Great Indy Neighborhoods: Publications


Neighborhood Resource Guide	< Back to Table of Contents

5: Education
Healthy neighborhoods place a high value on intellectual and moral education. All local institutions and social structures take extraordinary measures to provide support to local schools. Parents and adults actively participate in the education of children. Children and young adults are involved in neighborhood associations and other local leadership forums to provide civic responsibility training.

QUESTION - How can schools and education be improved in our neighborhood?
ANSWER - Bridges to Success (BTS) BTS brings together schools and many sectors of the community so that children and families succeed. The 40+ BTS schools have become hubs of their community and provide many resources to children, families and neighbors. Schools are open beyond the school day and are open to the community. BTS works with community partners to expand after-school programs, health clinics, and vision and dental services, and to provide school supplies and other resources children need. Visit http://www.bridgestosuccess.org.
ANSWER - Charter Schools Charter schools are public schools that are freed from most of the regulations governing traditional schools. They control their curriculum, staffing, organization and budget and must meet the highest academic standards. Similar to other public schools, charter schools work with neighborhoods to improve the community. To determine if there are charter schools in your neighborhood visit http://imaps.indygov.org/schools/.
ANSWER - Indianapolis Public Schools IPS serves students within the old city boundaries. The Office of School and Community Relations often works with community groups on community-school issues. It can assist in the development of partnerships between communities and their schools. Contact 226-4649 or http://www.headlines.ips.k12.in.us/.
ANSWER – Indianapolis Public Schools Renewal Team The Renewal Team is a volunteer effort that is challenging the myth that the IPS system does not provide an adequate education for everyone. Their emphasis is on three things they feel must happen for the renewal of the IPS: parents must care, the schools must care, and the city must care. Visit www.indyeducator.com.
ANSWER - Other Public School Corporations Many other public school corporations work with neighborhood organizations to improve schools. Contact: Beech Grove – www.bgcs.k12.in.us. Decatur Township - http://www.msddecatur.k12.in.us/. Franklin Township - http://www.ftcsc.k12.in.us/. Lawrence Township - https://www.ltschools.org/. Perry Township - http://www.msdpt.k12.in.us/. Pike Township - http://www.pike.k12.in.us/pikeweb/. Speedway - http://www.speedway.k12.in.us/. Warren Township - http://www.warren.k12.in.us/home/. Washington Township - http://www.msdwt.k12.in.us/. Wayne Township - http://www.wayne.k12.in.us/.
ANSWER - Private Schools Similar to public schools, private schools work with neighborhoods to improve the community. To determine if there are private schools in your neighborhood visit http://imaps.indygov.org/schools/.
QUESTION – How can we help adults be more engaged in our kids’ education?
ANSWER – Greater Educational Opportunities (GEO) Foundation GEO Foundation’s Parental Information and Resource Center provides information on a variety of issues, including school accountability, school choice and tutoring. Contact 536-1027 or www.geofoundation.org.
ANSWER – Indiana Partnerships Center The Center works to empower parents about their rights and responsibilities relative to their children’s education by providing parent-focused workshops that are scheduled by schools, community groups, or parent groups; education-related information and resource materials, including information about the state (PL221) and federal (No Child Left Behind) accountability laws; and helping schools develop parent engagement strategies. Contact 205-2595 or http://www.fscp.org/.
QUESTION - How can we help young people be more prepared for higher education?
ANSWER - Indiana College Answer Indiana College Answer is an online resource to help Indiana parents and students plan and pay for higher education. Visit www.indiana.collegeanswer.com.
ANSWER – Learn More Resource Center The Center’s Pre-K to College Connection helps students and parents learn about college in Indiana, preparing for college, getting to college, student financial aid, Indiana career information and other essential information. Contact 1-800-992-2076 or www.learnmoreindiana.org.