When U.S. News & World Report named KIPP Indy Legacy High one of the top ten public high schools in Indianapolis, many of us were surprised, but also deeply proud. For a school that opened its doors in 2019, to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with schools that have been around for generations is proof of something powerful: what’s possible when young people in 46218 are surrounded by a school community that believes in us and invests in our future.
This ranking wasn’t just about test scores. It reflected six college- and career-readiness indicators, from Advanced Placement participation to graduation rates, and it revealed something bigger: the way our neighborhood has rallied around education as a key pillar of the Martindale Brightwood Quality of Life Plan. For us, this milestone is about more than numbers; it’s about the doors opening for our futures and the legacy we are building together in our community.
Finding our voices
For Tahir Hemphill, being at a top ten school means having teachers who recognize his potential and push him further. He’s already taking dual credit and advanced placement (AP) courses, and through his teachers’ encouragement, he has discovered his passion for writing.
“Even outside of class, my teachers inspire me to think about my future,” Hemphill said. “I’ve started writing short stories and poems because my English teacher, who’s also a writer, showed me what’s possible.”
At Legacy, learning doesn’t stop at academics; it’s about discovering who we are and what we can become.
A shared achievement
Tammy Woodley describes the ranking as both surprising and joyful: “We’re such a new school compared to others, so to already be in the top ten shows how hard we’ve worked together. It’s not just individual effort — it’s students, teachers, and families creating something big.”
For Woodley, the recognition is about honoring the creativity, persistence, and teamwork it took to get here.
Building Futures
For El’Faygo Thomas, the recognition lifts up the strength of Martindale Brightwood.
“At KIPP, community is at the center,” Thomas said. “We have a whole class dedicated to preparing for college and careers. Whether you want to go to college, a trade, or something else, the school helps you plan your path.”
Thomas is proud that the top ten designation confirms what students already know: KIPP Legacy prioritizes success, joy and preparation for the future.
Relationships that matter
Juan Cruz emphasizes that being in a smaller school makes a big difference.
“Here, teachers build real relationships with us, even if we’re struggling,” Cruz said. “They motivate us to want to do better, and they even support students in things like sports by making sure we have what we need.”
For Cruz, KIPP Legacy’s strength isn’t just in academics, it’s also in the sense of belonging that pushes students to thrive.
A community victory
Together, our reflections tell a story bigger than one school. Being named a top ten high school is a reflection of Martindale Brightwood’s vision and determination to create opportunity for young people in 46218.
It’s about families, educators, and community partners working side by side to show what’s possible when we invest in our neighborhood’s brilliance. We know this recognition is not the end — it’s a beginning. The true victory lies in the futures we are shaping, the dreams we are chasing, and the community that continues to lift us up.
