The Circle City Readers program will launch in 10 Indianapolis schools this autumn

Indianapolis, Indiana – Following a fruitful spring pilot program, Mayor Joe Hogsett declared Wednesday that a literacy tutoring program would begin in ten Indianapolis schools.

The Circle City Readers initiative was first introduced by Hogesett in October 2022.

The City-County Council unanimously agreed to allocate $1 million from the City’s American Rescue Plan allotment to the literacy program, according to a news release.

“Every day, we hear reports that a lack of reading skills is the most urgent education issue facing our state and nation,” Hogsett said in a release. “That’s why we are continuing to take action to meet the needs of our students and families, and I’m excited to say we’re already seeing results.”

Amplify’s “science of reading” program is used by Circle City Readers.

36 students participated in the spring pilot program and received tutoring three times each week for eight weeks, for a total of 20 lessons.

Final evaluations of the spring pilot program revealed that pupils were increasing their reading accuracy, word count, and fluency, according to a press statement. 25% of the children showed growth that was average or higher.

The following schools will offer tutoring when the initiative expands through the 2023–2024 academic year:

• Pleasant Run Elementary School (MSD Warren Township)
• Hawthorne Elementary School (MSD Warren Township)
• Sankofa School of Success at Arlington Woods School 99 (IPS)
• Global Prep Academy at Riverside School 44 (IPS)
• The PATH School at Stephen Foster School 67 (IPS)
• Liberty Grove at Elder Diggs School 42 (IPS)
• Tindley Genesis Academy
• Avondale Meadows Academy
• Vision Academy Riverside
• Jonathan Jennings School 109 (IPS) Boys and Girls Club

By the time tutoring starts on September 5th, the program will have 40 tutors on staff.

“We are excited that Circle City Readers will come in and support our students,” said Amy Hartung, a Reading Interventionist in MSD Warren Township. “Based on their success in the district from last year, our students will benefit from the support of their dedicated team working in conjunction with Pleasant Run teachers and staff. We look forward to continuing our partnership.”