What Is 21st Century Charter

Overview

21st Century Charter School is a public charter school network located in Gary, Indiana, dedicated to preparing students for college and career success. Founded in 2005, the school was established to address underperformance in the city’s traditional public schools by offering a rigorous, project-based curriculum.

With a mission centered on equity and academic excellence, 21st Century Charter emphasizes college readiness, character development, and community engagement. The school has grown steadily, expanding from a single high school to a multi-campus network serving grades K–12.

• Opened in 2005 with only 185 students in grades 9 and 10, marking a new model for urban education in Northwest Indiana.
• Operates three campuses as of 2023: the original high school, a middle school, and a K–8 campus in Gary.
• Serves over 2,400 students annually, making it one of the largest charter networks in the region.
• Boasts a 95% graduation rate, significantly surpassing the Indiana state average of 88% in 2022.
• Requires college preparatory coursework for all students, including mandatory dual-credit opportunities with local institutions.

How It Works

21st Century Charter operates independently under a charter from Ball State University, allowing flexibility in curriculum and staffing while remaining publicly funded. The school blends traditional instruction with experiential learning, emphasizing critical thinking and real-world application.

• Charter Status: Operates under a performance contract with Ball State University, which reviews academic and financial accountability every five years. The most recent renewal occurred in 2020.
• Curriculum Model: Uses a project-based learning approach aligned with Indiana Academic Standards, with interdisciplinary units that integrate STEM and humanities.
• Admissions Policy: Open enrollment via lottery system; no selective admissions, serving a student population that is 98% African American and 85% economically disadvantaged.
• Teacher Certification: 100% of core subject teachers are licensed, with 40% holding advanced degrees in education or content areas.
• Extended Learning: Offers a 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. school day and mandatory Saturday academies twice per month to support academic growth.
• College Partnerships: Partners with Ivy Tech Community College to offer up to 30 dual-credit hours, reducing college tuition costs for graduates.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of 21st Century Charter with the average Indiana public school across key metrics:

Despite receiving less per-pupil funding than the state average, 21st Century Charter outperforms statewide metrics in graduation and college enrollment. This efficiency highlights the effectiveness of its focused instructional model and community support systems. The school’s ability to achieve strong outcomes with a high-poverty student population underscores its national significance as a model for urban charter education.

Why It Matters

21st Century Charter represents a scalable model for transforming education in underserved communities, combining high expectations with comprehensive support. Its success has drawn attention from policymakers and educators seeking to replicate its practices in other regions.

• Proven academic outcomes demonstrate that high-poverty students can excel when provided with structured, rigorous environments.
• Focus on college access has led to over 70% of graduates enrolling in postsecondary programs, many as first-generation college students.
• Community partnerships with local businesses and nonprofits provide internships and mentorship opportunities for students.
• Teacher development programs include weekly professional learning communities and leadership pathways for staff.
• Model for replication has been studied by charter networks in Chicago, Detroit, and Indianapolis aiming to adopt similar practices.
• Policy influence contributed to Indiana’s 2019 charter school funding equity reforms, advocating for fair per-pupil allocations.

By prioritizing both academic achievement and holistic development, 21st Century Charter continues to redefine what is possible in urban public education.