IPA Holds Special Open House for Stonegate Students

NEWS RELEASE: December 6, 2011

Irvington Preparatory Academy to Hold Special Open House Today for Stonegate Early College High School Families

As a result of the recent announcement of Stonegate Early College High School’s closing on December 16, 2011, and to help ease the transition of nearly 200 Stonegate students who need to enroll in local high schools as seamlessly as possible, Irvington Preparatory Academy (IPA) will be holding a special open house for Stonegate students and families this evening, Tuesday, December 6, 2011, from 5-6:30 p.m.

“First and foremost, giving an opportunity to as many students and their families as possible to mitigate this difficult time in the middle of the school year is the right thing to do. It’s the Irvington way; it’s the charter school way,” says David Nidiffer, Irvington Community School Inc.’s Chief Executive Officer.

The second half of the 2011-2012 Irvington Preparatory Academy school year begins Monday, January 2, 2012. IPA has seats available for up to 55 students (10 for freshmen, and 15 seats for each of the remaining classes). If necessary, IPA has been given permission by its charter sponsor, the Indianapolis Mayor’s Office of Education Innovation, to hold an enrollment lottery specifically for Stonegate families.

“I am encouraged to see the level of warmth and support being offered to the students and families of Stonegate by Irvington Community Schools,” comments Beth Bray, Director of Charter Schools for the Indianapolis Mayor’s Office. “The closure of Stonegate has been very difficult for everyone involved – especially the students. However, having excellent schools such as Irvington’s open their doors and accept so many students greatly eases the strain the students have faced, and provides them an exceptional opportunity to continue their education. I am grateful for the staff at Irvington for taking such great lengths to welcome Stonegate students.”