Goodwill’s Indianapolis Metropolitan High School, a best-fit charter school for teens experiencing circumstances that may become barriers to education, recently celebrated its graduating class of 2018. The graduation rate for the school is up 45% over last year.

Student with barriers finds success at The Excel Center

Although Courtney Person earned a certificate of completion in high school, a learning disability prevented her from receiving a diploma. Courtney studied dental careers at the J. Everett Light Career Center as a high school student, but without a diploma, she could not pursue her plan to become a dental hygienist. It was a devastating blow.

When Chris Pack was preparing to enter high school, his mother, Judy, was concerned that the high school in their neighborhood was not an ideal environment for him. Another parent recommended Indianapolis Metropolitan High School, prompting Judy and Chris to take a tour.

“I like that Indianapolis Met has smaller classes, “ Judy said. “It’s a family-oriented atmosphere.”

“Three lessons that I learned in school are that George Washington fought Cornwallis in the Battle of Charleston, not to take things for granted and never give up.”

Dianna Tolentino was referred to Goodwill’s Nurse-Family Partnership® program by her OB in 2013.

“If I do it, then you have to do it, too.” These were the last words Courtney Messer had said to her mom, Misty Weikel, before they both enrolled at The Excel Center in August of 2013.

Born in California, Leticia Ibarra finished middle school before her family relocated to Mexico.

Coming to the United States from a different country can present many obstacles but also opportunities. For Dior Thioune, 30, one of her opportunities was education.

Courtney McCowan did not expect to drop out of high school only three months away from graduation. However, when she became pregnant with her first child, her health became her top priority.