Equity in Action Report: Four Indianapolis Charter Schools Achieving Remarkable Student Outcomes

(May 21, 2024) – INDIANAPOLIS – Today, The Mind Trust unveiled “Equity in Action,” a new report shedding light on the exemplary efforts of four public charter school networks in Indianapolis that are achieving remarkable academic and life outcomes for students. This research initiative was driven by the recognition that the practices of successful schools often remain unrecognized yet are integral to implementing equitable outcomes for all students.

The report showcases four school networks, each with its unique approach to equity:

• BELIEVE Circle City High School pursues equity through access to accelerated academic and career pathways, a rigorous, culturally affirming environment, and exposure through partnerships.
• Circle City Prep achieves equity through an unapologetic focus on data-driven literacy and mathematics instruction, holistic student and family support, and intentionally honoring student heritage and identity.
• Herron Classical Schools achieve equity through an unrelenting focus on scholarship, intentional use of data, and habit formation as a core component of tiered supports.
• Paramount Schools of Excellence champion equity by respecting each individual, correcting injustices, cultivating engaging learning environments, and purposefully utilizing data, evidence-based resources, and wraparound support.

“I am excited to highlight and showcase the transformative impact of Indianapolis charter schools in achieving remarkable student outcomes,”  said Brandon Brown, CEO for The Mind Trust. “Through relentless dedication and innovative leadership, the Equity in Action report showcases how these schools exemplify the art of proving what’s possible.”

Uncovering Themes of Equitable Student Success

Following extensive interviews aimed at uncovering practices for achieving equitable outcomes for students, three overarching themes prevailed:

1. Steadfast Commitment to Academic Acceleration

Each school emphasizes establishing a clear academic bar for students and implementing strategies to expedite their progress toward those goals. They guarantee that every student has access to grade-level instruction, dual-credit courses, and accelerated career pathways in high school, ensuring a seamless transition to the workforce or higher education upon graduation.

2. Adeptly Leveraging Student Data

All schools employ diverse formal and informal assessments to gather data, utilizing it to pinpoint additional support required for students to achieve their goals.

3. Fostering a Conducive Learning Environment through Strategic Partnerships

Each network creates a conducive learning environment through strategic partnerships, cultural affirmation, implementing multi-tiered systems of support for academic, attendance, and social-emotional needs. 

Inspiring a Path Forward

As we look to the future of education, a path forward is clear: we must prioritize automatic access to quality education for all, leverage data to inform decisions, identify and remove barriers that hinder student success, and share the load of responsibilities and opportunities when creating equitable educational environments.

For more information about “Equity in Action” and to learn about each featured school’s unique contributions, please visit www.themindtrust.org/equityreport