Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) students are expected to earn more than 9,000 college credits during the 2025–26 school year, marking a 32% increase from last year and a more than 200% rise over the past four years, according to a Mar. 19 announcement from the district.
This growth highlights IPS’s efforts to expand advanced academic opportunities for its students through dual credit courses, Advanced Placement (AP), and International Baccalaureate (IB) programs. The district reports that every high school now offers advanced academic pathways on campus. Melody Coryell, executive director of postsecondary readiness for IPS, said: “Last year, students earned more than 6,800 college credits and 2,844 in 2021-22, highlighting the district’s expanding opportunities for advanced learning. These achievements are the result of every high school now offering advanced academic pathways on campus.”
Coryell also noted that redesigned Future Centers—dedicated in-school hubs—are helping prepare students for life after graduation by guiding them through every step of the college process. “Our Future Centers are guiding students through every step of the college process, ensuring they can apply their college credits toward the programs of their choice,” she said.
Research cited by IPS shows that earning college credit while still in high school increases student enrollment and persistence in higher education and helps reduce tuition costs. These programs especially benefit first-generation and underrepresented students.
The district continues to see strong graduation rates as well. The Class of 2025 achieved a graduation rate of 93%, above Indiana’s statewide average of about 91.83%. Every IPS-managed high school surpassed a graduation rate of over 90%, with Shortridge High School reaching just above 97%. More than three-quarters of graduates plan to pursue further education at colleges or universities.
IPS will celebrate its first cohort of early college graduates this April; about forty scholars will earn either an Indiana College Core certificate or an Associate Degree in General Studies from Ivy Tech Community College.
Dr. Austin Dodd, director of High School Academies and Pathways at IPS, pointed out additional achievements such as Career and Technical Education students earning over one hundred industry-recognized certifications last year along with increased participation in dual credit and AP offerings across all managed schools. Dodd said: “The growth we’re seeing in college credits is more than a number—it’s evidence that our students are challenging themselves and discovering what’s possible for their futures.” He added: “Over the next few months, our teams will be working closely with seniors to finalize college applications, financial aid, and next steps so every graduate has a clear and confident plan after high school.”
Applications from IPS-managed schools to Indiana University Indianapolis rose by nearly forty percent between Fall 2024 and Fall 2025; admissions increased by fifty-five percent while deposits grew by fifty-three percent according to data provided by IU Seamless Admissions initiative launched last year.
Indianapolis Public Schools emphasizes racial equity as a core strategic priority according to the official website. The district serves over thirty thousand students according to its official website throughout central Indianapolis as reported on its official site, providing services via a network designed for families across central Indianapolis according to its official website. Superintendent Aleesia Johnson leads these initiatives according to information published online as part of fostering academic excellence through tailored education approaches within dynamic learning environments as stated on its website.