INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — – Indiana Math and Science Academy Central (IMSA Central), a free public charter school, is set to open this fall in the Haughville neighborhood of Indianapolis. The school will serve students in kindergarten through sixth grade and focus on science, technology, engineering and math education.
The Haughville campus will be the third location for the Indiana Math and Science Academy network, which has operated in Indianapolis since 2007. Enrollment is open for the upcoming school year as the network expands its STEM-focused, college-preparatory model to the city’s west side.
Wynsda’ Watson is the founding principal of the Haughville campus. Watson, who grew up less than a mile from the school site, described the opening as a return to her neighborhood.
“It’s really bringing everything back to me, being back in the neighborhood to share everything I’ve learned and to allow the children to experience all things science, technology, engineering and math,” said Watson.
IMSA Central’s curriculum emphasizes 21st-century skills, including critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and communication. Students also experience hands-on STEM learning projects, which are woven through classwork. For example, students begin computer science instruction early in their academic careers, with coding introduced in kindergarten. School leaders say the early exposure is designed to prepare students for high school engineering pathways and opportunities to earn college credit.
“All of our students take computer science. By the second week of kindergarten, our kids are actually learning to code,” said Watson. “They get to high school, and they can pursue some of our engineering pathways and graduate with credit.”
Michael Davis, a graduate of Morehouse College, teaches computer science at the academy and serves as varsity basketball coach at the network’s North campus. He said the program aims to expand access to technology education and career pathways for underrepresented students.
School officials said the network has maintained high academic standards and a holistic approach to student development since its founding. In fact, they reported that 37 of its recent high school graduates earned more than $2 million in scholarships.
Enrollment is open to students entering grades K-6 regardless of prior school enrollment. The school does not charge tuition. It is free, open to all and transportation is available. Families may apply through the EnrollIndy system or directly through the school.
Classes at IMSA Central are to begin this fall. More information is available at central.imsaindy.org or by calling 317-790-7244.