Educate an Under-served Child in Indianapolis

Before Nathaniel L. graduated from Christel House Indianapolis in 2024, he wasn’t sure what came next. A standout student-athlete, Nathaniel considered college but realized he wanted to pursue a different path.

Through Christel House’s College & Careers program, he explored opportunities that matched his interests and discovered a passion for construction and electrical work. With guidance from his career coach, Nathaniel visited training programs and job sites before deciding that an electrical apprenticeship was the right fit. Today, he’s thriving as an Electrical Apprentice while also taking college courses toward an associate’s degree in construction management. Nathaniel credits the support of Christel House for helping him find a career path that aligns with his goals. “It’s not just a school you graduate from,” he says. “Christel House will always be there if you need them.”

Christel House Indianapolis operates a network of four public charter schools, two of which are Indianapolis Public Schools Innovation Network Schools. Christel House Academy South (opened in 2002) and Christel House Academy West (opened in 2014) serve students from kindergarten through Grade 8. Upon completing 8th grade, students transition to Christel House Watanabe High School (opened in 2010), which shares a campus with Christel House Academy South. Additionally, Christel House DORS, established in 2012, supports adults of all ages in obtaining their high school diplomas across four locations in Indianapolis, emphasizing that it is never too late to pursue education.

Graduates of Christel House Indianapolis demonstrate remarkable success. Graduates from Watanabe High School have the highest earnings among Marion County high schools that serve a high percentage of students from low-income backgrounds. Graduates have higher median incomes five years post-graduation than their peers from all but one other local public high school.