Purdue Polytechnic High Schools: Parent Guide to Project-Based Design-Thinking Charter Schools

Purdue Polytechnic High Schools (PPHS) is a tuition-free public charter network in Indianapolis, Indiana, serving grades 9 through 12. Founded in 2017 through a partnership between Purdue University and Indianapolis city leaders, the network was designed to prepare students, particularly those underrepresented in STEM and higher education, for college and careers through project-based learning and design thinking ¹. PPHS currently operates three active Indianapolis campuses: Schweitzer Center at Englewood, Broad Ripple, and PPHS LAB, a microschool program ¹¹⁰. A South Bend campus closed after the 2025-2026 school year, and a proposed west-side Indianapolis campus has been repeatedly delayed ⁸⁹¹².

The network departs from traditional high school structures by organizing learning around six interdisciplinary project cycles per year, each tied to a local industry partner and built on a five-phase design thinking process ⁵¹⁹. Teachers are called coaches, students set personalized learning goals, and the curriculum is mapped to Indiana state standards, Purdue University admission requirements, and workforce development goals ⁵¹⁹. The model emphasizes real-world problem-solving, internships, and dual-credit coursework rather than lecture-based instruction ³¹⁶.

Snapshot facts

Field	Detail
Official name	Purdue Polytechnic High Schools
Operating status	Active network; three Indianapolis campuses open, South Bend campus closed 89
Founded	2017 1
Founders	Gary Bertoline (Professor Emeritus, Purdue Polytechnic Institute) and Scott Bess (President and CEO, Indiana Charter Innovation Center)
Current leadership	Keeanna Warren, Ph.D., CEO (since July 2023) 15
Primary location or reach	Indianapolis, IN (headquarters); Indiana residents eligible
Grades served	9-12
Public/charter/private status	Public charter school network
Tuition or funding model	Tuition-free; publicly funded 24
Admissions model	Lottery-based through Enroll Indy 24
Educational model	Project-based learning, design thinking, industry partnerships 516
Evidence confidence	Mixed public and school-reported data available

What it is

PPHS is an independently governed Indiana nonprofit corporation with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status ²⁰. Its founding partner is Purdue University, which provides academic resources, mentorship, and a direct admissions pathway for qualifying graduates, but does not operate the schools ²³. The network's stated mission is to increase college access, particularly for first-generation college students and students of color underrepresented in STEM fields ¹¹⁹. The two Indianapolis campuses known as Englewood and Broad Ripple operate as innovation schools in partnership with Indianapolis Public Schools, while PPHS LAB opened in fall 2023 as a smaller, more personalized microschool option within the network ¹⁰¹⁴.

Educational model

PPHS organizes its academic year around six interdisciplinary project cycles, each lasting four to six weeks ⁵¹⁹. Each cycle is built around a challenge question tied to a local industry partner. Past partners have included Subaru, Eli Lilly, the Indianapolis Zoo, and the City of Indianapolis ⁵¹⁹. Students research the problem, design solutions, build prototypes, and pitch their ideas to the industry partner ¹⁹. The network developed its own five-phase design thinking process, adapted from frameworks by the d.school and IDEO, to guide student problem-solving ⁵.

The curriculum covers core content in math, science, English, and social studies, aligned to Indiana state standards ³. Teachers are called coaches and serve as guides rather than traditional instructors ¹⁹. Each student is paired with a dedicated coach who supports academic goals, personal growth, and post-graduation planning across all four years ¹⁶. Students begin each day in a Personal Learning Community led by their coach, where they set learning goals and determine how to spend their time ¹⁹. The schedule is designed to be flexible, with shared spaces that allow for collaboration and rapid iteration ⁵.

Student experience

Students at PPHS engage in hands-on projects rather than traditional lectures. Passion Projects, cross-subject collaborative experiences, develop skills in writing, problem-solving, critical thinking, and teamwork ³. Students present their work to experts and community members ³. Industry partnerships provide exposure to real workplace environments, including field trips and job shadowing ¹⁶. Students have shadowed scientists at Eli Lilly and visited the Indianapolis Motor Speedway ¹⁶.

PPHS LAB offers a distinct experience within the network. It serves approximately 20 students in a smaller, quieter setting located in the lower level of Cornerstone Lutheran Church in East Indianapolis ¹⁰²¹. Students are recommended by PPHS teachers for the program, which emphasizes personalized learning plans, social-emotional support, and customized schedules ¹⁰. LAB students have produced civic podcasts, completed media production for nonprofits, earned ServSafe certification through a student-run cooking program, and launched businesses through pitch competitions ¹¹.

Curriculum, assessment, and progression

PPHS students earn full credit for every required Indiana high school course ³. The network offers Advanced Placement and dual-credit courses, allowing students to earn college credit at no cost ³¹⁶. Students can also complete industry-recognized certifications ⁴. Graduates earn standard Indiana high school diplomas, and their transcripts are recognized by colleges and universities like any other accredited high school transcript ².

