Education Matters With MySchoolOptions

In this episode of Education Matters, the discussion focused on Indiana’s School Scholarship Tax Credit Program (SGO), its impact, and how it supports educational access for families across the state. The conversation explored how donors, schools, and administrators work together to provide scholarships that make private education more affordable and accessible. Episode Highlights What Is the SGO Program?The SGO program, established in 2009, enables donors to contribute funds that provide scholarships to students attending private schools in Indiana. Donors benefit from a 50% state tax credit for their contributions, making it a win for donors, schools, and families. How the Scholarship Process WorksThe discussion explored the donation process: donors can give through cash, check, stock, or even grain, and schools are then notified. Scholarship applications are processed with household information, and once approved, funds are disbursed to cover tuition and fees. Stacking School Choice ProgramsA key theme that emerged was how SGO funds can be combined with other programs such as the Indiana Choice Scholarship (voucher), Education Scholarship Account program, and the Career Scholarship program to help families bridge the gap in tuition costs—especially for those with multiple children. Impact on FamiliesSeveral points were raised, including real-life stories of the program helping families in financial distress—like unemployment—pay for their children’s education. Last year alone, nearly 16,000 scholarships totaling almost $28 million were distributed, making a real, measurable difference for students. Season of GivingThe conversation emphasized the importance of year-end giving due to the December 31st tax credit deadline. Donors were encouraged to plan ahead, especially for non-cash gifts that require more processing time. Key Takeaway:Launching and supporting scholarship programs is ongoing work that requires strong community partnerships, donor engagement, and continual education. Every contribution—no matter the size—creates opportunities and makes a lasting impact on Indiana students and families. Did you find this episode informative? Help us out! Leave a review Share it with your friends Give us a 5 Star rating on your podcatcher of choice For more information about school choice and your school choice options, visit our website at https://www.i4qed.org

In this episode of Education Matters, Danville attorney and mom Corinne Youngs shares her journey to launch St. Gianna Classical Academy—a Christ-centered classical hybrid school in Hendricks County. Corinne explores the motivations behind the project, rising interest in faith-based and classical models, and the real work it takes to start a new school. Episode Highlights Why Start a New School?Corinne describes limited private school options in Danville and Avon, and her desire for strong faith formation, academic rigor, and more family time—needs not met by area schools. Inspiration & Early StepsAfter seeing classical and hybrid schools elsewhere and finding unused church classrooms, Corinne felt called to act. What Is a Classical Hybrid Model?Students attend classes two days per week with teachers and learn at home with their parents three days weekly. The approach emphasizes faith, classic literature, memorization, and lifelong learning. Parent Priorities: Faith, Rigor & Less TechFamilies want faith formation, academic excellence, real community, and minimal classroom technology. Corinne’s model intentionally limits tech for deeper learning and childhood experiences. Grassroots FoundationCorinne is building from scratch with calls, spreadsheets, and help from a skilled board mostly from her church. Securing space and like-minded people have been crucial. The VisionSt. Gianna aims to develop not just minds, but character, virtue, and faith—preparing kids for life and beyond. Biggest ChallengesFinding teachers is the biggest hurdle, but the hybrid model may attract retired educators and those seeking part-time, meaningful work. Get InvolvedInterested families can connect via Facebook/Instagram, attend virtual info sessions, or join volunteer groups. Key Takeaway:Launching new educational options is hard but crucial. Start small, invite others to help, and take one step at a time—Corinne’s advice for anyone inspired to make a difference. Did you find this episode informative? Help us out! Leave a review Share it with your friends Give us a 5 Star rating on your podcatcher of choice For more information about school choice and your school choice options, visit our website at https://www.i4qed.org

