Nexus Academy of Indianapolis is an open enrollment, tuition-free, public high school located at 6101 N. Keystone Avenue, Suite 302. It is the city's first specially "blended" high school that was designed by Godshall Kane Architects LLC, a Pennsylvania-based firm.

A "blended curriculum" is part face-to-face instruction with licensed teachers in English, math and business courses with the other part being on-line virtual learning with science, social studies and elective courses. "Success Coaches" are based at the campus and guide students through the curriculum that includes a personalized learning plan. Guidance counselors assist students with college and career choices. By serving as mentors, they can help students achieve their goals.

Classroom space combines a "team" area with casual seating where collaborative and individual work takes place. It also includes seminar-style classrooms where students meet with teachers in smaller groups. There are also hands-on science labs, art rooms and a café.

Students can attend classes either Tuesday through Friday morning (8 a.m. to 12 Noon) or Monday through Thursday afternoon (12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.) sessions. This schedule allows them time during the school day for internships, dual enrollment in college classes or participation in sports or performing arts. Each student receives a laptop computer that enables them to work anywhere inside or outside the school.

Nexus Academy Principal Jamie Brady is a 17-year veteran educator in Indiana. "I believe educators have been given a great charge in ensuring that we are properly preparing our youth for a vastly expanding global society. Nexus Academy is driven to educate students individually via the use of real-time data, ensure they are on the correct success path, and fully integrate technology in day to day teaching and learning," she explained. "I have watched education evolve over the past 17 years and I am amazed that some educators still believe that standing up in front of a classroom, writing on a chalk board, and lecturing to young children is impactful and beneficial. Nowhere in corporate America are there chalk boards and most meetings are interactive and anchored by some sort of use of technology. We are educating our future leaders and we better make sure they are prepared to compete in a global society," she emphasized.

Mrs. Brady graduated from Broad Ripple High School, where she served on their student council in addition to playing varsity basketball and softball. She earned her bachelor's degree in education from Indiana University's Bloomington campus and her master's degree in K-12 education at Indiana Wesleyan University. She also completed their Principal Licensure Program in Administration. During this time, she worked in the Indianapolis Public School system for eight years as a teacher before serving as Assistant Principal and later as Principal. She was also Principal of Lighthouse Academies Charter School prior to be being recommended by a colleague to Nexus Academy. Mrs. Brady is currently a doctoral candidate in Leadership and Administration at Walden University.

"What I like best about Nexus Academy is that I know that the teachers will be there to help me with anything I need and provide support," said, Matt Johnson, who is a current student.

Over 60 students were currently enrolled in grades 9 through 12 at Nexus Academy in early September. A maximum of 150 students can matriculate for the 2013-14 school year that began August 5th. To learn more about their curriculum or enrollment, interested individuals can call 252-5919 or access their website at: www.NexusAcademySchool.com. A list of frequently asked questions are at: http://www.nexusacademyschool.com/blended-learning/indiana/indianapolis/school/faqs.aspx

Future Nexus Academy information sessions are Thursday, November 7, 2013, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the National Association for Gifted Children Convention at the JW Marriott Hotel, located at 10 S. West Street in downtown Indianapolis. Additional times are Friday, November 8 from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday, November 9 from 7:30 to 4 p.m. at the same location.

Nexus Academy currently celebrated their first year of operation. In the 2012-13 school year, schools opened in Cleveland, Columbus and Toledo, Ohio in addition to Grand Rapids and Lansing, Michigan. They were a finalist in the 2013 EdTech Digest "Cool Tool" Awards in the Product or Service Setting a Trend category. Nexus Academy schools are part of the Connections Education family, which is part of the global learning company Pearson, a publicly traded security on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol, PSO. Their Glendale/Broad Ripple area location is their newest school.

Nexus Academy Principal Jamie Brady and her staff are helping students fulfill their potential in the 21st century.