INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Public Schools Board of School Commissioners approved the administration’s plan for an all-Choice high school model. Beginning with the 2018-19 school year, each IPS high school will specialize in College- and Career-Themed Academies in addition to existing Choice programming, offering students a more rewarding and engaging academic experience. Under the New IPS High School Experience, students will choose a high school based on their desired area of study and not where they live.
As part of IPS’ high school Choice options, the Academies are designed to create more college and career pathways to help students graduate on time and achieve the district’s Three E’s — to be Enrolled in a two- or four-year college or university, Enlisted in the military or Employed at a livable wage upon graduation. The new options include elective career courses aligned to industry demand, industry certifications, and opportunities for students to earn college credit.
Recently, the Board approved the consolidation of the district’s high school structure — eliminating three high schools — beginning with the 2018-19 school year. TThe Board approved specific programming and leadership recommendations for the district’s new model. Those schools, programs and leaders are as follows:
Arsenal Technical High School: Construction, Engineering & Design Academy (new), Math & Science Academy (current), New Tech (current), Career Technology Center (current), Law & Public Policy Program (current). Lloyd Bryant was named Principal.
Crispus Attucks High School: Health Sciences Academy (new, with an expansion of current medical program offerings), Teaching, Learning & Leading Academy (new). Lauren Franklin was named Principal.
George Washington High School: Information Technology Academy (new), Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering & Logistics Academy (new), Business & Finance Academy (new). Stanley Law was named Principal.
Shortridge High School: International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (current), International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (new), Visual & Performing Arts and Humanities (current, relocated). Shane O’Day was named Principal.
Additionally, Edison School of the Arts leader Nathan Tuttle will oversee arts integration and K-12 alignment during the transition of the Visual and Performing Arts high school program to Shortridge.