Why families deserve schools that fit their kids—not just the system
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If you've ever helped a child with homework, you know the truth: kids learn in different ways. Some are hands-on. Some need quiet. Some thrive in structure, others need more movement and freedom. And yet, for too long, public education has tried to fit every student into the same model.
That’s starting to change and charter schools are part of that progress.
Public charter schools are still public. They’re free, open to all, and held accountable for results. What makes them different is the freedom to design schools around how students actually learn, not just how the system has always operated.
They don’t try to be everything for everyone. Instead, they focus, intentionally, on offering something specific that certain kids need.
And that’s a good thing.
At Global Preparatory Academy on Indy’s west side, students learn in both English and Spanish. For bilingual families—or for any family that wants their child to be globally ready, this isn’t just a feature, it’s the whole reason they enrolled. The dual-language model supports academic growth while also honoring culture and identity.
Meanwhile, Herron High School offers a classical education grounded in art, literature, and logic. For students who love to read, question, and discuss—Herron feels like a perfect fit. It’s public education, just with a different lens.
These schools aren’t “better” than traditional school, they’re different on purpose. And that difference is what helps some students thrive.
It’s not about rejecting the traditional public school system. It’s about making it more responsive to the diverse needs of students and communities.
Some kids do great in a large district high school with AP classes and Friday night football. Others need smaller class sizes, specialized support, or a learning environment that feels less overwhelming. Families shouldn’t have to settle—or move across town—to find the right match.
They should have real options within the public system.
We’ve grown beyond the one-size-fits-all approach in so many areas of life—healthcare, entertainment, even groceries. Education should be no different. Public schools should be built to meet students where they are, not where we assume they should be.
That’s why ICIC supports public charter schools as part of Indiana’s education landscape. Not as a replacement, but as a complement, offering more models, more flexibility, and more chances for students to find their path.
Because when schools fit students—not just systems—everyone wins.
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