Indianapolis Public Schools features over 70 options. The large number is great for school choice, but the long list of schools can be intimidating for parents to research. To simplify the search for the right school, IPS is holding the Showcase of Schools.
The Showcase of Schools will be 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Nov. 10 at the Indiana State Museum.
“Our Showcase of Schools is basically a big open house where people can find representatives and leaders from all of our 70-plus schools and many of our departments and programs all under one roof,” Carrie Cline Black, IPS media relations coordinator, said.
Many of the K-12 schools on display feature unique programs such as Action-Based Learning, which uses exercise equipment such as bicycles and step masters during school work. While other education programs penalize children for being too fidgety, this program uses movement to help them focus.
In addition, the Showcase of Schools features IPS choice schools, formerly known as magnet schools, which offer unique educational strategies. Some choice schools follow more traditional formats while others are more specialized. For example, George Washington High School offers curriculum specializing in manufacturing, engineering, logistics, business, finance and IT.
The arts will also have a strong presence at the Showcase of Schools. Artistic schools will not only have booths but will also perform. One popular act arranged for the showcase is the Edison School of the Arts dance group.
“They have a new dance coordinator who is really doing some really fantastic things with the students,” Black said.
Alongside the schools, representatives from youth-serving organizations such as Center for Leadership Development, Young Actors Theater and Girls Inc. also will be available to provide information or help youth become involved in extracurricular opportunities.
Parents who have made up their mind can stop in the registration suite to apply to their schools of choice. Parents can access Enroll Indy’s online resources to sign up for multiple IPS schools. Enroll Indy’s staff knows not every parent visiting the showcase is familiar with the system, so staff will be there to provide needed assistance, Lauren Peterson, manager of Enroll Indy community engagement and outreach, said.
“We will be there, just to help them out, if they run into any issues,” Peterson said.
The Showcase of Schools not only helps parents with school choice it’s also a great way for IPS to highlight its diverse offerings to the community.
“You think of public schools you often think of one size fits all, but what we’ve come to realize is that children learn in different ways, so we have all types of programs to reflect that,” Black said.
Parents who are unable to attend the Showcase of Schools but still want to research and select IPS schools can use enrollindy.org. Round one of enrollment is now to Jan. 31. Round two is Feb. 1 to April 30.
Contact staff writer Ben Lashar at 317-762-7848.
Enroll Indy
In addition to learning about schools, parents can apply for the school(s) of their choice on site as the Enroll Indy application is currently available. The first round of applications will be accepted until Jan. 31. A second round of applications will be accepted Feb. 1 through April 30.
An application through Enroll Indy is required for choice programs but not neighborhood schools.
Showcase of schools