In this episode of Education Matters, Greg Harrell breaks down Indiana’s latest iLearn results, explaining the transition to a new system of ongoing checkpoints and how this change marks 2026 as a new baseline for measuring student achievement. The discussion covers shifts in assessment, the impact on students and schools, private school performance, and how parents and teachers can use more frequent data to support student success. Episode Highlights What is iLearn? Greg Harrell explains that iLearn is Indiana’s statewide assessment for grades 3–8, covering math, English, science, and social studies. The test informs both state and federal accountability efforts. New Checkpoints System iLearn now features three checkpoints spread across the academic year instead of a single end-of-year test. This gives families and teachers real-time, actionable data to better support student progress. 2026: A New Baseline Changes to test format and standards mean the 2026 results should not be directly compared to past years. This year sets a new foundation for monitoring success and guiding interventions. Statewide Results 42% of students were proficient in English and 43% in math, highlighting both progress and the ongoing need for improvement in certain areas. Improving with Data Greg Harrell shares how better, faster data helped reduce the number of 3rd graders struggling to read—from 15,000 to 9,000—with targeted support and suggests similar approaches for math. Insights for Parents Parents now get more timely information about their child’s learning. Greg Harrell encourages families to check school data, engage with schools, and seek help as needed. Educator Questions & Math Trends With detailed data, educators can focus on closing achievement gaps—like lower math proficiency in higher grades—and advocate for more investment in math, similar to successful efforts in literacy. Private School Performance More than 225 non-public schools outperformed the state average in English language arts, and 7 of the top 10 schools were non-public, including 6 SGO scholarship partners. Key Takeaway The 2026 iLearn results set a new baseline for Indiana education. With more frequent checkpoints and faster, more actionable reporting, Greg Harrell urges parents to stay engaged, use the data, and collaborate with schools to foster meaningful progress for every student. Did you find this episode informative? Help us out! Leave a review Share it with your friends Give us a 5 Star rating on your podcatcher of choice For more information about school choice and your school choice options, visit our website at https://www.i4qed.org

In this episode of Education Matters, Chris Brunson, Associate Executive Director of the Indiana Non- Public Education Association (INPEA), joins us to dig into the behind-the-scenes work supporting Indiana’s private schools—from advocacy and compliance to school choice expansion. With a wealth of experience in both school operations and policy, Chris Brunson shares insights on navigating challenges, building successful schools, and ensuring families have access to educational opportunities that fit their needs. Highlights Career & Mission: Chris Brunson describes his path from commercial property consulting and international school work to a pivotal leadership role at INPEA, uniting passion and experience to serve Indiana schools and families. School Operations: Drawing on years of hands-on experience, Chris Brunson explains the unique pressures and rewards of leading smaller non-public schools, noting the crucial role of local support, parent engagement, and investment (“skin in the game” from families and communities). Challenges School Leaders Face: Key obstacles include aging facilities, evolving community demographics, severe teacher shortages, and regulatory burdens that impact school autonomy. INPEA’s Role & Advocacy: The organization champions private schools by listening to school leaders’ needs, supporting advocacy at the Statehouse, offering professional development, and facilitating connections between schools and legislators. School Choice Impact: The Indiana Choice Scholarship Program has enabled greater diversity and access, letting more families—regardless of income—find educational environments that fit their children’s needs and values. Empowering Families: Chris Brunson stresses the importance of parents understanding that school choice is available to all Indiana families, often with substantial financial support. Key Takeway Indiana’s school choice landscape offers families meaningful options—but the most successful outcomes come when parents, schools, and communities are invested and informed. Whether in public or non-public schools, every family should feel empowered to choose the best environment for their child, with robust advocacy, support, and engagement paving the way for quality education across the state. Did you find this episode informative? Help us out! Leave a review Share it with your friends Give us a 5 Star rating on your podcatcher of choice For more information about school choice and your school choice options, visit our website at https://www.i4qed.org

In this special episode of Education Matters, we highlight the inspiring stories from our recent podcast guests and their contribution to our Find Your Fit campaign. The conversation highlights the power of school choice, encouraging families to explore multiple options, visit schools, and engaging with staff and teacher to find the right environment for their child. Did you find this episode informative? Help us out! Leave a review Share it with your friends Give us a 5 Star rating on your podcatcher of choice For more information about school choice and your school choice options, visit our website at https://www.i4qed.org

