Indianapolis, IN, December 8, 2023– The Indianapolis Mayor’s Office of Education Innovation (OEI) recognized Purdue Polytechnic High Schools as one of four high-performing local charter school networks in the city of Indianapolis. It awarded PPHS with the “Enduring Excellence” distinction and accompanied a 15-year charter renewal - a first for schools authorized by the city.
According to the Office of Education (OEI), the” Enduring Excellence” distinction was created after the Indiana General Assembly passed Senate Enrolled Act 391 in May 2023, which allows Indiana authorizers to grant charters up to 15 years. Schools that are considered have to be a part of a charter network where at least one of the schools is approaching renewal. Schools must show they meet standards overall across four areas of the OEI’s performance framework in their renewal reports, which contain data from the first five years of their terms. OEI’s framework evaluates data in four areas: academics, finance, governance, and external site visit evaluations.
“It is no secret that OEI’s portfolio includes some of the best schools not just in our city, but in the entire state,” said Patrick McAlister, Director of OEI. “I am pleased this week to celebrate schools in four of our most distinguished networks and the work they’re doing in our community.”
The renewal process, which spans several months, was made possible by the dedicated efforts of many team members who worked behind the scenes and members of the community. On Dec 6, 2023, a hearing was held where members of the PPHS Community shared their stories of how the school has shown innovation and has impacted their lives. During the hearing, Huma Moghul, a PPHS Englewood Senior, shared her story of sacrifice, learning, and personal growth as a student. She emphasized that PPHS offers diverse pathways for students to explore. Shannon Glassy a parent of PPHS Broad Ripple student, highlighted the positive impact on her child’s social skills, confidence, and exploration of new passions, such as agriculture, opening up new possibilities they hadn’t considered before.
“We are honored to be granted a 15-year charter renewal by the OEI, recognizing PPHS alongside other outstanding institutions like Herron Classical Schools and Paramount Schools of Excellence,” said Dr. Keeanna Warren, CEO at Purdue Polytechnic High Schools. “This achievement is a testament to the efforts of the PPHS Staff, who work tirelessly to ensure we nurture student genius and provide opportunity and access to our students.”
About Purdue Polytechnic High Schools: Purdue Polytechnic High Schools (PPHS) is a tuition-free educational institution dedicated to providing students with innovative, project-based learning experiences that prepare them for success in the modern world. Having opened its doors in 2017, the network operates four high schools across the state and accepts all students who are Indiana residents regardless of ability or background. Purdue Polytechnic High Schools is proud to partner with Purdue University to provide a unique pathway for students to the university.