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GreatSchools Rating

Challenge Foundation Academy

Charter | K-5 | 475 students
“We are best known for college-preparatory education that values families and rigor”
 
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  • Excellent school from the administration to the teacher quality. This is a...

  • I love this school. I had a daughter 2 nephews and 2 neices that attended...

  • I love this school. My daughter is so far advanced in her grade compared to...

  • I have two sons currently enrolled here. I am very sad to have to search...

 
 
 
 

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Community Rating

4 stars

Based on 5 ratings
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2010:
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4 reviews of this school

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Posted May 27, 2011
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Excellent school from the administration to the teacher quality. This is a very progressive school. Academics is top priority and I look forward to my daughter attending second grade. She's currently in first and is at a 3rd grade academic level!!! Awesome!
—Submitted by a parent

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Posted July 6, 2010
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I love this school. I had a daughter 2 nephews and 2 neices that attended and all the children exceled here. My oldest nephew graduated 5th grade here with A's and B's and he was struggling at other schools. my neice and younger nephews both had IEP"s and the special education teachers helped them excel. This year all the children will be return with the exception of the nephew who graduated 5th grade but I will have another neice starting Kindergarten and I know all the children will do excellent again. I'm looking forward to the great things I know this school will offer.
—Submitted by a parent

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Posted January 8, 2010
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I love this school. My daughter is so far advanced in her grade compared to public school curriculum.
—Submitted by a parent

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Posted May 21, 2009
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I have two sons currently enrolled here. I am very sad to have to search somewhere else for schooling but it's due to my oldest moving on to the 6th grade. Every year I recieved a great teacher and seen the academic excellence put into my children as well as required from the teachers. My son is moving on only because of the support, care, and concern for my childs education from the entire staff! I am a proud CFA parent!
—Submitted by a parent

Write your own review

Community ratings and reviews do not represent the views of GreatSchools nor does GreatSchools check their accuracy or verify the reviewers' identities. Use your discretion when evaluating these reviews.

About these ratings

The Community Rating is the school’s average rating from its community members (e.g., parents, students, and school staff). The highest possible rating is five stars; the lowest is one star.

The test results by subgroup show how the designated group of students is performing in comparison to the general population.
English/Language Arts

The state average for English/Language Arts was 85% in 2012.

72 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
83%

2011

 
 
75%

2010

 
 
70%
Math

The state average for Math was 79% in 2012.

72 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
68%

2011

 
 
56%

2010

 
 
59%
Scale: % passing

About the tests

In 2011-2012 Indiana used the Indiana Statewide Testing for Educational Progress-Plus (ISTEP+) assessment to test students in grades 3 through 8 in English/language arts and math, grades 4 and 6 in science, and in grades 5 and 7 in social studies. The ISTEP+ is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Indiana. The goal is for all students to score at the passing level on the test.

See Indiana's state standards

Source: Indiana Department of Education

English/Language Arts

The state average for English/Language Arts was 82% in 2012.

72 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
81%

2011

 
 
91%

2010

 
 
63%
Math

The state average for Math was 79% in 2012.

72 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
82%

2011

 
 
77%

2010

 
 
58%
Science

The state average for Science was 78% in 2012.

72 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
44%

2011

 
 
51%

2010

 
 
46%
Scale: % passing

About the tests

In 2011-2012 Indiana used the Indiana Statewide Testing for Educational Progress-Plus (ISTEP+) assessment to test students in grades 3 through 8 in English/language arts and math, grades 4 and 6 in science, and in grades 5 and 7 in social studies. The ISTEP+ is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Indiana. The goal is for all students to score at the passing level on the test.

See Indiana's state standards

Source: Indiana Department of Education

English/Language Arts

The state average for English/Language Arts was 78% in 2012.

67 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
75%

2011

 
 
59%

2010

 
 
64%
Math

The state average for Math was 86% in 2012.

67 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
87%

2011

 
 
72%

2010

 
 
82%
Social Studies

The state average for Social Studies was 67% in 2012.

