Charter school enrollment is growing. Since the first charter school opened in 1992 in St. Paul, Minnesota, charter schools have served over 12 million students. Charter schools’ uniqueness makes them a popular choice with many families.
If you are looking for a different approach to education, a charter school might be the answer for you and your family. This article will help answer the following questions about enrolling at a tuition-free public charter school:
What Is a Charter School?
What Is the Difference Between a Charter School and a Public School in Indianapolis, Indiana?
Are Charter Schools Free in Indianapolis, Indiana?
How Are Charter Schools Funded in Indianapolis, Indiana?
Are Charter Schools Better in Indianapolis, Indiana?
What Tuition-Free Public Charter Schools Are Available in Indianapolis, Indiana?
What Is the Process of Enrolling My Child in a Tuition-Free Public Charter School in Indianapolis, Indiana?
Do Public Charter Schools Offer High-Quality Education in Indianapolis, Indiana?
Why Choose a Charter School?
What Is a Charter School?
Charter schools are publicly funded institutions that operate independently of the traditional school district structure. They are established through a “charter,” which outlines their mission, educational program, goals, and methods of assessment. Unlike traditional public schools, which are governed by local school boards and district policies, charter schools are managed by independent governing bodies, which can include parents, teachers, community members, or nonprofit organizations. This governance structure allows charter schools to respond more flexibly to the needs of their students and communities.
Charter schools are held accountable for their academic performance and must demonstrate results in order to remain open. They are subject to state academic standards and requirements, and their charter can be revoked if they fail to meet these standards or violate the terms of their charter agreement.

An infographic from the National Charter School Resource Center entitled “What is a Charter School?”
What Is the Difference Between a Charter School and a Public School in Indianapolis, Indiana?
Charter schools are public schools! They are tuition-free public schools open to all students. Similar to traditional district schools, public charter schools are funded with taxpayer dollars. A charter school operates under a performance contract with either the school district it will serve or the state’s authorizing agency.
You can apply and enroll your children in a tuition-free, public charter school, even outside your school district. Indianapolis charter schools do not have to comply with boundary school rules. Thus, families can choose the charter school of choice and not worry about breaking district rules. Indiana charter schools can admit any child residing in the state.
Unlike many public district schools, seeing your child’s name on the school’s waitlist is possible, especially if you applied to a sought-after charter school. Many charter schools receive more applications than their capacities allow. Schools with more applicants than they can enroll usually employ a random selection process or lottery system.
Are Charter Schools Free in Indianapolis, Indiana?
Yes. Indiana’s charter schools are tuition-free, public, and open to all students. Charter schools are publicly funded schools that operate independently of the traditional public school system. They do not charge tuition fees, making them free for students to attend. However, they differ from typical public schools in that they often have more flexibility in curriculum, hiring practices, and management structures. Despite this autonomy, charter schools must adhere to state academic standards and regulations to receive public funding. This unique blend of independence and accountability allows charter schools to offer diverse educational approaches while remaining accessible to all students without cost.
How Are Charter Schools Funded in Indianapolis, Indiana?
Charter schools are funded primarily through public sources, similar to traditional public schools. While district schools receive funding from federal, state, and local governments, charter school funding comes mainly from the state and a small amount from the local government. Funding is based on the number of students enrolled, much like district schools. However, unlike district schools that receive funding directly from local property taxes, charter schools typically do not have access to those funds. Instead, they may receive funding or additional grants from various sources, including philanthropic organizations.
Are Charter Schools Better in Indianapolis, Indiana?
It depends on the school. When it comes to standardized testing, charter schools and traditional public schools perform similarly. Charter schools show much improvement for low-income students, in fact, better than conventional public schools.
Charter schools shine when you look at what makes them distinct. Each charter school started to offer something different than local district schools. It may be in the classes offered, class size, educational philosophy, or a focus on fine arts or engineering. Each charter school is unique, and you can find out what makes the charter schools local to you so special.
What Tuition-Free Public Charter Schools Are Available in Indianapolis, Indiana?
We recommend ACE Prep, a K-6 tuition-free public charter school in Indianapolis.
ACE Prep has been delivering exceptional college preparatory education to K-6 students since 2016. Our small but impactful community school is trusted by families for both academic excellence and strong character development. Through our innovative whole-team, whole-child approach, we use research-backed assessments to create individualized action plans, ensuring personalized support for every scholar. Our comprehensive program includes art, physical education, enrichments, athletics, and an extended school year, all designed to help our scholars thrive.
Our BE GREAT core values—bravery, enthusiasm, growth, responsibility, endurance, achievement, and teamwork—are integral to our mission. We integrate these values into every aspect of our school culture, providing a foundation for students to develop into exemplary citizens. Our robust character education program sets structured goals and offers guidance, preparing students for success in academics, careers, and life.
At ACE Prep, we pride ourselves on being a school with heart. Every decision, from curriculum design to operations, centers on the needs of our community. Our dedicated staff builds strong relationships with scholars and families through field trips, service projects, and school events like our Fall Festival. We maintain open communication and support for families, helping them navigate their child’s educational journey. With a convenient location and well-equipped facilities, ACE Prep measures success by the growth of our scholars’ minds, hearts, and futures.
What Is the Process of Enrolling My Child in a Tuition-Free Public Charter School in Indianapolis, Indiana?
The enrollment process of charter schools is similar to that of other school types. They require an application providing basic information about the child, such as name, address, birth date, ethnic background, and the last school attended.
Families are responsible for checking the charter schools’ application and enrollment deadlines and specific enrollment rules, policies, and requirements. Charter schools may have different rules and processes, but all their admission rules must comply with state laws. According to Indiana laws, charter schools cannot implement policies that unlawfully discriminate against their applicants.
Do Public Charter Schools Offer High-Quality Education in Indianapolis, Indiana?
Parents want the best for their children, so ensuring their child gets the best education is a must. People have long wondered how charter schools compare to public schools in Indiana.
When you take a closer look at academic performance, like the Center for Research on Education Outcomes (CREDO) did in 2019, Black, Hispanic, and special education students benefited more from charter schools. Their test scores in reading and math were stronger than their traditional public school counterparts.
The National Alliance for Public Charter Schools measures charter school laws each year, and in 2022, Indiana took first place for the seventh time for charter law, demonstrating the quality of the state’s law. Charter schools in Indiana receive strong freedom and accountability while the state government also tries to close the equitable funding gap between public charter schools and traditional public schools.
Why Choose a Charter School?
Exploring charter schools in Indianapolis, Indiana opens up a world of educational possibilities for your child. Whether you’re drawn to a specialized program, a unique educational philosophy, or simply a different approach to learning, charter schools offer diverse options. By researching and visiting schools, you can make an informed decision that supports your child’s academic and personal growth.
About ACE Prep
ACE Preparatory Academy (ACE Prep) is a charter school, serving grades K-6 located on the Northeast side of Indianapolis. We believe that your child deserves a great education regardless of where you live. That means a real chance at a life full of opportunities. We value parents who are proactive, not settling for any school, but instead seeking out an education their children really deserve. Enrollment is currently open for K-6 grade students for the 2024-25 school year. Enroll today!