As a parent, you want the best for your child. You want them to get an excellent education to prepare them for the future. But you also want them to be happy, healthy, and, most importantly – safe. That’s why you’re considering an online school option.
Public online schooling has many benefits. In Indiana, tuition and textbooks are free for public online students. This option is cost-effective for those considering online education for flexibility or other reasons. Parents often pay hundreds of dollars per student in textbook fees at a traditional public school. These fees only increase as a child progresses through the grades.
In addition to free tuition and textbooks, parents and students find convenience in a variety of ways. Public online schooling offers the following benefits:
- Control: Students can learn at their own pace and on their own schedule.
- Individualization: Online courses can be tailored to the individual needs of each student.
- Flexibility: Students can attend class from anywhere in the world.
- Diversity: Online schools offer a wide variety of courses and programs.
- Digital literacy: Students develop skills crucial in the modern workforce.
About Indiana Gateway Digital Academy
Indiana Gateway Digital Academy (INGDA) is a tuition-free, public online program of the Clarksville Community School Corporation that serves students in grades K-12. Enrollment is open to full-time Indiana residents; a career and college prep program is available for grades 6-12 and Honors, AP®, and credit recovery courses. INGDA is a great option for students who want a flexible and personalized learning experience. With its tuition-free model, INGDA is also an affordable option for families.
The school is proud of its many courses and options, including Stride Career Prep Courses and dual-credit courses offered online and in person through Ivy Tech. INGDA is partnered with Modern Youth Appreciation, which works with Employ Indy and Ascend Indiana to connect students with jobs and internships across the state that lead to full-time employment after graduation.
INGDA is also taking a more significant focus on adding extra support to students at the middle school level. And new electives and special courses are coming for K-5 programs and electives and specials. The school is coming to grow in numbers as programs are growing; in 2022, there were over 350 seniors who graduated from INGDA.
Executive Director of INGDA, Dwight Ashley, states, “‘Doing whatever it takes’ is not just a slogan for us; it means we will be creative in every format of personalized learning to help you learn.”
Is Indiana Gateway Digital Academy an accredited school?
The Indiana State Board of Education accredits Indiana Gateway Digital Academy (INGDA) and meets all Indiana educational standards. It hires state-certified teachers and support staff who live in Indiana and work with students daily. Students can interact with their peers and have an advisor to help them with their progress, attendance, and the online platform in daily classes.
INGDA students are required to take district and state tests. Testing is a mandatory part of the school curriculum and is required by Indiana law. Course grade books give students, teachers, administrators, and families access to grade information 24/7.
What curriculum does INGDA use?
Indiana Gateway Digital Academy (INGDA) uses a K12 curriculum aligned with Indiana state standards. Lessons are a mix of online and hands-on. K12’s digital curriculum uses game-based learning, augmented reality models, concept videos, animations, music and songs, and student-created content to engage children in an immersive learning experience.
Core courses include English/language arts, math, science, and history. Other appropriate grade-level courses include art, health/PE, music, and world languages. High schoolers can choose from various electives and take career-focused courses through Stride Career Prep and dual-credit courses through Ivy Tech Community College.
Any necessary textbooks or hands-on learning materials are delivered to the student’s home before the school semester begins. These offline materials complement the interactive online lessons and vary depending on the grade and course.
Are parents involved in their student’s online courses at INGDA?
Parents are encouraged to be their child’s Learning Coach, dedicating 4-6 hours daily to helping them learn, especially in grades K-2. In middle school, students become more independent and work more with their teachers and in small group sessions, so Learning Coach involvement typically decreases to 20 hours per week. Middle school students spend 6-7 hours daily on schoolwork.
INGDA high school students work independently with teachers and in small group sessions. They have opportunities to receive course assistance and tutoring and are required to attend school Monday through Friday during a typical school week, devoting 6-7 hours per day to schoolwork. Learning Coach involvement is essential for 10 hours a week for high school students.
Are there social opportunities for students at INGDA?
Students at INGDA have many opportunities to get involved, such as monthly challenges, competitions, field trips, and webinars. The INGDA K12 Zone interactive virtual campus allows classmates to socialize, attend school assemblies, and join clubs and activities. This safe and monitored environment is divided into grades so students can interact with their peers.
INGDA hosts an in-person prom and graduation for graduation for high schoolers. Last year, juniors and seniors were invited to a “Red Carpet Affair” themed prom at the Hilton Indianapolis for the INGDA 2022 Junior-Senior Prom.
Students are invited to participate in school outings, field trips (e.g., to historical sites, museums, zoos), picnics, and other social events throughout the year. INGDA has hosted in-person field trips all over Indiana to zoos, bowling alleys, and more. Local students and parents can get together regularly in their areas. Students can also take advantage of online clubs, in-person spelling bees, and the occasional online bingo game!
How is it tuition-free to attend INGDA?
Indiana Gateway Digital Academy is tuition-free. As an online public school, INGDA is a tuition-free alternative to traditional brick-and-mortar public schools. Since students can enroll from anywhere in the state where the internet is available, we can provide a powerful school choice, making quality education more accessible for all Indiana students in grades K–12.
Just as with onsite public schools, some online school fees for supplies and materials will help your child be successful with online learning. Textbooks, course supplies, and online materials are free and provided for students. Common household items and office supplies, like printer ink and paper, are not provided, but enrollment consultants are available to help figure out any technology and computer needs.
Like traditional public schools, INGDA is funded by taxpayer dollars and state education budgets. Online schools can reduce fees, such as textbooks, because of lower overhead costs, fewer costs for transportation and facilities, flexibility to accommodate schedules, eliminating geographic boundaries, and better accessibility to services.
