Saved Schools

Purdue Polytechnic High School – Englewood

Purdue Polytechnic High School - Englewood, nominated by Getting Smart, NewSchools Venture Fund and an anonymous organization, is a high school in Indianapolis, Indiana, that describes itself as a public charter school serving learners from a primarily urban area.

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Location Indianapolis, Indiana

Governance Public Charter School

Grades High

Students 600

Locale Urban

Chief Academic Officer Krista Primrose

Demographics

Percentage of students*

24%

English Learners

58%

Free/Reduced Lunch

15%

Students with Disabilities

African American or Black 39%

American Indian/Alaska Native —

Asian 1%

Hawaiian or Pacific Islander —

Hispanic or Latino 14%

White 40%

2+ Races —

Why Purdue Polytechnic High School – Englewood was nominated

Purdue Polytechnic is building a STEM school around students. When Purdue Polytechnic says they are personalizing and individualizing, they mean it. Students create individualized schedules and engage in real-world challenges with industry partners. The challenges are mapped to Indiana standards for high school, Purdue admission requirements, and Indiana Workforce Development goals. Created in partnership with Purdue University, business leaders, and industry partners, Purdue Polytechnic High School is preparing a new generation with the skills and mindsets needed for the jobs of the future. Students will earn college credit and in-demand industry credentials, and qualified graduates will get direct admission to Purdue Polytechnic Institute. , We provide real-world experiences that are free of classroom boundaries. Our students are exposed to a variety of industries and experiences that give them the opportunity to explore their interests and discover their passions. They engage in work-based learning opportunities and hands-on projects that solve real-world problems in their communities., The PPHS Lab high school uses state funding and operates in partnership with industry and community members. Their growth plans include scaling to serve 40 students in 2024-2025, with the intention of replicating upon demonstrating model efficacy and viability.

Student experience design

PPHS was built from the ground up to be different. Instead of rows of desks and long lectures, students at PPHS learn by doing. They take on real projects, solve real problems, and work alongside adults who believe in their potential. The learning is hands-on, rigorous, and fully aligned to Indiana state standards. Students earn credit for every required course and have the opportunity to take Advanced Placement (AP) classes and college-level coursework that prepares them for what’s next.

Core Practices

Core Practices Length of Use

Co-leadership
5+ years

Flexible Staffing & Alternative Teaching Roles
5+ years

Grading Policies Focus On Mastery
5+ years

Higher Education Partnerships
5+ years

All Courses Designed For Inclusion
5+ years

All Practices

Advancement On Mastery

Assessments For Career Readiness

Assessments For Deeper Learning

Assessments For Social-emotional Skills

Career Advising & Support

Career Exploration

College Advising & Support

Community And Workforce Partnerships

Family And Community Support Services

Cooperative Education

Culturally Responsive Practices

Disaggregated Data On Student Participation

Industry-aligned Learning Pathways

Internships

Mental Health Services

Multi-tiered System Of Support (MTSS) In Academics

Multi-age Classrooms

Project-based Learning

Peer To Peer Support

High Quality Instructional Materials

Restorative Practices

SEL Integration School-wide

Student-led Conferences

Students Access Their Own Data

Students Develop Projects

Trauma-informed Practices

Tutoring

Career Prep

key reasons for innovating

Improve academic achievement

Increase student agency

Increase teacher agency

Date Updated: 4/1/2026

*Canopy profile data is self-reported or sourced from NCES data, then verified by school leaders.