Dim’Mya Norman was going into her freshman year of high school when a family member – and graduate of Indianapolis Metropolitan High School – encouraged her to enroll. 

“I chose Indy Met because it’s a small school, and that’s helpful for me because I’m a hands-on learner and thrive in that type of environment,” Dim’Mya said. “Everybody knows each other here.” 

Indianapolis Met is a best-fit school for students experiencing circumstances that may create barriers to education. The school emphasizes helping students enroll in college or pursue a career that offers a living wage after graduation.

Some of the barriers students face include being behind on credits, involvement in child protective services or the criminal justice system, homelessness, or – like in Dim’Mya's case – pregnancy or parenting. 

Dim’Mya was not yet a mother when she enrolled. She participated in volleyball, baseball, and REACH for Nature – an after-school program that offers meaningful experiences in the outdoors. Her favorite subject was English.

But in 2023, she learned she was going to be a mother of twins. Soon, her favorite class became the Child Development elective. The class teaches students about the basics of child development. It also brings in volunteers each week to teach parenting lessons and provide supplies such as diapers, wipes, emergency kits, and other essential items.

“They gave us advice and told us things they wished they had known when they were pregnant with their first child,” Dim’Mya said. “They also provided me with items I didn’t even know I needed.” 

As a single mother to two-year-old twins, Dim’Mya relies on Young Learners Child Care – the school’s free, onsite child care for parenting students – while she attends classes.

“The staff at Indy Met were helpful when I learned I was pregnant,” Dim’Mya said. “They referred me to organizations that would help me as a teen mom. My Family Empowerment Coach helped me find virtual colleges I could attend and programs I could do without a college degree.”

In addition to raising her children, Dim’Mya is on track to graduate early as she works to build a stable future for her family. She is also a 21st Century Scholar – a program that will cover up to 100% of her college tuition. While she hasn’t yet decided which college to attend, her goal is to become a veterinarian. 

“Indy Met is a great school, and I recommend it if you need extra support,” Dim’Mya said. 

Visit indianapolismet.org to learn more or to enroll.