Franklin, Indiana | Grades K–8 | Enrollment: 109 Students
Partnership Overview
St. Rose of Lima Catholic School, located in Franklin, Indiana, serves students from kindergarten through 8th grade. When Tools for Success began working with St. Rose, the school faced significant academic and staffing challenges, with achievement at an all-time low and the lowest math and English/Language Arts ILEARN scores in the Archdiocese.
The partnership began with a focus on improving student achievement, stabilizing staffing, and creating a supportive environment where teachers could thrive.
Challenges/Opportunities:
Low Student Achievement
- In 2021, St. Rose’s math proficiency rate was just 24.6%, and ELA scores were also among the lowest in the Archdiocese of Indianapolis.
Staffing Shortages & High Turnover
- Teacher hiring and retention were persistent challenges. Positions often went unfilled, forcing the single administrator to teach a grade level while also leading the school. Many teachers left after one year, citing a lack of support and pride in the school environment.
Need for Teacher Support & School Culture Shift
- Rebuilding teacher confidence, instructional quality, and overall school pride became critical to long-term improvement.
Solutions Implemented by Tools for Success
Pathways to Success – Step 1
- Established a foundation for academic improvement through professional development focused on instructional strategies, curriculum alignment, and student engagement.
New Teacher Training Program
- Provided targeted mentorship and classroom support to help new teachers build confidence, improve instructional effectiveness, and feel supported from day one.
Administrative Mentoring
- Paired the school administrator with an experienced Tools for Success mentor to provide leadership guidance, strategic planning, and problem-solving support.
Results & Impact
- Student Math proficiency increased from 24.6% in 2021 to 43.5% in 2025.
- Teacher confidence grew as they received consistent support, practical strategies, and mentorship tailored to their needs.
- Student engagement increased as instructional practices improved and classroom environments became more positive and supportive.
Principal Insight
Principal
“This partnership has completely changed the trajectory of our school. Tools for Success didn’t just give us strategies — they helped us rebuild a culture of support, professionalism, and high expectations. Our teachers feel valued, our students are thriving, and our community can see the difference. The growth in our math scores is only one measure of the transformation we’ve experienced together.”