With a robust academic curriculum, a diverse menu of career and technical education programs, and several fine arts and sports offerings, the Brownsburg Community School District not only prepares students for college and careers but also life. Furthermore, the district boasts an impressive graduation rate of 99.6%, underscoring its commitment to student success.
Dr. Kat Jessup, superintendent of Brownsburg schools, says that by providing students with a holistic education, the district sets them up for success in a wide range of local careers.
Early Childhood Support
BCSC prepares students for academics from an early age through the Early Childhood Center (ECC). The facility is open for half-day preschool for students aged 3-5. It is dedicated to ensuring that each child has hands-on, engaging learning experiences to provide the best foundation possible.
In addition, the ECC provides early intervention services for students who meet specific eligibility criteria for special education services per Indiana State Board of Education Special Education Rules.
“Evaluating a preschooler’s development involves understanding their ability to engage in fundamental activities,” said Dr. Katie Mitchell, Assistant Director of Special Education. “These could include adhering to basic safety rules, self-feeding, effectively communicating wants and needs, recognizing their own emotions, initiating eye contact, following two-step instructions, and maintaining focus on a story read aloud by an adult.”
A qualifying student may receive free services, including speech and language, occupational, physical, behavioral, or developmental therapy. Depending on the child’s needs, services may be provided in a small group outpatient setting or within a preschool classroom.
Strengthening the Workforce
At the Area 31 Career Center at Harris Academy, students learn through project-based instruction in a variety of pathways, such as medical assisting, cyber security, criminal justice, and pre-nursing. Area 31’s programs prepare students to enter the workforce
directly or to continue their education while focusing on the priorities of businesses and
industries.
Since 1983, Brownsburg High School students have had the opportunity to enroll in technical and career education classes through Area 31 at Ben Davis High School, just 10 miles east of Brownsburg.
“Our students have many opportunities through Area 31 at Ben Davis, but the program had to turn down hundreds of students each semester as there were more requests for enrollment than there was space in the program,” Jessup noted.
BCSC opened its own Area 31 satellite program in 2023 and welcomes 170 students annually from BHS, as well as neighboring schools, including Avon, Cascade, Danville, Monrovia, Mooresville, and Tri-West.
“Students can leave high school with valuable certifications that allow them to continue on to college or jump right into the workforce,” Jessup said.
Leveraging Community Partnerships
Brownsburg Schools continues to receive significant support from community partners and the local business community. For example, Hendricks Regional Health (HRH) directs the BCSC Health Services Department, with a Health Services Supervisor facilitating the department and HRH substitute nurses caring for students in the clinics. In addition, HRH has partnered with Brownsburg Athletics for ten years to provide athletic training
services.
The corporation participates in several dual-credit courses resulting from strategic between the Brownsburg Community School District and local universities, including Ball State University, Ivy Tech, Indiana Univerisity- Indianapolis, Purdue University, and Vincennes University. Brownsburg High School offers 25 Advanced Placement (AP) courses in six academic disciplines. In addition, BHS students can choose from 21 different Dual Credit courses. Students who successfully complete the requirements in these classes can save thousands of dollars in college tuition as students earn transferrable college credits.
“Many BHS alumni graduate from college in less than four years, dual major or add minors in
college because of the opportunities BHS provides,” Jessup said. “In addition, students get early experience with the rigorous coursework they can expect in college,” Jessup said
The program removes significant barriers like transportation and cost, making dual enrollment an accessible opportunity for all students.
Unleashing Student Potential
A wide range of arts, sports, and extracurricular programs contribute to the comprehensive development of students.
Jessup says students are encouraged to join a sport or club because research shows that
students learn better when they feel safe and feel like they belong.
Brownsburg High School offers 18 sports, many of which have won conference titles in the last five years. The school also has over 45 clubs for fine arts, speech and debate, and even fishing. The fine arts department is nationally recognized, with the Sound of Brownsburg bands, Show Choir, Orchestra, and Guard.
Jessup explains that these experiences provide students with valuable soft skills that local employers desire, including teamwork, time management, and service lessons.
“We’re very proud of the opportunities provided to our students by the hardworking teachers and staff,” Jessup said.
