A buffet of options: Herron-Riverside’s mission to transform education

In the heart of the Historic Riverside District lies a high school that’s redefining education.

Herron-Riverside High School collaborates deeply with the community, centers student voice, embraces banned books, boasts strong Advanced Placement (AP) performance and offers dual-credit opportunities — all backed by data that proves its impact.

Located in the near northwest side of Indianapolis, Herron-Riverside is the second campus of the Herron Classical Schools Network. It is also one of the few schools in the state where the Head of School continues to teach in the classroom.

Emmanuel Harper wears many hats — Head of School, language expert and French teacher. Fluent in English, Spanish and French, he chooses to stay in the classroom because he believes every student deserves access to both strong language instruction and the person leading their school.

“Being in the classroom gives me a bird’s-eye view of the building — from both the faculty and administrative perspectives,” Harper said. “It allows me to better support teachers and tailor the learning experience for our students.”

Chasten Bear, the high ability coordinator and a founding math teacher, also plays a dual role in ensuring students access advanced opportunities. Last year, he taught Algebra I to eighth graders at Global Prep and continues to partner with community organizations to strengthen students’ math skills.

Bear believes the data speaks for itself.

“Just one AP class can change a student’s trajectory,” Bear said. “Even if they don’t score a 5, students who take AP courses are more likely to go to college.”

As a teacher of one of the College Board’s first AP Pre-Calculus courses, Bear makes it his mission to ensure that every student who completes Algebra II is encouraged — and prepared — to enroll in AP math coursework.

The leadership energy at Herron-Riverside is contagious. Harper enthusiastically describes the student experience as “a buffet of options,” emphasizing that Black and brown students are not monolithic.

“We’re intentional about offering students a taste of what the world has to offer,” Harper said.

One example is the Seed STEM Program, where high school students partner with college faculty to conduct research, write academic papers and submit them for peer-reviewed publication.

“Education doesn’t only live within these walls — it’s out there, in our community,” Harper said.

That community is rich with historic and cultural value, and full of partners eager to give back. Through partnerships with organizations like Aspire House and the BlaTina Career Exposure Program, students — particularly Black and Latina girls — explore careers in STEM, construction, woodworking, architecture and more.

During the school’s Summer Academy, students take field trips to local landmarks such as the Madam C.J. Walker Theatre and the Vonnegut Museum. These trips help students see themselves in the story of their city, connecting their own identities with the rich history all around them.

Herron-Riverside calls the historic Heslar Naval Armory home — a building full of character and meaning. Its walls tell stories, and the school uses that to bring Indiana’s history to life, weaving it right into the lessons with help from local partners.

At a recent parent information night on Thursday, July 24, families cited this “buffet of options” as a key reason for their interest. Herron-Riverside’s unique blend of tradition and innovation appeals to students from over 110 neighborhoods across Indianapolis.

“Our community engagement is what sets us apart,” Bear said. “Yes, we offer what traditional high schools offer — but we go beyond.”

And when students face obstacles, the school finds solutions.

“When students needed a ride to school, we purchased a bus,” Harper said. “When they wanted to learn how to fly, we partnered with Republic Airways. If they want to learn about agriculture, aviation, or the arts, we find community partners to support them.”

Robin Knop, Director of Mission Advancement for Herron Classical Schools, put it simply.

“We share our strengths. Herron students come to Herron-Riverside for AP classes, and Herron-Riverside students head to Herron for art and music,” Knop said. “It’s a true collaboration.”

At its core, Herron-Riverside is about breaking down barriers between schools, between communities and between students and opportunity.

“Our model leverages diversity — religious, political, socio-economic, academic preparedness, family engagement — and no matter where students come from, they graduate from Herron-Riverside more prepared for what the world is … so they can make the world more of what it should be,” Harper said.

With heart, rigor, and bold leadership, Herron-Riverside High School continues to raise the bar — and the Argonaut Pride in Riverside shows no signs of slowing down.