A new high school is coming to downtown South Bend
SOUTH BEND, Ind.-- A new high school is coming to downtown South Bend, the Portage School of Leaders. It is the most recent expansion of the Career Academy charter network.
This August, only 150 students will be the founding class of the school.
“It’s time to disrupt education here in South Bend,” said Superintendent of Career & Success Academy, Jeremy Lugbill. “We’re proud to announce the opening of a new high school concept. The name of this brand new, forward-thinking high school will be called the Portage School of Leaders.”
Formerly Temple Beth-El, the building on 305 W. Madison St. is being renovated to accommodate a non-traditional learning environment. The new school intends to reimagine what high school can look and be like, with a focus on experiential learning and teacher autonomy.
“Education must be personal,” Lugbill said. “We’re all unique, we all have different academic needs, we all have different styles of communication, different strengths.”
The low student-to-faculty ratio means education will be more individualized and teachers can serve in mentorship roles.
“This school is going to include a lot of student choice, and a lot of student voice,” Lugbill said. “So, they’re going to be a part of creating those learning experiences. They’re going to be able to connect what they’re passionate about, what they’re interested in, their strengths, to learning experiences both in the four walls of the classroom and school, but also out in community.”
Dr. Andrew Hoyt is ending his tenure at the prestigious La Lumiere in LaPorte to be the head of school at South Bend’s newest academy.
“There’s a special energy that comes when you’re starting something, when you’re founding something together,” Hoyt said. “There’s a great sense of belonging and shared purpose when you have a vision and you’re bringing that vision into reality. So I'm really excited to be a part of building something new.”
Enrollment has started, but only 150 students will be accepted. Applications will be taken on a first come, first serve basis.