Original Research by School Decision on Rise up Academy at Eggleston
Rise Up Academy at Eggleston is a regular public high school in South Bend, part of the South Bend Community School Corporation. It is not a charter, magnet, or alternative school. That classification matters because the school’s enrollment pattern is unusual for a conventional high school: nearly all of its students are in grades 11 and 12, with a small group in grade 10 and no ninth graders at all. This shape suggests that students typically arrive later in their high school career rather than entering as freshmen. A parent considering the school should understand that it is not a traditional four-year pathway that serves students from the start of high school; the academic and social experience will be with upperclassmen only.
The student body is small, with an enrollment that fits that grade structure. A large majority of students qualify for free or reduced-price meals, indicating a school community where economic need is widespread. Racially, the student body is predominantly Black, with a significant Hispanic minority and smaller shares of White students and students identifying as two or more races. Data on students with disabilities and English learners was not available, so it is unclear what level of specialized support is on offer.
State testing results and a four-year graduation rate are absent from the data we reviewed. Without those measures, there is no publicly available evidence of academic performance trends or outcomes. This is a significant gap. A parent or resident should investigate directly with the school or the district—ask what assessments are administered, how students typically perform on those where data exists, and what the graduation rate is. The school’s type (regular) and its grade span (9–12) mean these measures would normally be reported, so the absence is likely a data-supply issue rather than a reflection of the school itself. Still, the lack of this information makes it difficult to compare Rise Up Academy to other high schools in the area.
The school sits within the South Bend Community School Corporation, which recently opened a full-time virtual school for grades 4 through 12, offering an alternative learning pathway for families. No other major district changes were identified in available research.
South Bend itself is a mid-sized city with a mix of residential neighborhoods, a riverfront downtown, and industrial zones along the west side. The University of Notre Dame is directly adjacent, giving the city a college-town influence. Median household income is below the national median, and the poverty rate is elevated. Home values and rents are moderate relative to national figures, making the area relatively affordable. The city has seen slow population growth that has recently plateaued. Downtown offers cultural institutions, riverfront parks, and a series of summer concerts, and the city invests in sidewalk and curb improvements. The commute times are short.
For a family considering Rise Up Academy, the school fits a specific niche: it appears to serve students who need a later start to high school, perhaps after a gap or a transfer. The student body is small, majority low-income, and predominantly Black and Hispanic. Without academic performance data, it is hard to assess the strength of the academic program or college and career preparation. The housing market in South Bend is accessible, and the city provides a modest but functional urban environment. A parent would want to request detailed information from the school about classroom rigor, graduation rates, postsecondary placements, and support services before making a decision.
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