In Indiana we often talk about the value of school choice, but for many families that choice is limited by one major barrier: transportation.
At Stand Indiana, we’ve heard from countless parents and advocates who support expanding access to high-quality schools, including charter schools. But too often, families are unable to attend those schools simply because they can’t get there.
🚌 Transportation: A Barrier to Real Choice
Many charter schools in Indianapolis don’t offer transportation, leaving families—especially those without reliable access to a car—without a real choice. This is especially troubling when some of the city’s highest-performing schools are charters.
If we truly believe in school choice, we must ensure that every family has the means to access it.
🗣️ Advocates Are Speaking Up
Stand Indiana advocates have taken this message to both the IPS Board of Commissioners and the Indiana General Assembly:
These are just some of the voices calling for a system that works for all families—not just those with the means to drive across town.
💰 Funding should no longer be a barrier
Historically, one of the biggest barriers to charter transportation has been funding. But that’s changing.
Thanks to recent legislation, charter schools will begin receiving an equal share of local property tax dollars starting in 2028. That means the financial playing field is leveling—and transportation should no longer be out of reach.
📚 Learn More
✅ The Bottom Line
Transportation is more than a logistical issue—it’s a matter of fairness and access. If we want to make school choice real for all families, we must ensure that getting to a great school isn’t the hardest part.
Because every child deserves access to a school that works—no matter where they live.
About This Series: Understanding the Indianapolis Local Education Alliance (ILEA)
In 2025, Indiana lawmakers passed House Bill 1515, establishing the Indianapolis Local Education Alliance (ILEA)—a task force comprised of local leaders led by the mayor of Indianapolis with the goal of generating ideas to ensure IPS traditional schools and the charter sector are collaborating to improve student outcomes. The ILEA is not about choosing one type of school over another. It’s about building a cohesive system of schools—district, charter, and innovation—that work together to deliver better outcomes for all students.
This blog series explores the key policy areas that our advocates believe are essential to creating a high-performing, student-centered education system. Each post will dive into a specific topic—ranging from school accountability and funding to transportation—highlighting how these elements can support a system that prioritizes better results for students.
