IPS Registers as a Charter Authorizer

On May 1, 2026, the Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) Board of School Commissioners formally submitted a Notice of Intent to the Indiana Department of Education to register as a charter school authorizer. 

Following the passage of House Enrolled Act 1423 (2026), which designates the IPS Board as one of three primary authorizing entities within district boundaries, IPS is formalizing its role as a charter authorizer. This action aligns with the state-mandated transition to a single performance framework and ensures that autonomous schools remain under local oversight. 

The IPS Authorizing Strategy: A Dual-Track Approach

• Strengthening Success: Providing a formal home for results-driven oversight for high-performing Innovation Network Schools that have already demonstrated success under our frameworks.
• Vetting New Quality Partners: Rigorously approving new charter applicants who demonstrate the capacity to meet our high standards for student growth, financial health, and equitable governance.

How We Partner: A Clear Path for Quality Schools

IPS serves as a local steward of our city’s schools, ensuring that the growth of new educational options is intentional and meets the specific needs of our neighborhoods. The partnership process follows a rigorous annual cycle:

• Annual Cycle (March – December): The process begins each March with a mandatory Letter of Intent (LOI). This helps the district plan for transportation and facilities while ensuring new schools are located where they are needed most.
• Two Pathways to Partnership: We utilize distinct tracks to ensure high standards:
  • New Operator Pathway: An 8-month track for those starting new schools, requiring a full mission plan, financial sustainability studies, and documented community support.
  • Existing School Pathway: A 4-month streamlined track for high-performing schools already serving Indianapolis families, based on a deep audit of their academic and financial track records.
• Expert Vetting: Every application is evaluated by panels of local academic leads and external specialists to ensure an objective, high-quality assessment of the school’s potential.

Commitment to Monitoring & Renewal

Authorizing is a long-term commitment to families. IPS-authorized schools enter a structured lifecycle of accountability:

• Annual Performance Reports: IPS provides public reports on academic, financial, and organizational progress every year so families can see exactly how their school is performing.
• Rigorous Renewal (Year 5): Every five years, schools undergo a comprehensive “Renewal” check. This includes a site visit by independent reviewers to ensure the school continues to meet the “IPS Standard” for student success.

Built on Proven Capacity

This work is led by the Office of Innovation & Portfolio Management within the Office of the Deputy Superintendent. Our team of seasoned leaders brings a decade of experience in school oversight, utilizing rigorous data and established Performance Frameworks to ensure every school is set up to succeed for the students of Indianapolis.

View IPS Letter of Intent 

Download the Full IPS Letter of Intent

For questions regarding the charter authorizing process or the IPS Innovation Network, please contact the Office of the Deputy Superintendent at ipsexternalaffairs@myips.org