History of Shepherd Community Academy
A program at Shepherd Community Center, Shepherd Community Academy, began with its first class of 12 kindergarten students in 2002. With a heart for providing quality education to inner-city students in the 46201 and 46203 zip codes, Shepherd Community Academy has grown into something even more impactful than could have been imagined 20+ years ago.
Shepherd Community Academy has grown since that original class of 12 kindergarteners and currently serves 150 students in grades K4 through 5th grade. We became fully accredited thanks to incredible partners and leaders in the community who walked alongside and believed in us. Best of all, although Shepherd Community Academy is just an elementary school, we send our students fully prepared to thrive and excel in middle and high schools. If a student and their families desire to receive a private middle or high school education, Shepherd walks alongside them to get their voucher, qualify for scholarships, and help overcome any barriers to make those dreams a reality.
Our full-service Kitchen, led by an executive chef, creates healthy breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snacks for our students, ensuring their bodies and minds are ready to learn daily.
In 2017, Shepherd Community Academy became fully accredited by the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE), ensuring our students receive the highest-quality education and allowing students to use their voucher dollars towards their education.
In 2018, Shepherd Community Academy has set a bold goal to have 90% of our students who have been at the Academy for 3+ years reading at or above grade level. Through the work of dedicated students, teachers, and families working together, we know we will accomplish this goal!
In 2021, our school added an IPL Shared System Library, giving students and their families full access to the Indianapolis Public Library system, including library cards, books, resources, and more. In 2023, IPL Shared System Library at Shepherd Community had 350 Academy classroom and After-School visits, checking out 3,000+ books in 2023.
In 2022, Shepherd Community Center added a STEM and computer lab, giving students access to learning through cutting-edge technologies, 3-D printing, coding, engineering, and hands-on experiences.