Welcome to School for Community Learning

Celebrating nearly 15 years of child-centered, community-focused education in Indianapolis.

Pre-K through 8th grade.

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Experience the SCL Difference

At School for Community Learning, Pre-K through 8th grade students are immersed in a learning environment rich with community-minded, inquiry and project-driven learning. SCL is grounded in progressive education, features multi-age classrooms and develops curriculum around the concept of sustainability.

Here, children learn to care for the world - and each other - while receiving a well-rounded education. Students leave prepared to be critical thinkers and change makers.

Two young women taking a mirror selfie, with one woman on the left making a peace sign and the other woman on the right smiling, both with dark hair styled in braids and wearing casual clothing, in a black and white photo.

What makes SCL different?

Two children sitting at a table, closely looking at a paper menu, with a water bottle and a condensed milk can visible nearby.

  • Project-Based and Inquiry-Driven Learning

    Children learn in many ways. At SCL, we include project-based learning alongside core academic skill building to provide an engaging and well-rounded education.

    Throughout the year, Students work on projects that engages them in solving a real-world problem or answering a complex question. They demonstrate their knowledge and skills by creating a public product or presentation for a real audience (such as their family members and/or fellow students).

    By learning in this manner, students develop deep content knowledge as well as 21st century skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, and communication skills

  • Cross-Age Relationships

    We help our students form meaningful relationships across grade levels through multi-age classrooms, Passions classes and our Buddies program.

    These relationships help students gain social and emotional skills like self-management, social awareness, listening, and empathy. Although it’s tempting to think that younger students benefit the most from this program, older students reap remarkable benefits as well. The opportunity to mentor younger students solidifies their social-emotional competencies.

  • Sustainability Focus

    Sustainability-based education helps students understand and care for the world around them. It connects learning to real-life issues like the environment, community well-being, and responsible use of resources. Through hands-on experiences, students build skills to think critically, solve problems, and make choices that support a healthy future for people and the planet.

  • Small Schools Make a Big Difference!

    Our PreK-8 school is small by design. This allows students and families to be known well, and is an important part of what makes us different. Every student has the space to shine and be their own unique selves at SCL. Smaller class sizes allow our students to get more out of their education.