Starting a Private School in Indiana
Regulations, Resources, & Support
Our team has curated the best resources and information available about starting a private school in Indiana. Enjoy!
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See what else you need to know about starting a private school. From your curriculum to your marketing, and everything in-between.
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Indiana State Regulations
General Regulations
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Registration and licensing are not required, while accreditation and registration are optional for schools except those participating in the Choice Scholarship Program.
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The Indiana Department of Education has assembled a page of detailed requirements for private schools.
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Homeschools are considered nonpublic schools and have stringent attendance and reporting requirements.
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The US Office of Innovation & Improvement has assembled a summary of regulations for private schools operating in Indiana.
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Indiana does not have specific insurance requirements for private schools.
State Funding Sources & Support
Curriculum Requirements
Schools seeking accreditation from the state must follow curriculum requirements, specifically civics and constitution education. Non-accredited schools do not have to follow any specific curriculum requirements.
Teacher Certification & Hiring
Accredited schools must have licensed teachers; other nonpublic schools do not.
Food Services / Lunch
In Indiana, school lunch requirements, including funding for schools offering the National School Lunch Program, are managed by the Indiana State Department of Education.
Length of School Year
Students must attend school for the 180 days required of public school students.
Recordkeeping & Reports
Nonpublic schools must keep student enrollment and attendance records and provide them to the state, if requested.
Healthy & Safety Requirements
Accredited nonpublic schools must meet the same health and safety requirements as public schools in the state. Non-accredited schools do not need to meet these requirements.
Transportation
The local school district must provide transportation to students living along a highway that is part of the normal school bus route. Otherwise, private schools may contract out bus services.
Testing
Accredited nonpublic schools must give state exams at the same time as public schools.
Helping Educators Do the Work That Matters
Indiana State Resources
State & Regional Associations
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Independent Schools Association of the Central States: ISACS leads schools to pursue exemplary independent education.
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Indiana Association of Independent Schools: IAIS is the Indiana affiliate of ISACS. It was formed by a group of teachers from Indiana ISACS schools as a means for teachers from these schools to connect with each other.
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Indiana Non-public Education Association: Representing both faith-based and independent schools, INPEA members provide a diverse array of educational opportunities to Indiana families.
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Lake Michigan Association of Independent Schools: LMAIS is a non-profit organization established to promote educational excellence among independent schools in northern Illinois and northwest Indiana.
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Government Websites
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Guide Quick-Nav
Introduction
We’ve developed these 10 topics to help you along the way. Take them all in at once, or start with the areas most relevant right now.
School Identity
There’s plenty you can do to develop your own brand, starting right from your personal ideals and goals for your school.
Curriculum
Our curriculum pages include ideas on where to go to find materials, and different associations and educational models you may want to consider.
Legal & Operating Requirements
You need to know the requirements at both the federal level and for your state. Here are the basic details for every state.
Funding & Finance
Here we share ideas for possible funding sources, and ways you might be able to start with less than you thought necessary.
Business Plan & Budget
Having a plan for how you’ll operate and a budget to predict and allocate funds is critical for all businesses, schools included. We’ve pulled together resources here to help with both.
Facilities
What facilities are right for your school? We encourage new schools to get creative, and have compiled some considerations to take into account.
Staffing
How can you find and recruit the right talent for your school? What qualifications or certifications are required?
Policies & Procedures
Thinking about more than just a student handbook and conduct code, we've included recommendations & templates to help you develop your school policies & procedures
Marketing & Online Presence
Having a plan for how you’ll operate and a budget to predict and allocate funds is critical for all businesses, schools included. We’ve pulled together resources here to help with both.
Associations
What facilities are right for your school? We encourage new schools to get creative, and have compiled some considerations to take into account.