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About Us

Indiana Math and Science Academies began with the opening of our west campus in 2007.  The school proved itself to be very successful and in 2010 expanded with a second campus, IMSA North.   Being an integral part of the community serving underserved students, IMSA most recently opened a south campus in 2013 to meet the growing demand of a rigorous public education.  We celebrate changing the trajectory of students’ lives by offering them a college prep education focused on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).   In the fall of 2014 IMSA High School was opened for all high school students in the 9th through the 12th grades.  IMSA West is a kindergarten through 8th grade school and has paved the way for the IMSA schools that followed.

Students at IMSA graduate high school equipped with the 21st century skills ready to be successful in college and beyond. Programs that help our students gain such skills include, but are not limited to, technology classes, digital portfolios, internships, capstone projects, community service, participation in math and science competitions, and extra curricular activities.

Each academic year more than 1,500 students receive a great public education at IMSA which prepares them for college and beyond. There are many amazing stories of students overcoming obstacles in order to succeed.

IMSA’s have been granted charters from the Mayor’s office of Indianapolis and are managed by Concept Schools management company.

 

 

Indiana Math and Science Academy West (IMSA West) is a K-8 tuition free college preparatory charter school, which is funded by public sources. IMSA is operated independently by a board of trustees under a charter granted by the Mayor’s office of Indianapolis.
IMSA West is a small, structured school in grades K-8. IMSA West delivers a rigorous, innovative educational program, integrating various themes.

 
:: Curricula: The core curriculum provides students with a rigorous program of studies in the areas of mathematics, science, social studies, and language arts. The school maintains high expectations of its students while the administration develops and monitors individual plans for them.

 
:: Attitudes: IMSA West promotes productive attitudes toward school, work, self and community. IMSA West encourages willingness to sacrifice for the common good of others, as well as for personal fulfillment. Indiana Math and Science Academy West harbors deep respect for family, school and community while encouraging its students to appreciate and grasp the opportunities that life offers.

 
:: Individual attention: Each individual student at IMSA West is important and his or her abilities are a focal point at all times. Each student at IMSA West is regarded as a unique asset and a vital member of the school community.

 
:: Participation: Community service is embedded through the curriculum to perpetuate constructive participation by students, parents and staff in the life of the school and the community that surrounds them. IMSA West’s students carry the school experience into the real world through higher education, family, employment, and civic affairs.

 
:: Reform and accountability: At IMSA, education reform is the initiating and guiding principle.  With excellence as a standard, the school must achieve to remain in existence. Accountability is clear. Just as business must adapt itself to new technologies, new demands from its consumers, and the never-ending invention of new products, education must also show constant progress in order to flourish.

 
Priorities and policy discussions focus on the students. Teachers lead in every sector. Parents and students will be expected to volunteer their time, and participate from the beginning in programs and policy development, including a dress code, code of conduct, cultivation of a healthy and respectful atmosphere in the school, and selection of exploration programs.Students and staff participate in regular IMSA West Meetings and assemblies as a crucial component in the development of school government. IMSA West is committed to modeling new ways of returning tax and private dollars to the classroom keeping overhead costs at a minimal level so that at least three-fourths of total expenditures is at the classroom level.  IMSA West addresses social issues such as drugs, violence, and health at an age appropriate level, through the prism of community service learning techniques. In accordance with its staff, the Board of Trustees establishes the hiring and employment practices of the school. To correlate to their professional colleagues in the business community, teachers receive performance-based pay, as well as professionally designed training and development programs that draw on the most advanced practices.In order to support all school families, the school is open Monday – Friday 7:25 a.m to 3:02 p.m.   Recognizing the enormous stresses of modern life, families are supported in contributing to the success of their children’s education in a manner that enhances family life.The school stresses an atmosphere of trust, safety, structure, open communication, and ownership through use of community service learning, class meetings, assemblies, workshops, community open houses, student performances, and student/teacher/parent goal setting and assessments. The Indiana Math and Science Academy West is directly accountable to the people of Indianapolis just as in any business. IMSA West is in the community to serve the community.

 

FAQs

What is a Charter School?

A charter school is a public school but it is an independent public school. One that is free from some of the regulations that may stand in the way of achieving educational excellence. A charter school is held accountable for how well it educates its children. It operates under a mandate for high standards and it must deliver. We were granted a charter by the Mayor’s office of Indianapolis and along with the Indiana State Board of Education they must approve the charter schools program.

 

Who can attend IMSA? 

Any child who resides within the boundaries of Indiana may apply to enroll in IMSA. IMSA is a school of choice and has no neighborhood restrictions.