In this episode of Education Matters, Indianapolis mom and educator Lisa Dailey shares how school choice transformed her daughter Maeve’s educational experience. Frustrated by a lack of support for Maeve—who has autism and ADHD—in public school, Lisa used Indiana’s school choice program to find a private school where Maeve could thrive both academically and socially. Lisa’s story is a testament to the critical impact of having educational options for every family. Highlights Family & School Struggles: Lisa, a mother of five, describes how Maeve and her brother transitioned from public school to private after Maeve’s needs weren’t met despite frequent behavioral issues and her diagnoses. Advocacy & Frustration: Lisa pushed back against being told Maeve wasn’t a “big enough concern” for extra support, sharing the emotional toll on the family. School Choice Success: With guidance from school choice advocates, Lisa found Gray Road Christian School, where smaller classes and supportive staff made a difference. Transformative Outcomes: Maeve’s grades and confidence soared after repeating a grade and receiving individualized support; most importantly, she found real friendships. Family Impact: The change brought more happiness, community, and excitement about school for the whole family. Access & Advice: Financial aid through school choice made all the difference. Lisa urges parents to ask questions, take tours, and seek the right fit for their kids. Final Message: Lisa encourages other parents to persist for their children’s needs—and calls on policymakers to continue supporting school choice. Key Takeaway School choice empowers families to find the best environment for their children to succeed. Lisa’s story proves that advocacy and accessible options can be life-changing for a child’s academic and social growth. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and explore—there’s a “right fit” out there for every student. Did you find this episode informative? Help us out! Leave a review Share it with your friends Give us a 5 Star rating on your podcatcher of choice For more information about school choice and your school choice options, visit our website at https://www.i4qed.org

In this episode, Ethan Hunt, founder and CEO of the International Soccer Academy of America (ISAA), shares his journey building the nation’s first government-accredited high school created exclusively for elite soccer players. From humble beginnings as a graduate thesis to an innovative, world-recognized academy, Ethan Hunt discusses leadership, overcoming barriers, and how faith and perseverance shape both the ISAA community and his personal mission. Highlights Building a New Model for Student Athletes The International Soccer Academy of America is the first government-accredited high school in the U.S. designed around elite soccer development and academic excellence. Inspired by a youth academy feature in the FIFA video game, Ethan Hunt envisioned a school that invests in the long-term potential of young athletes. ISAA grew from a master's thesis to a thriving academy with international reach, thanks to partnerships with organizations like Villarreal in Spain and support from the Indiana Department of Education. Mission & Impact ISAA serves high schoolers with a unique program melding accredited academics and top-tier soccer training, helping over half of its students earn college soccer scholarships. Students benefit from opportunities to play against university teams, increasing college recruitment and visibility. The school champions holistic development, emphasizing that each student has value beyond athletic or academic achievement. A Day in the Life & Facility Innovation “Students,” not just “athletes,” spend long, immersive days combining academics and soccer, sometimes from morning until late evening. ISAA operates in a repurposed YMCA facility with custom renovations, including indoor soccer and workout spaces, and partners with local fields for outdoor play. Preparing for College & Professional Success ISAA’s unique partnerships, especially with Villarreal, give students the chance to compete internationally, including tournaments where future global soccer stars have played. Expansion & International Reach ISAA aims to begin issuing I-20s for F-1 student visas starting January 2027, enabling greater international enrollment and subsidizing local student tuition. Welcomes high-level players from around the world, fostering diversity and raising the bar for competition. Leadership & Personal Growth Ethan Hunt shares candidly about the health challenges he faced from the stress of starting ISAA, and how writing his book “Without Permission: How I Beat the Odds No Matter the Cost” proved therapeutic. Leadership lessons center on patience, servant leadership, and the importance of doing what needs to be done—even when it’s difficult. Key Takeaway This episode reveals how the International Soccer Academy of America is rewriting what’s possible for student athletes—merging rigorous academics, elite soccer opportunity, and a commitment to personal growth. ISAA is a testament to visionary leadership, the power of partnership, and the belief that every student deserves the chance to reach their potential, both on and off the field. Did you find this episode informative? Help us out! Leave a review Share it with your friends Give us a 5 Star rating on your podcatcher of choice For more information about school choice and your school choice options, visit our website at https://www.i4qed.org

