Ball State has approved three new charter schools: Montessori Academy in Indianapolis and Indiana Math and Science Academy with locations in Gary and Indianapolis.

Based upon a recommendation of a charter school review panel and after receiving community input at each school's public hearing, Ball State President Jo Ann M. Gora approved the sponsorship of the schools.

"Ball State is truly dedicated to building better communities, and by sponsoring these charter schools we are giving parents and students across the state added opportunities to grow and excel in education," she said.

The three charter schools approved are:

• Montessori Academy at Geist in Indianapolis: Currently, it is operating as a private school in the Geist area. As a charter school, it will begin serving students in grades 1-6 in the fall with a proposed enrollment of 44 students. Additional classes and grades 7 and 8 will be added the following year, with a proposed maximum of 128 students by 2008. The academy will offer a diverse curriculum that promotes academic success, social awareness, problem solving and independent thought. This approach reflects respect for children and an appreciation of differences in learning styles, while emphasizing the identification and utilization of individual strengths and interests to assist in learning. 

• Indiana Math and Science Academy in Gary and Indianapolis: The schools will open in fall 2007, each serving students in grades 6-8 with proposed enrollments of 225 students. Each school will add one grade every year until grades 6-12 are served, growing to a maximum of 525 students in 2011. The schools' mission is to provide a rigorous college preparatory program focusing on science, mathematics and technology in an atmosphere that provides students, parents and teachers opportunities for continuous growth. The learning environment will consist of small class sizes, individualized learning and multiple instructional strategies. The school will bring together best practices in math and science education, empowering students to prepare for college, careers and citizenship in the global economy.

Before these schools were approved, they were reviewed for community support, engaging educational programs and other aspects such as finances and facilities. These three schools meet the expectations necessary to start and operate a successful charter school, said Barbara Downey, interim director of Ball State's Office of Charter Schools.

"Our sponsorship of these schools demonstrates not only our continued commitment to education, but also our confidence in the abilities, curriculum and teaching methods of these schools," she said.  "Each one of the school organizers has a clear and compelling educational vision as well as a plan for implementing that vision."

Earlier this year, Ball State approved the sponsorship of KIPP LEAD (Knowledge is Power Program, student Leaders with Empathy, Achievement and Dedication) College Preparatory Charter School in Gary, which will open this fall.

In 2001 the Indiana General Assembly approved legislation allowing four-year public universities, public school districts and the mayor of Indianapolis to sponsor charter schools. Ball State is the only university authorizing charter schools in Indiana, with 14 in operation and seven more to open this fall and fall 2007. As a public charter schools authorizer, Ball State does not run the schools but reserves the right to rescind a charter if a school fails to meet performance standards.

(Note to editors: For more information, contact Downey at (765) 285-1336 or visit www.bsu.edu/teachers/charter.)