Press Releases | July 25, 2016

Mayor, IPS, The Mind Trust to cut ribbon on Global Prep Academy, another new IPS Innovation School

IndianapolisMayor Joe Hogsett, Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) superintendent Dr. Lewis D. Ferebee and The Mind Trust will join local students, families and teachers to cut the ribbon onGlobal Preparatory Academy (GPA), one of IPS’ newest Innovation Network Schools, later this week.

Innovation Network Schools are a new category of public schools made possible by recent state laws allowing IPS and other districts to replace chronically underperforming or underused schools with new, autonomous schools exempt from many district and state practices and regulations.  In exchange for this autonomy, the schools are held to the highest academic standards.  Since the school board must approve each school, the schools stay within the district, allowing the board to hold them accountable for their performance.

GPA will be located at Riverside School 44, which had been one of IPS’ lowest performing schools.  As a restart of School 44, GPA will continue to serve the school’s existing students, in addition to students from around the city returning to IPS.

When:   Thursday, July 28;  10-10:30 a.m.

WhereGlobal Prep Academy @ Riverside 44, 2033 Sugar Grove Ave.

Who:     Mayor Joe Hogsett;  Dr. Lewis D. Ferebee, superintendent, IPS; Mariama Carson,founder & principal, GPA;  Julio Gonzales, board chair, GPA; Representatives of The Mind Trust;  GPA students & families.

IPS is the first district in the state to create new Innovation Schools.  The Mind Trust, IPS and the Mayor’s Office formed a partnership in 2014 to launch these new schools in the district.

GPA, led by The Mind Trust Fellow Mariama Carson, eventually will serve students in pre-K-8.  Native English- and Spanish-speaking students will receive instruction in both languages and will develop strong critical thinking skills through a global, hands-on curriculum that engages their creativity.  Before starting her fellowship with The Mind Trust, Carson was a nationally recognized educator with 20 years experience as a public school teacher and administrator.

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