Board approves Indiana Math & Science Academy Central replication; school proposes former IPS 75 site

The Indianapolis Charter School Board voted unanimously to approve Indiana Math and Science Academy’s (IMSA) replication application for a proposed IMSA Central campus. The board’s approval allows IMSA to advance into pre-opening planning and to continue negotiations for a facility the organization identified near downtown.

IMSA presented a phased growth plan beginning with K–6 in the first year (a slow-growth model) and adding grades over subsequent years toward a full K–12 campus. IMSA told the board it expects initial year enrollment of roughly 210 students for K–6 and projected growth to a larger enrollment target (approximately 410 students by year five in the model presented), with full K–12 scale in later charter years. The organization said both existing IMSA campuses show steady enrollment and strong re-enrollment rates above 90%.

A core selling point in IMSA’s presentation was a facility the network is negotiating to acquire: the former IPS 75 building near Long’s Donuts on the south side of the Hawesville neighborhood. IMSA showed photos of the building’s first floor, gymnasium and exterior and provided a letter from the current property owner and nearby faith leaders indicating support for a sale and reuse as a school. IMSA said the landlord and church leadership have agreed in principle to sell the building and that a related nonprofit (New Plant Learning / Concept Schools affiliate) would purchase and renovate the building and lease it to the school.

IMSA board and network leaders described academic strengths at IMSA West and IMSA North, highlighting a recent large increase in early-grade reading outcomes at IMSA North and year-over-year clear-site benchmark improvements. Speakers described math and STEM programming, dual-enrollment opportunities, and extracurricular STEM activities such as robotics and science fairs. IMSA said West’s reading and math proficiency exceeds many surrounding districts, and IMSA’s leadership described targeted coaching, tiered instructional time and other supports the network will bring to the new campus.

Board members asked about financial and start-up funding. IMSA’s leadership said start-up support would come from a MindTrust grant and an interest-free loan from Concept Schools (about $550,000), and that Concept Schools would offer central-office financial and operational support. In Q&A IMSA’s team said they would consider temporary management-fee reductions or other measures from Concept Schools if enrollment fell short of targets; Concept’s representatives confirmed willingness to pause or reduce management fees to support viability during launch years if needed. IMSA’s fiscal presentation projected a cash reserve and positive net cash flow by year five under the network’s planned assumptions.

The board unanimously approved the application and asked IMSA to continue community engagement, finalize facility acquisition and submit pre-opening milestones to OEI. IMSA will return to the board with additional materials as it advances through the city’s authorization process.