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.
jump start your College and career goals while exploring your passions at Purdue Polytechnic High Schools
Founded by Purdue University and the City of Indianapolis in partnership with community, industry, and academic leaders, Purdue Polytechnic High Schools delivers high-quality education that prepares every student for success in today’s dynamic and evolving world.
As a tuition-free educational institution, we specialize in innovative, college-preparatory experiences that inspire students to think critically, solve real-world problems, and emerge as leaders and innovators in their chosen fields.
Since opening our doors in 2017, we have grown to serve communities across Indiana, welcoming all students through our doors. Our student-centered, college and career-focused approach emphasizes creativity, collaboration, and practical skills, ensuring every learner is equipped to pursue their brightest future.
Through partnerships with industry leaders, hands-on projects, and personalized learning pathways, our students graduate prepared to succeed in college, careers, and beyond.
Join us and discover a community that champions excellence in education and empowers students to achieve their full potential.
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
VISION
We aspire to create a world of possibility where every student has the opportunity and access to achieve their goals and to realize their power to solve problems they encounter.
VALUES
Build a culture of communication, collaboration, and innovation that creates a positive and supportive environment conducive to high academic achievement.
“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 to student success
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 prioritizes student success.
We believe that through living these commitments, all students are empowered to achieve equally excellent outcomes.
We exist to transform educational systems and foster opportunities that empower every student to reach their full potential.
The primary objective of the mission is to prepare students for the rigor to be successful at Purdue University or any other pathway they may choose.
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 collaborate with our coaches to design projects that prepare students for success. They also mentor and support our students, teaching them about career opportunities in the Indianapolis market, opening their workplaces for student tours and internships, helping students complete their projects, and providing feedback on student work.
Academic Excellence and Hands-on Learning:
At PPHS, students don’t just learn—they create, collaborate, and innovate. With opportunities to take college-level courses and collaborate with Purdue University faculty, students engage in rigorous, hands-on programming that prepares them for real-world success.
They apply their knowledge through research, problem-solving, and prototyping while working alongside classmates, coaches, and industry mentors.
These dynamic projects challenge students to explore various fields, develop critical thinking skills, and build solutions that have real commercial viability.
Advisory: In Advisory, students work with their coaches and fellow students to set goals, review progress, discuss current events, and plan their learning activities to prepare for a successful week at school.
Every student has an Advisory Coach (who could also be called a Homeroom teacher) and is assigned to an advisory group of 15 to 17 students with whom they meet daily.
The advisory coach coaches the students on essential life skills, such as managing their schedules and time. They mentor and support the students regularly and advocate for their students while teaching them to advocate for themselves.
Families and guardians of students consider their student’s advisory coach the point person for all matters their student's school needs.
Personalized Learning Approach: We teach students how to think, not what to think.
We offer robust arts, business, humanities, and STEM projects for all students at all levels, and we invite students to be involved and inspired in all aspects of their learning through ongoing conversations with coaches.
At PPHS, students are empowered to select career pathways to explore and pursue related college credits and internships along the way.
At Purdue Polytechnic High School, students are inspired, engaged, immersed, and in charge of their learning. They leave high school with college credit and in-demand industry credentials, fully prepared to pursue their goals, whether at Purdue University, other colleges, or beyond. Our students graduate equipped with the skills and knowledge to thrive in higher education and the workforce.
Are you ready to enroll or interested in touring one of our campuses?