I'll admit that I didn't really grasp the concept of Indy Met until I visited. How could a high school have no grades? Did they have principals? Teachers? Books? Clubs? I didn't know what to expect! After spending a few minutes inside the school, I got the feeling that they're all one big family and they do, indeed, have all of the things I mentioned!
The students spend 60% of their day in an advisory or homeroom. Their advisor stays the same all four years and is the one to structure their learning plan based on their interests and strengths. The students rely on their advisor for help in and out of school...almost like a mentor.
Instead of grades, they have exhibitions. I spoke with a girl named Quayla (happy belated birthday, by the way!) who was doing her exhibition on AIDS that day. She told me that she has to do a 45+ min. presentation in front of her family, peers, and advisor based on what she's learned. It's an open forum, so anyone and everyone can ask her questions. After this is done, she gets a personal narrative highlighting her strengths and weaknesses. Quayla said this helps her focus on the content, rather than the grade itself. I think it's an amazing idea!
My favorite part was their internship program. I went to the Greenwood Municipal Airport where a few students go every Tuesday and Thursday to learn about repairing and flying planes. I thought this was so cool because most of the time, students head to college not knowing what field they want to go into...Indy Met students find out what career field they like and/ or dislike at such an early age because of this internship program! I wish I had this opportunity in high school. Students, enjoy and take full advantage of these opportunities!!! GO PUMAS!