The Purdue University pathway is a distinctive feature. Students who meet Purdue's admission requirements are assured admission to many of Purdue's programs ⁶⁷. Students visit Purdue's campus throughout all four years, receive one-on-one support with college applications and financial aid, and may take Purdue classes in Indianapolis with tuition fully covered ³. The network also offers 100% tuition, room, and board scholarships for Purdue summer programs ³.

Public, charter, private, nonprofit, program, network, or platform status

PPHS is a public charter school network operated by Purdue Polytechnic High School of Indianapolis, Inc., an Indiana nonprofit corporation with 501(c)(3) status ²⁰. Its two Indianapolis campuses (Englewood and Broad Ripple) are authorized by the Indianapolis Mayor's Office through the Office of Education Innovation and operate as innovation schools in partnership with Indianapolis Public Schools ⁷¹⁴¹⁸. The now-closed South Bend campus was authorized by the Indiana Charter School Board ⁹¹⁸. The proposed Purdue Polytechnic West campus was authorized by Education One at Trine University ¹³.

In December 2023, the Indianapolis Mayor's Office granted Englewood and Broad Ripple 15-year charter renewals, extending through 2039 ¹⁴. The network remains subject to annual OEI evaluations ¹⁴.

Locations and availability

The network operates three active Indianapolis campuses. PPHS Schweitzer Center at Englewood is located at 3029 E Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46201. PPHS Broad Ripple is located at 1115 Broad Ripple Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46220. PPHS LAB is located at 2837 E New York St, Indianapolis, IN 46201, in the lower level of Cornerstone Lutheran Church ²¹. There is no virtual or online option; all instruction is in person.

The South Bend campus, located at 635 S. Lafayette Blvd., South Bend, IN 46601, closed after the 2025-2026 school year ⁸⁹. The school's webpage states the closure and notes that student records will be maintained by the central office ⁸. Chalkbeat reported the board voted to close the campus amid financial challenges and declining enrollment, with South Bend enrollment peaking at 154 in 2023-24 and falling to 112 ⁹. The South Bend Tribune reported the board voted to relinquish the charter at the end of the 2026-27 school year, a date that differs from the school's own statement of 2025-26 ¹⁷.

A proposed Purdue Polytechnic West campus was approved by Education One at Trine University but has been repeatedly delayed. Initially planned for fall 2023, then fall 2024, the start date was pushed to fall 2025 due to facility procurement delays ¹²¹³. The network has not provided recent updates on this expansion ¹². A separate proposal to open in Pike Township was denied by the Indianapolis Charter School Board in November 2022.

The verified facts block records a disputed claim about the current number and status of PPHS schools. The block notes that the PPHS South Bend webpage remained published while an external report stated the campus was closed. Current retrieval confirms the school's webpage now states the closure ⁸, and Chalkbeat reported the board's closure vote ⁹.

Tuition, admissions, and eligibility

PPHS is tuition-free with no required fees ²⁴. Enrollment is open to all Indiana residents, with no GPA requirements or placement tests ⁴. The Indianapolis campuses use Enroll Indy, a common enrollment system that employs a lottery-based process ²⁴. After the lottery closes, PPHS accepts students on a first-come, first-served basis ². Families apply through the Enroll Indy website and can rank up to ten schools ⁴.

Credits, transcripts, diplomas, certifications, and accreditation

• PPHS students earn state-recognized credits and traditional transcripts that meet Indiana graduation requirements ².
• The network offers AP and dual-credit courses, industry-recognized certifications, and standard Indiana high school diplomas ³⁴.
• The verified facts block does not list specific accreditations held by the network.
• As public charter schools in Indiana, PPHS campuses fall under the state's performance-based accreditation system and are subject to annual accountability evaluations by their authorizers ¹⁴²⁰.

Evidence and outcomes

PPHS graduated its first class in 2021, with 110 graduates. Of the 88 who completed senior surveys, 34.1% planned to attend Purdue, 33% another four-year institution, 12.5% community college, 15.9% career training, and 1.1% a skilled trade (school-reported) ⁶. In 2022, the network reported that 30% of graduates were accepted to Purdue's West Lafayette campus (school-reported) ⁷.

State data from the Indiana Department of Education's Core Question 1 Report for 2023-24 shows that PPHS North (Broad Ripple) had a 98.36% four-year graduation rate, compared to the state average of 90.23% ²². The same report noted that the school did not meet standards for attendance (89% average) or FAFSA completion (65.6%) ²².

The XQ Institute recognized PPHS for having high rates of Black, Latinx, and low-income students passing ELA and math tests compared to other Indianapolis Public Schools and Marion County schools (school-reported, as cited by XQ) ¹⁹. The network has also reported college-going rates above the Indiana state average (school-reported) ²³.

Best fit

PPHS may be a good fit for Indiana families seeking a tuition-free public high school that emphasizes hands-on, project-based learning and STEM career pathways. The Purdue University connection offers a defined college pathway for students who meet admission requirements. Students who thrive in self-directed, collaborative environments with real-world industry projects may be well-suited to the model. The PPHS LAB microschool may appeal to families seeking a smaller, more personalized setting for students who need additional support or independence.

Families should consider that the network has faced enrollment and financial challenges, including the closure of the South Bend campus and delayed expansion plans. The project-based model differs significantly from traditional instruction, and students transitioning from conventional schools may need time to adjust.

