. Indiana Math and Science Academy West, currently chartered by Ball State University, will become a Mayor Sponsored Charter School and Founders Classical Academy is expected to begin classes next fall. November 22, 2013
News Release
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Mayor Greg Ballard's Office of Education Innovation announced that the Indianapolis Charter School Board has approved the applications for two charter schools.
Indiana Math and Science Academy (IMSA) West, which operates at 4575 W 38th Street, will become a Mayor Sponsored Charter School at the conclusion of the current academic year. It is currently chartered by Ball State University. The change in charter authorizer will not alter operations at the K-12, tuition-free, college preparatory charter school, with 592 students attending this year. Two other IMSA campuses in Indianapolis (North and South) already operate as Mayor Sponsored Charter Schools. All three IMSA schools are governed by a local, independent board of directors and operated by Concept Schools.
Founders Classical Academy (Founders) intends to establish a high-performing K-8 mixed income school that utilizes a classical curriculum to boost the academic achievement of both high- and low-income students. Founders plans to locate in the Midtown area. The school will be governed by a local, independent board of directors and operated by Responsive Education Solutions. Founders plans to open in the Fall of 2014 serving 350 students.
“Nothing is more important to the strength of our neighborhoods than the quality of our schools,” said Mayor Ballard. “We are pleased that IMSA West will continue to serve students and families on the west side while Founders Classical Academy will provide a new option for families in the Midtown area.”
About Mayor Greg Ballard's Office of Education Innovation
Mayor Greg Ballard's Office of Education Innovation (OEI) authorizes 31 charter schools and four turnaround schools serving approximately 14,000 students across Indianapolis. Next year, OEI will authorize 41 total schools serving approximately 17,000 students. A 2012 Stanford University study found that students attending Mayor-sponsored charter schools receive an additional three months of learning in math and two additional months of learning in English Language Arts when compared to students attending traditional public schools. As the only mayor’s office in the country with the authority to directly authorize charter schools, OEI is considered a Model Authorizer by the National Association of Charter Schools.
Source: The Office of Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard