A revolutionary school backed by a pioneering university
High school graduates are entering college ill-prepared for the rigors of post-secondary education. The traditional classroom experience – centered around prescribed schedules and teacher lectures - leaves many students unequipped to navigate the collaborative, self-directed pace of post-secondary education. Many students also lack the necessary technical aptitudes, on-the-job experience, and life skills employers demand. These are symptoms of an educational system that hasn’t kept pace with a 21st-century, global economy that is technology-focused and values life-long learning and problem-solving.
“Recognizing that far too few urban Indianapolis high school graduates are academically prepared for the rigors of post-secondary education in scientific and technological studies, Purdue is leading in the creation of Purdue Polytechnic High School.”
Mitch E. Daniels Jr.
Former President, Purdue University
Former Governor, State of Indiana
We value that every person brings a unique perspective and experience to solving the complex problems facing the world today.
Our Commitment
We welcome all individuals of all identities and backgrounds to have a voice in our school community.
We commit to:
Create a school culture that understands complex problems from a historical context.
Build and sustain an environment of belonging where all members of our community are safe and valued.
Continually evaluate our school systems and practices to ensure that every decision is grounded in equity.
We believe that through living these commitments, all students are empowered to achieve equally excellent outcomes.
We strive to disrupt the systems and institutions that create racial inequities and marginalize or oppress any group or individual.
The primary objective of our mission is to prepare more underrepresented students for success at Purdue.
Our commitment to diversity, equity
and belonging
At Purdue Polytechnic High Schools, we are committed to ensuring that every student receives a high-quality education that prepares them for success in today's dynamic world. As a tuition-free educational institution, we believe in providing our students with innovative project-based learning experiences that inspire and empower them to become leaders and innovators in their chosen fields.
Since opening our doors in 2017, we have expanded our network to operate high schools across the state, accepting all Indiana residents regardless of ability or background. Our student-centered and project-based approach to learning fosters creativity, critical thinking, and real-world problem-solving skills, preparing our students for a successful future. Join us at Purdue Polytechnic High School and be part of a community dedicated to excellence in education.
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Mission
Through STEM-focused and real-world experiences, we empower students to create the world they envision by developing the minds of creative problem-solvers and skilled achievers.
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Vision
We aspire to create a world of equity where every student has the opportunity and access to achieve their goals and to realize their power to solve problems they encounter.
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Values
Build a culture of communication, collaboration, and innovation that creates a positive and supportive environment conducive to high academic achievement.
Meet a new school of thought: Purdue Polytechnic High School
Founded by Purdue University and the City of Indianapolis in partnership with community, industry, and academic leaders, Purdue Polytechnic High School prepares students to succeed in technical, STEM-related post-secondary programs and high-tech careers.
Purdue Polytechnic High School inspires students to pursue their passion through the lens of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), hands-on and project-based learning, industry partnerships, and a flexible, personalized learning environment.
Learning
STEM-focused: Our students learn core academic principles and skills needed in the 21st-century economy through an immersive STEM experience. Our students graduate with a well-rounded education, possessing the critical thinking and problem-solving skills needed to succeed in college and the workforce.
Community Partnerships: Our partners – from Elevate and more – serve as our guides. They partner with our coaches to design projects that will prepare students for success. They also mentor and support our students, teaching them about career opportunities available in the Indianapolis market, opening their workplaces for student tours and internships, helping students complete their projects, and providing feedback on student work.
Hands-on and Project-based Learning: Students use their hands and their minds, learning by doing, not just by listening. Students collaborate with fellow classmates, coaches, and industry mentors to successfully complete projects that are designed by our industry partners. These projects challenge students to dive deep into research, determine commercial viability, gather data and brainstorm solutions, conduct trials, and build prototypes toward the best project outcome. This learning method – called the PPHS Design Process – is at the center of everything we do at Purdue Polytechnic High School.
Flexible and Personalized Learning Environment: Every student has a personalized learning coach (the PPHS word for “teacher”) and is assigned to an advisory group of 15 to 17 students with whom they start and end each day. Students work with their coaches and fellow students to set goals, review progress, discuss current events, and plan their learning activities to build their schedules for the week. Students have ownership of their learning schedule, seek mentoring and support when they need it, and learn how to manage their workload and schedules.