Trine charter school authorizer reports growth, increased satisfaction

Education One, Trine University’s charter school authorizer, has released its annual review and stakeholder survey data, reflecting growth in both the number of schools in its portfolio and the satisfaction of those it serves.

Education One reported it served eight school networks and nearly 3,000 students statewide in the 2020-21 school year. Three new schools — Lawrence County Independent Schools, The Nature School of Central Indiana and Paramount Online Academy — opened in the fall of 2021, and existing schools saw stable or increased enrollment.

Founded by parents, community members and teachers, Lawrence County Independent Schools (LCIS) in Bedford serves 302 students in grades K-8. LCIS provides challenging and application based/life-focused curriculum in a peaceful rural school learning environment.

The Nature School of Central Indiana (TNS) serves 121 students in grades K-8 in Indianapolis. TNS offers a unique approach by working within the principles of Waldorf Education and Maria Montessori, focusing on nature and experiential learning.

Paramount Online Academy (POA) serves 345 students virtually in grades K-8. Part of the Paramount Schools of Excellence network in Indianapolis, POA has innovated the online school model through synchronous instruction and by having all teachers located within one of the network schools to increase collaboration and professional development opportunities.

Other Education One-chartered schools are Timothy L. Johnson Academy and Timothy L. Johnson Academy Middle School in Fort Wayne; Thea Bowman Leadership Academy in Gary; Dynamic Minds Academy in Indianapolis; Career Academy High School, Career Academy Middle School and Success Academy Primary School in South Bend; and Phalen Virtual Leadership Academy serving students statewide.

In the stakeholder survey, 87.5% of those responding answered reported they were “very satisfied” with the partnership between Education One and their school. In addition, 10.7% reported they were “satisfied,” with the remainder answering “somewhat satisfied.”

The survey had a 72% participation rate from stakeholders including board members, employees and education service provider representatives.

According to the report, Education One’s action steps for continuous improvement in 2022 include hosting an Informal networking event for school leadership teams and continuing to develop its tiered support system to meet the needs of each individual school.

Education One at Trine University is one of about 45 higher education institutions in the United States serving as an authorizer of public charter schools, and one of four in the state of Indiana. Its schools implement a variety of innovative models serving special populations of students.

More information is available at education1.org.