INPEA Is For Parents
Making the decision about where best to educate your child is one of the most important decisions a parent or guardian makes.
Matching what the school offers to the needs of the child is central to the decision. Non-public schools offer a wide array of programs. With both faith-based and independent options, parents can find the right school program, school size and school culture for their children and their family.
Why Choose a Non-Public School?
Most non-public schools in the state of Indiana are accredited. Many are accredited by the State of Indiana. Others are accredited by a variety of regional and national accrediting bodies including but limited to AdvancED (North Central), ISACS, ACSI, NLSA, CSI. Many non-public schools hold multiple accreditations.
Non-public schools in Indiana provide excellent academic options. Schools score high in the state’s school accountability (A- F) system with nearly 90% of state accredited school scoring an A or a B. In addition to high test scores, non-public schools boast high graduation rates and high college going rates. In addition to the academic benefit, the value-based education of non-public school provides a unique culture for student success.
If you are looking for a faith-based option, there are many to choose from including Catholic, Lutheran, Christian, Jewish, Baptist, Episcopal, Presbyterian, Islamic and Seventh-Day Adventist. There also a number of Amish schools in Indiana.
Many non-public schools provide tuition assistance for family with financial need. The state school choice program also can assist parents of lower incomes to afford a non-public school education. See our Scholarship Tax Credit and Choice Scholarship (Voucher) sections for more information.
Non-public schools are also excellent workplaces. CAPE explores the advantages of teaching in a private school on their website.
How to Choose a Non-Public School
Like making any purchase or investment, parents should do their homework:
- Research the school’s academic performance including accreditation status, test scores, graduation rates.
- Visit the school. Observe the climate of the school in the classrooms, in the hallways and on the playground. Talk to the teachers, administrators and staff. Is the school welcoming? Do people (students and staff) seem happy? How does it feel…is it a place you would entrust your children for most of their waking hours?
- Do the curricular and extracurricular programs match the needs of your children?
- Does the school’s mission match the values and expectations of your family?
- Talk to other parents.
For more information on selecting a school, download Choosing a School for Your Child.