67 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
57%

2011

 
 
47%

2010

 
 
54%
Scale: % passing

About the tests

In 2011-2012 Indiana used the Indiana Statewide Testing for Educational Progress-Plus (ISTEP+) assessment to test students in grades 3 through 8 in English/language arts and math, grades 4 and 6 in science, and in grades 5 and 7 in social studies. The ISTEP+ is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Indiana. The goal is for all students to score at the passing level on the test.

See Indiana's state standards

Source: Indiana Department of Education

  • In 2011-2012, this school received a grade of "B".
  • In 2010-2011, this school received a grade of "A".
  • In 2009-2010, this school received a grade of "C".

About the tests

Indiana uses the A through F School Grading System to assess the overall performance of a school. For the 2011-2012 school year, schools were graded based on performance and participation levels in state standardized tests and student growth using the Indiana Growth Model. In addition, high schools were graded on four-year (on-time) graduation rates and college and career readiness indicators including Advanced Placment exam results and industry certification exam results.

See Indiana's state standards

Source: Indiana Department of Education

GreatSchools Rating

What makes up this rating?

Academic rating
5 / 10
Climate rating
8 / 10

This school's GreatSchools Rating is based on academics (90%) and climate (10%). The academic rating measures students' test scores, academic growth and college readiness. The climate rating measures safety, cleanliness, parent involvement and more.

Learn more about our methodology

What is the new GreatSchools Rating?

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average
Average
Above
average

Our rating (from 1 to 10) reflects a school's overall performance. The higher the rating, the more likely the school will prepare your child for the future, so choose an above-average school (8-10) if possible. For average schools (4-7), do careful research and look for evidence that the school has high-quality programs. For below-average schools (1-3), take caution; a low-performing school may not provide the instruction or environment your child needs to learn, and you may need to supplement classroom lessons at home.

Academic rating

The academic rating is made up of equally-weighted parts: students' test scores, their academic growth (for elementary and middle schools) and their readiness for college (for high schools). The graphs below compare this school's results in each area to other schools in the city and state. Growth and college readiness ratings are coming soon, pending publication of 2012 data.
Overall academic rating

5

Average
Test score rating 2012*
This school
City
State
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Learn more about this school's test scores »
Student growth rating 2012**
This school
City
State
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
This school
Reading growth
Average
Math growth
Above average

*Test scores are based on 2012 ISTEP and ECA results from the state of Indiana.

**The academic growth rating measures how schools affect student test score improvement over time in reading and math. Data is from the 2012 school year and is provided by the Indiana Department of Education.

Climate ratings

This rating encompasses five elements of school climate: safety and cleanliness, respect and relationships, expectations for students, teacher collaboration and support, and parent involvement. The results are based on analysis of the Indianapolis Teacher Climate Survey conducted in 2012 by GreatSchools in partnership with the Indiana Department of Education and the City of Indianapolis.

Overall climate rating

8

Above average
Based on 24 teacher
responses

We rated schools on …

Keeping things safe, clean, and orderly.

This rating evaluates a school's environment, based on its safety, order, cleanliness and more. More highly rated schools have well-kept facilities and a safe environment conducive to learning. Schools rated poorly may have a chaotic environment, conflicts among students or even theft or violence.

Creating healthy, respectful relationships.

This rating measures whether the school has a positive learning environment and cultivates an atmosphere of respect. At a school with a higher rating, it's more likely that the school's culture celebrates hard work and learning, students treat their peers and teachers with respect and class lessons reinforce character strengths such as kindness and tolerance. A school with a lower rating may have a weaker learning environment or allow disrespectful behavior.

Promoting high academic expectations for all students.

This rating sheds light on the academic expectations that teachers have for students. At a school with a higher rating, educators are more likely to stress academic success, ask kids to work hard and expect kids to be college-bound. At schools with lower ratings, it may be more acceptable for students to put in average or minimal effort, perform poorly on tests and lack strong academic goals.

Supporting its teachers.

This rating indicates how teachers feel about their school's professional environment. At a highly rated school, teachers are more likely to work well together, learn from one another, have opportunities for professional development and feel supported by the administration. At a school with lower ratings, teachers may not interact much, feel appreciated or have much input in school decisions and policies.

