Belonging at School Report: The Student Experience
INDIANAPOLIS – (July 11, 2025) – Today, The Mind Trust released “Belonging at School: The Student Experience,” a new student-centered report that examines how students perceive belonging in their schools and how these experiences influence their perceptions of school, their connection to learning, and whether they feel their needs are being met.
The report highlights the perspective of students attending four charter and innovation schools in Indianapolis. Spanning grades K–12, these schools represent a variety of academic models and approaches:
- Purdue Polytechnic High School
- Rooted School Indianapolis
- Adelante Schools
- BELIEVE Circle City High School
“At The Mind Trust, we believe student voices are among the most powerful tools we have to reimagine what’s possible in public education,” said Brandon Brown, CEO of The Mind Trust. “This report prioritizes the experiences of Indianapolis students and offers critical insights into what motivates them to do their best in school. Their reflections are a call to action for all of us to build schools where every student thrives.”
Themes of Student Belonging
Following extensive interviews aimed at gathering student perspectives on what makes them feel seen, heard, and valued in school, six overarching themes prevailed:
- Teachers: The Heart of Our School Experience
Across every focus group conducted for this study, one theme surfaced again and again: teachers shape the student experience more than any other factor. Their words make it clear: when teachers show up as humans first and reflect the diversity of the students they serve, they create school communities where students can truly thrive.
- Respect Needs Rules
In every focus group, students made it clear: structure and accountability matter. While much attention is often given to personalized learning and academic support, students also emphasized the importance of clear behavioral expectations and consistent follow-through when those expectations aren’t met.
- Push Us to Be Great
When it comes to academics, students were clear and consistent: they want to be challenged. They want teachers who challenge them, support them, and create classrooms that reflect their capacity to grow and succeed.
- Strong School Culture Builds Connection
For students, school culture is not just about rules and routines—it’s about recognition and belonging. They were especially appreciative of opportunities to share parts of their home cultures, such as traditional foods or dances, with their peers.
- Support the Whole Me
Students across all grade levels shared that schools that care for them as people, not just their academic performance, are the places where they feel most supported and motivated. Students shared that when they’re overwhelmed or upset, having a place to go, and an adult who listens without judgment makes a real difference.
- Prepare Us for What is Next
High school students across focus groups spoke with clarity and confidence about one of their top priorities: being prepared for life after graduation. Whether students were headed toward college, trades, the military, or taking a gap year, they wanted their schools to provide real-world skills, academic rigor, and multiple pathways to future success.
Where Do We Go From Here?
Belonging doesn’t stop at the classroom door. From access to mental health resources and extracurriculars to meals and transportation, students need systems that reflect their whole lives. As we think about the future of education in Indianapolis and beyond, these students offer a compelling call to action: build schools where students don’t just attend, they belong.
Click here to read the full “Belonging at School” report and to learn about what students are saying.