Options Schools recognized by IDOE for Excellence in Community Collaboration

On Sept. 6, Options Schools was awarded the Educational Excellence grant for Excellence in Community Collaboration by the Indiana Department of Education. The Excellence Award was presented at the Indiana Roof Ballroom in downtown Indianapolis.

The Award for Excellence in Community Collaboration recognizes an individual school that maximizes support for students through strategic collaboration with local and state partners. One or more of the following must be demonstrated by the award recipient:

• Development of partnerships that expand the school’s reach within or beyond the community
• Prioritization of partnerships that foster the creation of collaborative solutions that positively impact the school and community
• Expansion of high-quality learning opportunities offered to students through partnership
• Implementation of procedures that foster an environment where community collaboration thrives.

The 2024 Excellence Awards were presented to schools making significant progress toward improving achievement for all Hoosier students.

“This award recognizes the hard work and dedication of every Options Schools team member, as this is an organizational award,” Options Schools CEO/President Dr. Mike Gustin said. “We have grown in a lot of ways since I came to Options in 2008, and I believe that growth in the area of community collaboration is a pillar for how we serve and support our students throughout Indiana, along with our continued growth.”

Up to $5 million in awards were granted to schools to celebrate their progress and achievement in supporting student excellence and growth. Additionally, the event spotlighted the 2024 Indiana Teacher of the Year, Indiana’s 2023 Milken Educator Award recipients, and other dedicated educators from across the state.

About Options Schools
Founded in 2002, Options Schools are free, public charter schools serving grade 6 to 12 students in all of Indiana’s 92 counties. With a high-quality, individualized approach to education, Options Schools specializes in providing students an inclusive environment, unparalleled support, and a student-to-teacher ratio of 15-to-1. With brick-and-mortar campuses in Fishers, Kokomo, Noblesville, and Westfield, Options also offers additional programs in virtual and in-person formats.