A charter school is an independently run public school granted greater flexibility in its operations, in return for greater accountability for performance. The “charter” that establishes each school is a performance contract detailing the school’s mission, program, students served, performance goals, and methods of assessment. In the state of Indiana, several different entities approve charter schools. Inspire Academy’s charter is granted by Education One at Trine University.

Charter schools are public schools of choice, meaning that families specifically choose them because they want something different (or better) for their children. Charter schools operate with more freedom from some of the regulations that are imposed upon district schools. This means that charters can modify curriculum, instructional style or their calendar to better serve their own student population. However, charter schools are still held to the same standards of other public schools including America’s A-F model and all federal guidelines. In addition to adhering to these guidelines, charter schools also must meet the requirements of their authorizer.

Inspire Academy is a public school meaning that there is NO COST for any student to attend. Additionally, because Inspire is its own Local Education agency (LEA), any student who wants to attend Inspire can regardless of what part of Indiana they live.

Inspire Academy draws students from throughout Muncie as well as from many neighboring, county school districts.

Inspire Academy is a public school and has an open enrollment policy. Any and every student is welcome to attend Inspire Academy. Inspire Academy honors suspensions and expulsions from other public schools. Students who have an active suspension or expulsion at another public school need to wait until the end of the suspension or expulsion.

We combine projects with real-world audiences, fieldwork, and local experts and career partners. Students use Amplify CKLA, Amplify ELA for literacy with social studies integration, Eureka Math² from K-8th grade (Algebra I option in grade 8), MobyMax for science, and develop financial literacy with Next Gen Personal Finance.

Inspire Academy uses a unique calendar to ensure effective planning and professional development for teachers, while striving to align breaks with a variety of area schools, so that families with a wide range of grade levels are on a similar schedule. 

Inspire Academy offers a number of sports and arts programs for our students.
Fall - Cross Country, Volleyball
Winter - Boys Basketball, Girls Basketball
Spring - Co-Ed Track & Field

Inspire Academy partners with various community organizations that provide aftercare, including transportation directly from Inspire Academy to the aftercare location. Options include The Boys and Girls Club of Muncie, Motivate Our Minds, and more! To participate in any of these programs, parents need to sign a 3rd Party Pickup Release of Liability form which is available at the front office.

Yes! The boundaries for pickup are McGalliard to the north, SR 35 to the east, E CR 300 S to the south, and Morrison to the west—though this may be subject to change. Students outside these boundaries may be picked up at central stops along the boundary lines.

No. Instead, we ask students to follow the dress and grooming norms outlined below. Allowable Dress & Grooming: Students must wear clothing including both a shirt with pants or skirt, or the equivalent and shoes. Shirts and dresses must have opaque fabric in the front, back and on the sides. Clothing must cover undergarments (waistbands and straps excluded). Fabrics covering all private parts must not be see-through. Hats and other headwear must allow the face to be visible and not interfere with the line of sight to any student or staff. Hoodies must allow the student face and ears to be visible to staff. Clothing must be suitable for all scheduled classroom activities including physical education, fieldwork and other activities where unique hazards exist. Specialized courses may require specialized attire, such as sports uniforms or safety gear. Non-Allowable Dress & Grooming: Clothing may not depict, advertise or advocate the use of alcohol, tobacco, marijuana or other controlled substances. Clothing may not depict pornography, nudity or sexual acts. Clothing may not use or depict hate speech targeting groups based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious affiliation or any other protected groups. Clothing must not communicate a threat to the health or safety of any other student or staff. Tactical gear, body armor or the like. Any item that obscures the face or ears (except as a religious observance or medical protection). Accessories that could be considered dangerous or be used as a weapon. Swimsuits (except as required for pool parties or other events where swimming is expected). Dress Code Enforcement: Students will be asked to put on their own alternative clothing, if already available at school. Students will be provided with temporary school clothing to be dressed according to code for the remainder of the day. If necessary, students will be required to work in the office until parents are notified and able to bring alternative clothing for the student to wear for the remainder of the day.

As a public school, Inspire Academy accepts students of all ability levels, and will provide the necessary supports to students with special education needs to ensure that they are successful at Inspire. In order to help us prepare our team to support your child’s unique needs, we ask that you share the current Individual Education Plan with our enrollment specialist as soon as possible upon completion of the Enrollment Application.

YES! All Inspire Academy teachers are licensed by the State of Indiana. Charter law requires at least 90% licensed teachers — and we proudly maintain 100% licensure whenever possible.

Charter schools have been an integral part of America’s public education system for over 2 decades, providing families with innovative and high-quality school choices. Despite their proven success, misinformation and misconceptions persist, often driven by those resistant to change. These myths undermine the incredible work being done in charter schools and create confusion about their role, accountability, and impact. “Charter Schools Myths vs. Facts” separates fact from fiction by addressing the most common myths surrounding charter schools and setting the record straight.

https://www.incharterschools.org/about-charter-schools