Indiana Charter Schools
Charter schools in Indiana are public schools and are tuition-free. They receive state funding based on enrollment, just like traditional public schools.
What Are Charter Schools? Charter schools operate with greater autonomy over curriculum and teaching methods compared to traditional public schools, which follow state-mandated standards and regulations.
Key Features:
- Flexibility: Greater autonomy over curriculum and teaching methods
- Teacher Licensing: Indiana requires 90% of charter school teachers to be licensed in the same manner as traditional public school teachers
- Accountability: Must meet state performance standards and enrollment requirements
Enrollment Model:
- Charter schools use open enrollment with lottery-based selection if they receive more applications than available seats
- Existing students and their siblings receive enrollment priority
- Any child eligible for public school can apply to attend a charter school
- No tuition charges – completely free to attend for all Indiana residents
Tuition: $0. Charter schools are public schools and are free to attend for all Indiana residents.
Enrollment Scale:
- 25,913 students in Indianapolis alone (2024–25)
- 61% of public school enrollment in IPS boundaries
- Additional charter schools operate throughout Indiana
Enrollment Timing:
- Most charter schools begin accepting enrollment inquiries in December for the following school year
- Lottery Timeline: Varies by school; schools hold public lottery drawings if oversubscribed
- Rolling Enrollment: Many charter schools also accept applications on a rolling basis throughout the school year if seats remain available
- Currently enrolled students must complete re-enrollment forms annually
Application Process: Contact the specific charter school directly to learn about their enrollment process and timeline. Each school sets its own enrollment procedures.
Cannot Combine with Choice Scholarship: Charter schools are public schools. Students enrolled in charter schools cannot use the Choice Scholarship to attend a private school. However, they may be eligible for SGO scholarships if the school participates in that program.
Open Enrollment Policy: Indiana’s open enrollment policy allows students to request transfers to public schools or districts outside their residential area (subject to capacity). This includes transfers to charter schools.