Welcome to Options in Education Foundation

“Thank you for supporting programs like this. I used to think I could never catch up, but Options gave me a second chance. Because of you, I’m not just surviving school, I’m actually excited about my future for the first time ever.”

“I used to struggle with anxiety every day at school. Thanks to the support I got through Options, I finally feel like I can breathe and focus on my goals.”

“Options helped me find a path that actually works for me. I’m taking college classes while still in high school, and I never thought I’d be that kind of student.”

“Getting involved with the Foundation opened doors I didn’t know existed. I’ve met mentors, built confidence, and finally feel like my future is in my hands.”

“During Thanksgiving break, a student reached out to me to share that they were experiencing housing instability, living out of a hotel, and had no transportation. Their family couldn’t access the school food pantry and was running low on food. Our Safety Director volunteered to drive an hour after work to hand-deliver food to the family so they could still celebrate the holiday. It’s a powerful example of the compassion and commitment our staff brings to every student, every day.” “

” At most schools, you’re handed a student’s file that tells you their GPA and test scores. Here, I’m given a full picture—what’s going on at home, what triggers emotional reactions, who they trust, what they’re carrying emotionally. That context changes everything. It helps me teach in a way that actually reaches them.”

“One of my students was failing every class when he came to us. Through his tailored support plan, we learned he was caring for younger siblings while his mom worked nights. We adjusted his schedule, connected him with a counselor, and gave him space to breathe. He’s now passing and showing up every day. That’s what support looks like here at Options.”

“A few months ago, one of my students stopped showing up. Normally, we wouldn’t know why for over a week. But because we’re one of the few schools in Indiana using the Handle With Care model, we were notified right away that there had been a domestic violence incident at home. This model allows us to act fast. My team created a transition plan before the student even returns. We got her a reduced schedule, counseling support, a mentor, and enrolled her in one of our community therapy groups. Our job isn’t just to educate – it’s to provide stability, support, and make sure no student falls through the cracks.”