In this episode, Matthew Krulik, principal of Holy Angels Catholic School, joins us to share the remarkable legacy of this near west side Indianapolis institution, its deep roots in the community, and the faith-driven, family-oriented culture that empowers students—known as “scholars”—to excel academically and personally. Highlights A Century of Community Impact Holy Angels Catholic School has served the west side of Indianapolis for over 119 years, providing academic excellence, spiritual growth, and social development to a 100% minority-majority student body. The late Pat Rooney’s love for the school ignited a movement that made Indiana a leader in universal school choice. Mission & Student Community Committed to nurturing the whole child and equipping families with resources for success. Holy Angels breaks barriers by making a high-quality parochial education accessible and affordable for local families. A Culture Defined by Family The school’s uniquely supportive and inclusive “family” environment sets it apart—every family is known and involved, and success is a shared effort. Academic Excellence & Student Support Achieved a remarkable 93% IREAD pass rate this year, credited to outstanding teachers, strong family involvement, and a village approach to education. Programs include after-school tutoring, fluency packets for parental engagement, and robust mentorship. Students are called “scholars” to set high expectations and affirm their potential. Community Service, Clubs, and Opportunities Enrichments like STEM, chess club, sports teams, and a focus on community service empower kids to find and grow their talents. Building Trust & Wraparound Support Holy Angels provides wraparound services for families—food pantry, rental assistance, job support—and maintains open lines of trust and communication. Rock the Block: Celebration of Community The annual “Rock the Block” event blends live music, a car show, food, and resource sharing, strengthening bonds both within the school and with local partners. Key Takeaway This episode shines a light on how Holy Angels Catholic School’s unwavering focus on faith, family, and academic excellence transforms the lives of students and their community. The “family” atmosphere, high expectations for scholars, and holistic support make it a true anchor on Indianapolis’s west side—and a living example of the power of equitable educational opportunity in Indiana. Did you find this episode informative? Help us out! Leave a review Share it with your friends Give us a 5 Star rating on your podcatcher of choice For more information about school choice and your school choice options, visit our website at https://www.i4qed.org

In this episode, Katie Rodriguez—mentor, coach, and community leader at the Boys and Girls Club—shares her journey and the transformative impact of workforce development and youth empowerment programs on young people in Indiana. Highlights: Katie Rodriguez’s multifaceted role: from coach and mom to trusted mentor known as “Miss Katie” Building trust and authentic connections with youth to foster growth The power and necessity of early career exposure and workforce readiness programming Creative partnerships, including hands-on trades days, collaborations with community organizations, and immersive experiences with University of Notre Dame Real-life success stories: students overcoming challenges and gaining life-changing opportunities through culinary and STEM programs Strategies for teaching vital real-world skills: communication, teamwork, time management, and soft skills The supportive, inclusive environment at the Boys and Girls Club—from practical cooking clubs to one-on-one mentorship How community members and local businesses can get involved and inspire the next generation, plus upcoming workforce development goals Key Takeaway: This episode underscores the powerful impact of mentorship and work-based learning experiences in shaping confident, capable young people—and invites the community to play an active part in building pathways to success for Indiana’s youth. Did you find this episode informative? Help us out! Leave a review Share it with your friends Give us a 5 Star rating on your podcatcher of choice For more information about school choice and your school choice options, visit our website at https://www.i4qed.org

In this episode, we sit down with Greg Harrell to break down Indiana’s sweeping new graduation requirements and the growing importance of work-based learning for high school students. Highlights: Indiana’s graduation overhaul: Why the class of 2029 will experience a completely reimagined high school journey The motivation behind change—connecting school to real-world outcomes, addressing chronic absenteeism, and closing the gap between college aspirations and actual enrollment Introduction of “readiness seals,” allowing students to customize graduation requirements for enrollment, employment, or enlistment How schools are adapting quickly to new requirements and the flexibility provided by the stackable, permeable nature of the seals The critical role of early and ongoing career guidance, starting as early as middle school What high-quality work-based learning really looks like: internships, apprenticeships, school-based enterprises, and even authentic workplace simulations Equity in opportunity—approaches to ensuring all Indiana students, including those in rural and under-resourced communities, can access meaningful experiences Building and sustaining employer and industry partnerships, and the growing role of intermediary organizations Practical supports for schools: training plan templates, resources from the Department of Education and partner organizations, and the importance of not reinventing the wheel Looking ahead: Greg Harrell’s vision for an Indiana where students graduate with industry-valued credentials and genuine readiness for whatever comes next Key Takeaway:This episode underscores Indiana’s bold steps to connect classroom learning with practical, real-world experiences—giving every student the tools, options, and confidence to thrive after high school, regardless of their chosen path. Did you find this episode informative? Help us out! Leave a review Share it with your friends Give us a 5 Star rating on your podcatcher of choice For more information about school choice and your school choice options, visit our website at https://www.i4qed.org