INDIANA – As the calendar turns to late January, thousands of Hoosier families are preparing to take the driver’s seat in their children’s education. Beginning Sunday, Jan. 25, Indiana will join the rest of the country in celebrating National School Choice Week, a week-long initiative designed to help parents navigate the increasingly diverse landscape of K-12 education.
With more than 620 schools participating across the state—representing over 183,000 students—Indiana is positioning itself as a leader in educational flexibility.
A Record Number of Opportunities
The week aims to act as a “springboard” for parents to explore the full spectrum of learning environments. In the greater Indianapolis area alone, 263 schools and nonprofit organizations are scheduled to host school fairs, open houses, and community forums.
“Families in Indiana have more choices for their children’s education today than at any other time in history,” said Andrew Campanella, CEO of the National School Choice Awareness Foundation. “We encourage moms and dads to use this week to find learning environments where their children have even greater opportunities to reach their fullest potential.”
Navigating the Hoosier Landscape
Indiana offers a wide variety of “mix-and-match” learning styles, ensuring that “best” is defined by the individual needs of the child rather than a one-size-fits-all model. The options available to Indiana parents include:
- Traditional Public Schools: Currently serving nearly 80% of Indiana students.
- Public Charter and Magnet Schools: Offering specialized curricula and independent operations.
- Private Schools: Often accessible via the state’s robust choice programs.
- Online Learning & Homeschooling: For families seeking flexibility and home-based instruction.
- Microschooling: Small-group learning environments tailored to specific student cohorts.
New Laws, Fewer Barriers
For those looking at traditional public options, recent legislative changes have made the process easier. While Indiana operates under “restricted open enrollment,” a new law passed in 2024 has eliminated fees for out-of-district transfers.
Parents can now request transfers if their current school is overcrowded or if a neighboring district offers a vocational curriculum better suited to the student’s career goals. Currently, Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) requires schools within the district to allow transfers, while other districts may allow them based on local capacity.
Logistics: Transportation and Special Education
The organizers emphasize that choosing a school involves more than just curriculum; it involves logistics. In Indiana, transportation is generally guaranteed for students attending their assigned neighborhood school or those with specific services outlined in an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). However, some private schools and transfer students may also have access to existing bus lines.
For families of students with unique learning needs, the week will also highlight the Ultimate Guide to Special Education, providing a roadmap for services available across various school types.
Tools for Discovery
To help parents manage the overwhelming amount of information, the National School Choice Awareness Foundation has launched a “Schools Near Me” tool. This digital resource allows Hoosier parents to search through more than 131,000 schools nationwide to find addresses, websites, and contact details for local options.
As National School Choice Week approaches, the message to Indiana parents is clear: you are not alone in this decision, and the perfect fit for your child is out there.
