ABOUT THE MATCH

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BUILDING FUTURES

ONE STUDENT AT A TIME

 

The Match is a tuition-free, public charter high school located in Indianapolis, Indiana. As part of the Matchbook Learning family, we’re dedicated to helping our students build bright futures by offering pathways that lead directly to careers. We believe every student deserves an education tailored to their needs, which is why we offer a unique combination of academics, career training, and mentorship to prepare our students for success.

Our online platform allows students to access course materials, communicate with instructors, and collaborate with peers from anywhere in the world. We also use cutting-edge tools such as virtual reality and gamification, to make learning more engaging and interactive.

Small class sizes make it easier to provide the mentoring and counseling our students need and deserve to better themselves academically as well as in their personal lives.

 

    Who We Are

    OUR MISSION

    At The Match, our mission is simple: to provide students with an education that unlocks doors and builds futures. We help our students go beyond earning a diploma—they gain life and career skills, certifications, and real-world experiences that set them up for long-term success.

    OUR APPROACH

    We understand that every student is unique, which is why we take a personalized approach to education. Our students receive individualized classwork and mentoring, allowing them to work at their own pace while receiving the support they need to succeed. Whether through virtual reality career experiences, safety training, or internships, our students gain hands-on experience that prepares them for life beyond the classroom.

    OUR COMMUNITY

    The Match is more than just a school—we’re a community built on the belief that every student deserves to be supported and encouraged to reach their full potential. Through partnerships with local organizations and employers, we provide our students with the resources and opportunities they need to thrive, both in school and in life.

    THE MATCH OFFERING

    Professional Pathways

     

    At the Match, we offer a comprehensive high school experience that blends traditional academics with hands-on career training in high-demand fields. Our students can earn:

    • High school diplomas
    • Career certifications
    • College credits toward an associate degree
    • Paid apprenticeship opportunities (typically offered to upperclassmen) start at $20/hour
    • Paid internship opportunities (typically offered to lowerclassmen) start at $20/hour

    We designed our programs to meet the diverse needs of our student body, including many students from foster care and those experiencing housing instability. The Match high school experience includes individualized class work, virtual reality career experiences, safety training, state-of-the-art workshops, internships, apprenticeships, and earned certifications in multiple high-demand fields. Students attend classes for their general high school graduation requirements while gaining workplace skills, experience, and hands-on training.

    Through our directed career pathways, we work with area businesses to define the entry-level skills needed for each profession. We map the subcomponents of the defined skills to the core and elective classes that students will complete. This ensures that our students are always working towards mastering the skills needed for their profession. Ultimately, Match students become high school graduates and professionals in their chosen fields. Learn more about the program in Pathway to Professional. 

    welding

    This pathway introduces students to the most common welding procedures, basic welding language, and symbols. Students learn how to set up and operate welding machines and the proper use of welding rods.

     

    electrical

    A range of topics introduced in this pathway include the fundamentals of electricity, electrical safety, and circuit components.

    engineering

    Students learn about the engineering design process, 3D modeling, engineering graphics, and product design.

    plumbing

    Students learn the fundamental plumbing principles, practices, and history. Topics include basic plumbing principles, safety, job seeking skills, blueprint reading, and plumber’s math.

    construction

    The construction pathway offers students hands-on activities and real-world experiences related to the skills essential in residential, commercial, and civil building construction.

    entrepreneurialism

    Students learn about the process of starting and managing a business or project and the skills that entrepreneurs leverage to innovate and solve problems. 

    intro to healthcare

    Students examine skills common to specific health career topics such as patient nursing care, dental care, animal care, medical laboratory, public health, and an introduction to healthcare systems.

    James Hill
    Principal

    MEET OUR PRINCIPAL

    James Hill is a transformational leader who excels in urban education settings. He has over 25 years of education experience, which includes elementary, secondary, and alternative school leadership. Prior to his fellowship with The Mind Trust, Principal Hill led Andrew J. Brown Academy for seven years. Under his leadership, he increased the school’s letter grade from an “F” to a “C” in 18 months. Enrollment also increased to the highest level in the school’s history during his tenure. In addition, under his leadership, the school received 4 Eagle Awards in four consecutive years for parent satisfaction. Hill also received congressional recognition for his work with inner-city youth and received a promising practice award from IDOE as well.

    Hill holds a bachelor’s degree in both ethnic studies and speech communications from Minnesota State University, a Master’s degree in education from the University of Minnesota, and a specialist degree in educational leadership from Saint Mary’s University. He also earned Harvard University certifications in leading leaders and leading change. His wife, Kristi, is an ELL teacher and his partner in life. They have 3 children: Peyton, Ravynn, and Justice. Hill loves traveling, music, sports, and board games.

    “I am looking forward to the unlimited possibilities at Matchbook Learning. The best is yet to come!”

     

    FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

    Q: Is The Match accredited?

    A: Yes, The Match has a charter through Trine University’s Education One and meets all standards of quality education.

    Q: What are your class sizes?

    A: Our class sizes are small, typically with no more than 20 students per class. This allows for more personalized attention and interaction between students and instructors.

    Q: What career pathways are offered with college credits and certifications?

    A: Our students are able to pursue college credits and certifications in the areas of engineering and building trades, including plumbing, electrical, carpentry, welding, and much more. Custom career pathways with mentorships and apprenticeships can also be built to connect your students’ dreams with their career paths.

    Q: When do the pathways begin?

    A: The trade pathways begin in the freshman and sophomore years, and specialization occurs in the student’s junior year.

    Q: What types of learning do students experience?

    A: Our students experience careers and trades along with their core classes through small group and individualized instruction that includes hands-on, virtual reality, and real-world work site opportunities.

    Q: Do you have an athletics program?

    A: Our sports offerings currently include soccer and volleyball. As enrollment grows, our long-term plans include a full sports program.

    Q: Do you provide lunch?

    A: Students enjoy free breakfast and lunch daily.

    Q: Is transportation provided?

    A: Yes, every Match student receives bus routes and passes. We also run a bus route from our current K-8 school.