In May, 2001, Indiana became the 37th state to pass charter schools legislation. The new law gave the Mayor of Indianapolis, among other entities, the authority to charter schools. Later that same year, Christel House Academy was legally established, and its board of directors began the ambitious task of applying to the Mayor’s office for authority to create a charter school.
The objective was to develop a charter school where excellence was the standard; where a rigorous curriculum was combined with high expectations of both academics and behavior; and where underserved, inner-city population could receive a free, public education on par with the best private schools. And, the school would encourage those civic, ethical and moral values necessary to equip students to become self-sufficient and productive members of society. Reflecting research-based best practices, the Academy’s application was submitted to the Mayor’s office and in March , after numerous public hearings, Christel House Academy’s Charter was approved. Now the real work could begin.
Christel House International purchased a large picturesque parcel of land, located in a highly depressed area of the city, which was the subject of a tax dispute, as the future site of Christel House Academy. An existing structure proved partially suitable to form the cornerstone of the new facility, but significant renovation and new construction would be required to meet the school’s needs. Would it be possible to market the school, recruit the students, develop the curriculum, hire and train the staff, order the textbooks, computers, supplies and fixtures, develop processes and procedures, understand governmental accounting and reporting requirements, complete the new facility—and still open the doors in the fall of 2002. It was a highly ambitious task, but students and parents—excited about this new option in public education—were counting on us. Construction crews worked around the clock; staff burned the midnight oil, and on September 3 , 2002 Christel House Academy opened its doors to 230 students, kindergarten through 4th grade.
However, this first group of students presented its share of challenges. Three weeks after opening its doors, Christel House Academy administered the ISTEP—Indiana’s annual standardized testing—only to learn that the performance of its student body was the worst of any school in entire the state! Only 18% could pass both the Language and Mathematics portions of the test. Armed with the knowledge that there was no where to go but up, teachers, students and administrators got down to work. Using a “no excuses” approach to both academic learning and appropriate behavior, the Academy began the journey toward excellence. And, that goal has been achieved. While we will always strive to be even better, Christel House Academy has achieved AYP (Annual Yearly Progress under No Child Left Behind) every year of operation. In the 2006-07 academic year the school received an Exemplary rating—the highest possible—from the Indiana Department of Education, and its average ISTEP passage rate had increased to over 70%. It has been an arduous journey, but seeing the results of our work, and knowing that the future for these children is indeed bright, make this truly a labor of love.
