The Mind Trust

A new study from the Annenberg Institute at Brown University reveals that Indiana public charter school students have made significantly greater post-pandemic learning gains than their peers in traditional district schools. Black public charter school students' gains were especially impressive, with students realizing statistically significant improvement in ELA and math each year from 2022 to 2024. Their academic growth accelerated annually, leading to a 10 percentile point increase within just one school year. Read our blog to learn more: https://www.themindtrust.org/blog/2026/05/14/brown-university-study-finds-indiana-charter-schools-outperform-traditional-districts-on-pandemic-learning-recovery/

This fall, Believe Schools is launching a second school inside its Believe Circle City High School campus located just north of downtown Indianapolis. The new public charter school, Believe Accelerator, is designed for learners who are not interested in traditional school, may be at risk of dropping out, or who want to graduate early. Learn more in Chalkbeat Indiana: https://www.chalkbeat.org/indiana/2026/05/21/believe-charter-operator-opens-second-school-for-credit-deficient-students/

This charter initially wanted to open in Pike. Now, it’s changing course with a more focused mission. Believe Schools met strong opposition when it pitched a second high school in Pike Township. Instead, school leaders are now focused on serving three types of students they say are currently underserved in Indianapolis.

The Mind Trust's Shannon Williams, Lauren Peterson, and Dr. Tianay Perrault served as presenters at the 7th annual Global Special Education Associates' (GESA) "Speddy" Awards, red-carpet gala celebrating educators, paraprofessionals, therapists, administrators, and advocates across the special education community. Thank you for your strong support of our community, Shannon, Lauren, and Dr. Tianay!

According to a new report from the Annenberg Institute at Brown University, students enrolled in Indiana's public charter schools have made significantly greater post-pandemic learning gains than their peers in traditional district schools. As of 2024, Indiana public charter school students have regained their pre-pandemic achievement levels in math and surpassed their pre-pandemic achievement levels in ELA. Read our blog to learn more: https://www.themindtrust.org/blog/2026/05/14/brown-university-study-finds-indiana-charter-schools-outperform-traditional-districts-on-pandemic-learning-recovery/

The first cohort of The Mind Trust's Emerging Leaders Fellows has completed their three-year fellowship! We are thrilled by their development as leaders and are excited to see how they impact students, schools, and our community in the coming years.

Congratulations to Mary Brody, KIPP Indy Public Schools; Avience Brown, Victory College Prep; Stephanie Cahue, Circle City Prep; Jessica De La Cruz, Adelante Schools; and Ciara Jones, Avondale Meadows Middle School, on this huge accomplishment!

🎉 The Mind Trust was again recognized as a Best Place to Work in Indiana at the Indiana Chamber of Commerce's annual Best Places to Work Dinner! 🎉 Read about the rankings here: https://www.indianachamber.com/rankings-announced-for-2026-best-places-to-work-in-indiana/

The Mind Trust was proud to support Victory College Prep's High Flyers Awards and the students and community partners who were celebrated at the event. This year, 12 graduating seniors were awarded a combined $21,000 in College Bound Cash for earning A's and B's in their dual-credit college courses. Congratulations to all of the honorees!

A new study from the Annenberg Institute at Brown University found that Indiana public charter school students made significantly greater post-pandemic learning gains than their peers in traditional district schools. The gains were largest for Black, low-income, and academically low-performing students. Learn more about their findings our blog: https://www.themindtrust.org/blog/2026/05/14/brown-university-study-finds-indiana-charter-schools-outperform-traditional-districts-on-pandemic-learning-recovery/

The Mind Trust was proud to sponsor the Asian American Fest, presented by the Asian American Alliance, Inc., in celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month! The event brought together the community for cultural arts, music, food, and wellness, and our staff was excited to connect with the families who stopped by Indy Summer Learning Labs' and Legal Prep Indy's tables.