Informing and including families.

This rating reflects how much communication parents can expect from this school. A highly rated school is more likely to have regular communication (e.g. newsletters, emails, and meetings) between administrators, teachers and parents. This may include information about student progress, homework help and volunteer opportunities. At lower-rated schools, parents may not get regular updates and may feel less welcome at school.

Student ethnicity

Ethnicity This school State average
Multiracial 98% 4%
Black 1% 12%
Hispanic 1% 8%
American Indian 0% 0%
Asian 0% 2%
Native Hawaiin or Pacific Islander N/A 0%
White N/A 73%
Source: IN Dept. of Education, 2010-2011

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Students participating in free or reduced-price lunch program 81%N/A47%
Special education 12%N/A15%
English learners 0%N/A5%
Source: IN Dept. of Education, 2010-2011

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 21N/A17
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Teacher resources

Special staff resources available to students Assistant principal(s)
Art teacher(s)
Computer specialist(s)
Gardening teacher(s)
Instructional aide(s)/coach(es)
Librarian/media specialist(s)
Music teacher(s)
PE instructor(s)
Nurse(s)
Security personnel
School psychologist
School social worker/counselors(s)
Special education coordinator
Speech and language therapist(s)
Teacher aid/assistant teacher
Tutor(s)
Foreign languages spoken by school staff Chinese (Mandarin)
Spanish
Read more about programs at this school
Source: Manually entered by a school official.

Awards

Academic awards received in the past 3 years
  • Top 8% in State of Indiana in Student Growth (2011)
  • Supporting Student Success from IDOE & Dr. Tony Bennett (2011)

Special education / special needs

Level of special education programming offered
  • Moderate - the school consistently offers a full program for particular special education needs
Staff resources available to students
  • Special education coordinator
  • Speech and language therapist(s)

Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math (STEM)

Staff resources available to students
  • Computer specialist(s)
  • Gardening teacher(s)
School facilities
  • Access to farm or natural area
  • Computer lab
  • Garden/Greenhouse
  • Outdoor learning lab
Clubs
  • Gardening
  • Math club
  • Recycling club

Arts & music

Staff resources available to students
  • Art teacher(s)
  • Music teacher(s)
School facilities
  • Art room
  • Music room
Visual arts
  • Ceramics
  • Design
  • Drawing / sketching
  • Painting
  • Photography
  • Sculpture
Music
  • Choir / Chorus
  • Instrumental music lessons
  • Orchestra
Performing and written arts
  • Dance
  • Drama
  • Improv
  • Poetry
Clubs
  • Art club
  • Dance club: Zumba
  • Drama club

Language learning

Level of ESL/ELL programming offered
  • Basic - the school offers or partners to provide services based on the needs of individual students
Staff resources available to students
  • Speech and language therapist(s)
Foreign languages spoken by staff
  • Chinese (Mandarin)
  • Spanish
Clubs
  • Foreign language club: Spanish

Health & athletics

Staff resources available to students
  • Gardening teacher(s)
  • Instructional aide(s)/coach(es)
  • Nurse(s)
  • PE instructor(s)
  • School psychologist
School facilities
  • Access to farm or natural area
  • Access to sports fields
  • Garden/Greenhouse
  • Gym
  • Kitchen
  • Multi-purpose room ("cafegymatorium")
Clubs
  • Gardening
  • Girls on the run

Gifted & talented

Extra learning resources offered
  • Acceleration
School leaders can update this information here.

