While schools across Madison County and much of the state are despairing of low standardized test scores, low graduation rates, high expulsion and dropout rates, there is at least one alternative in Madison County providing an excellent education in a safe and friendly environment.

Indiana Christian Academy has been educating and equipping young people for over 35 years. Most ICA graduates attend and excel in major colleges nationwide, and the numbers speak for themselves! In 2009, students in grades 1-12 scored 20.22 percent above the national average on the Stanford Achievement Test, with a 2.22 percent gain over its own scores in 2008. Students in grades 7-12 scored 23.89 percent above the national average. In a county where only 60-65 percent of students are passing the standardized tests, statistics such as these provide clear incentive for enrolling a child at Indiana Christian Academy.

While most Anderson area public schools are seeing many students expelled or suspended each year, giving its schools the sixth lowest retention rate in the state, Indiana Christian Academy lovingly disciplines its students and seeks to instill in each one the morals and character needed to finish high school and to succeed in life. Given the right environment, students are able to apply themselves to learning and are motivated to excel and accomplish much while in school. Combined with award-winning extracurricular activities, ICA provides a complete educational package to produce well-rounded, intellectually strong graduates.

Indiana Christian Academy is also an affordable education. Compared with other private schools in Madison County, ICA boasts one of the lowest tuition rates, with financial aid and incentives available. Its smaller class sizes also mean each child gets the attention and love of qualified, committed, and truly caring teachers.

Parents need not settle for low test scores, overcrowded classrooms, and high dropout rates; a promising future awaits your child at Indiana Christian Academy and Preschool. For additional information, visit www.indianachristianacademy.org.

Sources: Indiana Department of Education, Indiana Christian Academy and Pearson Assessments.

Bill Newton is administrator of the Indiana Christian Academy in Anderson.