From WISH-TV:
1st charter school graduation in 7 years

Leslie Olsen
Edited by Hyacinth Williams

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Indiana's first charter school is preparing for its first graduation May 20. 24-Hour News 8's education reporter Leslie Olsen was there seven years ago when the school first opened its doors.

Senior Abbey Lynn gave Leslie a tour of Fall Creek Academy. The charter school changed its name and location four years ago.

Seven years ago when it opened, it was known then as 21st Century School at Union Station.

Then Indianapolis Mayor Bart Peterson and school founder Kevin Teasley spent years arguing before the General Assembly for taxpayer funded schools free from many traditional school regulations.

Abbey started at the new school as a sixth grader. Her parents took a chance on the school and now Abbey is valedictorian of her class of 18. Abbey failed the math portion of ISTEP at her old school.

"I never had doubts that she could succeed," said Abbey's mother, Sandy Lynn.

Abbey will graduate from high school with 32 college credits from Ivy Tech. The community college recognized her during its graduation ceremony on Saturday. Ivy Tech said she was the first success story of the new partnership with Fall Creek Academy.

Teasley said Fall Creek Academy's goal is to academically prepare all students to take college courses while still in high school. He said most of the first graduating class accomplished that.

"All of the research shows that if you complete two years of college, or one year for that matter, while you're in high school, you're going to be more likely to graduate with a four year degree," said Teasley.

Abbey is transferring to the University of Southern Indiana to become a dental hygienist.

There are currently about 50 charter schools in the state, 20 in Indianapolis. Opponents argue the charter schools take money away from traditional schools. Charter school opponents said parents deserve a choice.

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