Questions parents should ask

1. How does the project-based learning model prepare students for standardized tests and college admissions requirements?
2. What industry partnerships are currently active at each campus, and how do they connect to student projects?
3. What is the current enrollment and capacity at each Indianapolis campus?
4. How does PPHS LAB determine which students are recommended for the microschool program?
5. What transportation options are available for students attending each campus?
6. What is the status of the proposed Purdue Polytechnic West campus, and could it affect existing programs?

Sources

[1] "Purdue Polytechnic High Schools | Our Story," PPHS, https://www.pphs.purdue.edu/our-story, accessed July 22, 2026. [2] "Purdue Polytechnic High Schools | FAQs," PPHS, https://www.pphs.purdue.edu/faqs, accessed July 22, 2026. [3] "Purdue Polytechnic High Schools | Academics: Overview," PPHS, https://www.pphs.purdue.edu/academics, accessed July 22, 2026. [4] "Purdue Polytechnic High Schools | Enroll," PPHS, https://www.pphs.purdue.edu/enroll, accessed July 22, 2026. [5] "Is Design Thinking The Key to Workforce Development?," XQ Institute, https://xqsuperschool.org/teaching-learning/is-design-thinking-the-key-to-workforce-development/, accessed July 22, 2026. [6] "Purdue Polytechnic High School celebrates first graduating class," Purdue University News, https://www.purdue.edu/newsroom/archive/releases/2021/Q2/purdue-polytechnic-high-school-celebrates-first-graduating-class.html, accessed July 22, 2026. [7] "Purdue Polytechnic High Schools to celebrate several firsts with upcoming graduation," Purdue University News, https://www.purdue.edu/newsroom/2022/Q2/purdue-polytechnic-high-schools-to-celebrate-several-firsts-with-upcoming-graduation, accessed July 22, 2026. [8] "Purdue Polytechnic High Schools | South Bend," PPHS, https://www.pphs.purdue.edu/south-bend, accessed July 22, 2026. [9] "Purdue Polytechnic High School to close South Bend location," Chalkbeat, https://www.chalkbeat.org/indiana/2026/02/10/purdue-polytechnic-high-school-close-south-bend-campus/, accessed July 22, 2026. [10] "Charter school network creates microschool for its Indianapolis students," Chalkbeat, https://www.chalkbeat.org/indiana/2024/04/16/indianapolis-charter-school-creates-microschool-to-customize-education/, accessed July 22, 2026. [11] "Purdue Polytechnic High Schools | PPHS LAB," PPHS, https://www.pphs.purdue.edu/pphs-lab, accessed July 22, 2026. [12] "Third Purdue Polytechnic school in Indianapolis delays opening," Chalkbeat, https://www.chalkbeat.org/indiana/2024/03/14/purdue-polytechnic-charter-school-west-campus-indianapolis-opening-2025/, accessed July 22, 2026. [13] "PPHS-West Second Delayed Start Letter," Education One at Trine University, https://www.trine.edu/education-one/start-a-school/PPHS-West%20Second%20Delayed%20Start%20Letter%20.pdf, accessed July 22, 2026. [14] "Indy charter schools granted 15-year contracts by mayor's office," WFYI, https://www.wfyi.org/education/2023-12-14/indy-charter-schools-granted-15-year-contracts-by-mayors-office, accessed July 22, 2026. [15] "Leadership Team," PPHS, https://www.pphs.purdue.edu/leadership, accessed July 22, 2026. [16] "Purdue Polytechnic High Schools | Mission & Model," PPHS, https://www.pphs.purdue.edu/mission-model, accessed July 22, 2026. [17] "PPHS, Career Academy form partnership after South Bend charter dropped," South Bend Tribune, https://www.southbendtribune.com/story/news/education/2026/02/06/pphs-career-academy-form-partnership-after-south-bend-charter-dropped/88529511007/, accessed July 22, 2026. [18] "DOE: Authorizer Listing," Indiana Department of Education, https://www.in.gov/doe/grants/charter-school-program/authorizer-listing/, accessed July 22, 2026. [19] "Purdue Polytechnic" (PDF), XQ Institute, https://xqsuperschool.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Purdue_Poly.pdf, accessed July 22, 2026. [20] "Purdue Polytechnic High Schools | Governance & Compliance," PPHS, https://www.pphs.purdue.edu/governance-compliance, accessed July 22, 2026. [21] "PPHS LAB | Facilities," PPHS, https://www.pphs.purdue.edu/pphs-lab/facilities, accessed July 22, 2026. [22] "Core Question 1 Report: 2023-24, Purdue Polytechnic High School - North," Indiana Department of Education, https://us-east-1-indy.graphassets.com/ActDBC5rvRWeCZlNNnLrDz/cmay2c7br0cuu07ll3zo3jzar, accessed July 22, 2026. [23] "Purdue Polytechnic High School opening new Indianapolis branch for 2024," Purdue Polytechnic, https://polytechnic.purdue.edu/newsroom/purdue-polytechnic-high-school-opening-new-indianapolis-branch-2024, accessed July 22, 2026.