Ball State University has approved applications for five charter schools to open this year and is expanding its distance education program with a center opening in Fishers this spring.
Larry Gabbert, director of the Office of Charter Schools, said Ball State sponsors 32 charter schools, but that number will increase to 37 by the end of the year. The most recent charter school is Rock Creek Community Academy in Sellersburg. Schools in Hammond, Chesterton, Fort Wayne and Muncie also will become Ball State charter schools in August, he said.
Ball State has the largest education program in Indiana, Gabbert said, and when the charter school law passed in 2001, Ball State decided it would be heavily involved.
Ball State receives about 12 to 15 applications every year and rejects most of them because the university doesn't believe it could meet the requirements.
'Our record is that we've turned down over 80 percent of groups that apply because we have very rigorous requirements,' Gabbert said.
The Ball State Fishers Center will have an open house from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Feb. 4.
According to a press release, it will offer master's level courses in business essentials, adult and community education, executive development for public service and more. All will be taught by Ball State faculty members.
The new location allows Ball State professors to reach out to professionals who are looking to continue their education, Director Kelly Savory said in the press release.
The Fishers Center will offer a convenient learning environment while promoting a part of Ball State's strategic plan, which calls for helping to spur Indiana's economy. In addition, the Center will help fulfill that goal by providing a convenient learning center for working professionals.
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