School basics

School start time
  • 8:00 a.m.
School end time
  • 3:30 p.m.
Before school or after school care / program onsite
  • Before school: starts at 6:30 a.m.
  • After school: ends at 6:00 p.m.
School Leader's name
  • Kelly Herron
Best ways for parents to contact the school
  • Phone
  • http://indy.teamcfa.org/
Gender
  • Coed
Special schedule
  • Extended/longer school day
Is there an application process?
  • Yes
Fax number
  • (317) 803-2367

Programs

Instructional and/or curriculum models used

Don't understand these terms?
  • Core knowledge
  • Standards-based
Specific academic themes or areas of focus

Don't understand these terms?
  • None
Bi-lingual or language immersion programs offered

Don't understand these terms?
  • No
Level of special education programming offered
  • Moderate - the school consistently offers a full program for particular special education needs
Level of ESL/ELL programming offered
  • Basic - the school offers or partners to provide services based on the needs of individual students

Resources

Staff resources available to students
  • Art teacher(s)
  • Assistant principal(s)
  • Computer specialist(s)
  • Gardening teacher(s)
  • Instructional aide(s)/coach(es)
  • Librarian/media specialist(s)
  • Music teacher(s)
  • Nurse(s)
  • PE instructor(s)
  • School psychologist
  • School social worker/counselors(s)
  • Security personnel
  • Special education coordinator
  • Speech and language therapist(s)
  • Teacher aid/assistant teacher
  • Tutor(s)
Foreign languages spoken by staff
  • Chinese (Mandarin)
  • Spanish
Extra learning resources offered
  • Acceleration
  • Counseling
  • Remediation
Transportation provided for students by the school / district
  • None
School facilities
  • Access to farm or natural area
  • Access to sports fields
  • Art room
  • Audiovisual aids
  • Cafeteria
  • Computer lab
  • Garden/Greenhouse
  • Gym
  • Internet access
  • Kitchen
  • Library
  • Multi-purpose room ("cafegymatorium")
  • Music room
  • Outdoor learning lab
  • Parent center
  • Playground
Partnerships with local resources and organizations
School leaders can update this information here.

Sports

Boys sports
  • Basketball
  • Cross country
  • Flag football
  • Soccer
  • Track
Girls sports
  • Basketball
  • Cheerleading
  • Cross country
  • Soccer
  • Track

Arts & music

Visual arts
  • Ceramics
  • Design
  • Drawing / sketching
  • Painting
  • Photography
  • Sculpture
Music
  • Choir / Chorus
  • Instrumental music lessons
  • Orchestra
Performing arts
  • Dance
  • Drama
  • Improv
  • Poetry

Student clubs

Clubs (distinct from courses)
  • Art club
  • Book/reading club
  • Boy scouts
  • Chess club
  • Cub scouts
  • Dance club: Zumba
  • Drama club
  • Entrepreneurship Club
  • Foreign language club: Spanish
  • Game club
  • Gardening
  • Girl scouts
  • Girls on the run
  • Health & Fitness Club
  • Math club
  • Photography Club
  • Recycling club
School leaders can update this information here.

Photos

  • Photos of this school
  • Photos of this school
  • Photos of this school
  • Photos of this school
  • Photos of this school
  • Photos of this school
  • Photos of this school
  • Photos of this school
  • Photos of this school
  • Photos of this school

Videos

Watch Now

See a video featuring this school.

 

GreatSchools Climate Rating

Above average

How do we measure school climate?

Our climate rating measures teacher support, culture of high expectations, social and emotional learning, school environment, and family engagement. Learn more about the rating and each category »

School culture

Dress Code
  • Uniforms
Bullying policy
  • This school has a bullying and/or cyber bullying policy in place.
Parent involvement
  • Attend parent nights
  • Chaperone school trips
  • Coach sports teams or extracurricular activities
  • Join PTO/PTA
  • Monitor the playground
  • Organize fundraising events (school auction, bake sales, etc.)
  • Serve on school improvement team or governance council
  • Tutor
  • Volunteer in the classroom
  • Volunteer time after school
School colors
  • blue, gold, white
School mascot
  • Eagles
More from this school
  • We stand firm in the belief that a high quality school exists with three foundational elements; a rich curriculum, a strong school culture and a solid sense of community. At CFA-Indy, we work everyday to ensure that your student recieves the best our teachers and staff have to offer every single day.
School leaders can update this information here.

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3980 Meadows Dr
Indianapolis, IN 46205
Website: Click here
Phone: (317) 803-3182

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