Ball State University has authorized a new public charter school in Hammond that will open in fall 2010.

President Jo Ann M. Gora has approved the sponsorship of Hammond Academy for Science and Technology after receiving recommendations from the Office of Charter Schools and community input at public meetings.

Hammond Academy for Science and Technology will initially serve grades 6-9 with a projected enrollment of 320 and will add a grade each year until it reaches grades 6-12. With the help of state-of-the-art technology, the school will provide a unique curriculum that will focus on project-based and place-based learning through a collaborative effort between students and local business and community members in an effort to develop the city.

"Authorizing this new charter school is another strong indicator of Ball State's commitment to provide distinctive educational opportunities which have a lasting economic impact on communities throughout Indiana," said Larry Gabbert, director of Ball State's Office of Charter Schools. "The school has gone through a rigorous evaluation process, and we are confident in the educational opportunities it will offer to area students."

Gora deferred action on the authorization of a new charter school in Chesterton, Ind., in order to allow for further review of the proposal.

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.

The university sponsors 29 public charter schools currently in operation across Indiana, with four scheduled to open in 2009 and three more in 2010.

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.

By Anthony Romano, Media Relations Manager