Indianapolis, Indiana | Elementary–High School (K–12) | Enrollment: 618 students
Client Overview
Suburban Christian School in Indianapolis provides a values-driven education rooted in a Christian, biblical worldview. The school partnership with Tools for Success began in SY22–23. The focus was to strengthen alignment with Indiana Academic Standards, build teacher capacity around unpacking standards, and respond to a rapidly changing student population that now includes a significant number of English Language Learners (ELLs).
Challenges / Opportunities
- Mission + Standards Alignment: Ensuring instructional practices honor the school’s biblical mission while aligning tightly to state standards.
- Teacher Development & Standards Unpacking: Limited prior professional learning around standards-aligned curriculum and assessment design.
- Shifting Demographics: A significant increase in ELL students beginning around 2021–2022 required additional scaffolds, routines, and data-informed supports.
Solutions Implemented by Tools for Success
- Pathway to Success – Step 1: Baseline needs assessment, classroom observations, and data review to align goals, establish priorities, and set clear instructional commitments.
- New Teacher Training: Practical training on routines, classroom management, and standards-aligned lesson planning with real-time coaching and feedback.
- Administrator Mentoring: Ongoing mentoring focused on instructional leadership, observation/feedback cycles, and PLC facilitation to sustain growth across grade levels.
Results & Impact (ELA Proficiency Growth)
- Cohort Growth (2025 Cohort): From 23% pass proficiency in 6th grade to 70% pass proficiency in 8th grade.
- Current 5th Grade: Grew from 31% pass proficiency in 3rd grade to 49% in 2025.
- Current 4th Grade: Grew from 32% pass proficiency to 42% currently.
Administrator Insight
Jeremy Wilhelm, School Administrator
“Tools for Success has helped us stay true to our mission while sharpening our focus on standards-based instruction. Their blend of practical teacher training, purposeful coaching cycles, and supportive administrator mentoring has made a real difference for our faculty and students. We are grateful for the partnership and look forward to continuing the work together this school year.”