 

Is there tuition charged at IMSA? 

No. IMSA is a public school that charges no tuition for K through 8th grade.

 

How do I enroll my student at IMSA? 

Enrollment is open to all children regardless of ability, race, creed, color, gender, national origin, ancestry, or need for special services. IMSA has a sibling preference policy, therefore siblings of current students at IMSA are automatically accepted provided there are openings in the appropriate grade level.  You may apply online under the Enrollment tab on the home page.

 

All applications for the Academic Year and beyond will need to be made through ENROLL INDY

 

How is IMSA governed and financed? 

IMSA is a not-for-profit organization that has its own Board of Directors. IMSA is funded by the State of Indiana. There is additional federal and state funding available to charter schools too. Besides such funding, IMSA seeks federal and private grants and receives individual donations, which is tax deductible.

 

Does IMSA provide transportation? 

Yes. IMSA has several bus zones that cover central Indianapolis.

Is there hot lunch at IMSA? Yes, there is hot lunch at IMSA. Eligible students receive free or reduced lunches. All parents may fill out an application form regardless of their income and the Indiana State Board of Education determines their eligibility.

 

Is there a uniform policy at IMSA? 

In an effort to pay closer attention to academics, IMSA has a strict uniform policy. Uniforms are available to purchase through school.

 

What are the school hours at IMSA? 

School hours are from 7:25 a.m. to 3:05 p.m. We also offer after school activities and tutoring. ( Monday, Tuesday and Thursday )

 

What are the office hours at IMSA?

 

Office hours are 7:25 a.m to 4:30 p.m

 

Do students pay any fees at IMSA? 

Yes, there is a $ 50.00 non-consumable material fee for the  school year. This fee is due upon acceptance.

 

Does IMSA serve students with learning disabilities? 

Yes, IMSA serves students with learning disabilities. Please consult the school for specific questions.

 

Does IMSA have a management organization? 

IMSA partners with Concept Schools, Inc. which provides instructional and strategic support to IMSA. Concept Schools has charter schools in Ohio, Wisconsin, Michigan, Missouri and Illinois that are very successful. IMSA has been modeled after these schools in Ohio and Illinois.

 

Mission and Vision

Mission

 

We transform communities one mind at a time with real world engagement and continue to inspire generations through a STEM-focused education that successfully prepares students for tomorrow.

 

Vision

 

Our students will enter high school ready to tackle any academic challenge and will excel in the STEM subjects.

 

Core Values

 

IMSA WEST promotes 6 Core Values to guide its interactions with all members of the school community

 

Respect – All members of the school community (students, parents, and staff) have equal worth and should be treated with respect.

 

Responsibility – All people have choices, and teachers, parents, and students should be responsible for their actions.

 

Integrity – Belonging to a community requires a commitment to the common good. The community is stronger when everyone can be counted upon to be honest and trustworthy.

 

Courage – Having the courage to try new things expands minds and causes students, parents, and staff to reach beyond their own expectations.

 

Curiosity – The ability to wonder and to create connections stimulates further learning. Inquiry will be fostered on the part of parents, staff, and students.

 

Effort – Success is accomplished when students, family, and staff are willing to do what it takes to accomplish their vision of the future.

History

IMSA West is managed by Charter Management Organization( CMO), Concept Schools, Inc.

 

Concept Schools is a Chicago based, not-for-profit charter management and consulting organization.

 

Concept Schools, Inc. first initiated Horizon Science Academies in Cleveland and Columbus Ohio, in 1999.

In a few short years, Concept Schools, Inc. has grown to manage more than 30 charter schools in Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Missouri, Minnesota and Wisconsin. All of the schools are located in urban areas and serve a total of 8,200 underprivileged students in Cleveland,Columbus, Dayton, Cincinnati, Dayton, Lorain, Peoria, Springfield, Toledo and Youngstown in Ohio, Indianapolis, IN, Chicago, IL, and Hazel Park in Michigan, St. Louis, MO and St. Paul, MN.

 

The school model that was developed by Concept Schools was initially only for grades 6-12. However, due to the need to close the achievement gap in the early years of schooling, Concept expanded its model to K-12 and began opening elementary schools in 2006.

 

In its third year, IMSA added K-5 and expanded to 491 students.( more than double the enrollment) IMSA rated “Exemplary” based on performance and improvement in based on Indiana’s category placement 2008-2009 school year.

 

In the school year 2013-14 IMSA West changed it’s grade span to K-8 and we added Pre-K in 2018-19 school year.