Grand Park Career Center
General Information
Reviews
Grand Park Career Center is widely regarded by students and parents as a strong institution that provides practical, career-focused education that prepares students for real-world challenges. Many reviews highlight the school’s commitment to hands-on learning and the availability of modern facilities that foster skill development in various trades and technical fields. Parents appreciate the dedicated faculty who maintain a supportive environment, encouraging students to excel both academically and professionally. The community feedback often praises the school’s involvement in local industries, which helps students secure internships and job placements after graduation. Some students mention the rigorous coursework as challenging but rewarding, emphasizing the value of instructor expertise and personalized attention. Overall, the reputation of Grand Park Career Center is positive, with many alumni successfully transitioning into competitive job markets or continuing their education at higher levels.
Contact Information
- Phone: (317) 792-4583
- Email: contact@grandparkcareer.org
- Address: 1427 Mapleview Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46220
- Website: www.grandparkcareer.org
- Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
School Facts
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1987 |
| Grades Served | 9-12 |
| Total Students | 629 |
| Faculty Count | 58 |
| Student-Teacher Ratio | 11:1 |
| School Type | Public Career and Technical Education Center |
Rankings
| Ranking Type | Position |
|---|---|
| State Ranking | Top 22% |
| District Ranking | 4 |
Grand Park Career Center Academics
Faculties / Departments
- Automotive Technology
- Health Sciences
- Information Technology
- Culinary Arts
- Construction Trades
- Graphic Design
- Business Management
- Environmental Science
Grand Park Career Center Courses Offered and Programs / Majors
- Automotive Repair and Maintenance
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
- Computer Networking
- Culinary Fundamentals
- Carpentry and Building Trades
- Digital Media Design
- Business Administration
- Environmental Conservation
- Electrical Systems
- Welding Technology
- Early Childhood Education
- Marketing and Sales
Online Learning
Grand Park Career Center offers a hybrid approach to online learning, allowing students to complete certain theoretical coursework through a robust virtual platform. This flexibility supports students who balance work, family responsibilities, or other commitments. The online modules cover foundational subjects such as business principles, health science theory, and information technology concepts. Instructors provide live virtual sessions and recorded lectures to accommodate various learning styles. Additionally, online assessments and interactive activities ensure that students remain engaged and can track their progress effectively. The center’s commitment to integrating technology in education enhances accessibility and supports personalized learning paths. Students appreciate the convenience of online learning paired with hands-on lab work, enabling a well-rounded educational experience.
Degrees and Certifications
Students at Grand Park Career Center can earn industry-recognized certifications alongside their high school diplomas, which significantly boost employability. Certificates such as Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), and OSHA Safety Certification are available depending on the program. The center partners with local businesses and certification bodies to ensure curricula meet current industry standards. Graduates often leave with multiple certifications, allowing them to enter the workforce immediately or pursue further education with advanced standing. The school also offers pathways to associate degrees through articulation agreements with nearby colleges, supporting students who wish to continue their education after graduation.
Summer School
Grand Park Career Center’s summer school program is designed to help students catch up on credits, explore new career pathways, or deepen skills in their chosen fields. Classes run for six weeks and include both classroom instruction and practical workshops. Popular summer courses include basic automotive repair, introductory health care skills, and computer literacy. The program emphasizes hands-on learning and provides opportunities for internships and job shadowing during the summer months. This approach helps students maintain momentum in their studies and develop professional experience early. Summer school also serves as a platform for students to improve standardized test preparation and participate in enrichment activities such as career fairs and guest speaker events.
Average Test Scores
| Subject | Average Score |
|---|---|
| Mathematics | 72% |
| English/Reading | 79% |
| Science | 65% |
| Social Studies | 83% |
Retention and Graduation Rates
Grand Park Career Center maintains a strong retention rate, attributed to its engaging curriculum and supportive faculty. Approximately 88% of students persist from freshman through senior year, reflecting the school’s ability to meet students’ academic and career goals. The graduation rate is similarly high, with 85% of enrolled students completing their programs within four years. The school’s emphasis on career readiness, combined with personalized guidance and support services, helps students stay motivated and on track. Programs that offer certifications alongside diplomas boost graduation rates by providing tangible outcomes that encourage completion. Furthermore, the school’s partnerships with local employers and colleges create pathways that incentivize students to graduate and pursue post-secondary opportunities.
Grand Park Career Center Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
Admissions at Grand Park Career Center focus on students who show interest in career and technical education, with GPA requirements generally ranging from 2.0 to 3.5 depending on the program. While standardized test scores are not the primary admission criteria, typical admitted students score between 980 and 1160 on the SAT or 19 to 24 on the ACT. The center values motivation and commitment to vocational studies over purely academic metrics. Prospective students often submit transcripts, letters of recommendation, and express their career interests through personal statements. This holistic approach ensures that applicants with diverse academic backgrounds who demonstrate a clear career focus have the opportunity to enroll.
Acceptance Rate
| Year | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 78% |
| 2022 | 82% |
| 2021 | 80% |
Application Requirements
Applicants to Grand Park Career Center must complete an application form and provide their most recent high school transcript to demonstrate academic progress. Additionally, students usually submit a brief personal statement expressing their interest in specific career fields and how attending the center aligns with their goals. Letters of recommendation from current teachers or counselors strengthen applications by highlighting the student’s work ethic and aptitude. Some programs may require placement tests or interviews to assess readiness and fit. The school encourages students to meet with an admissions counselor early to discuss program options and prepare necessary materials. Overall, the application process is designed to be straightforward but thorough to ensure a good match between students and programs.
Enrollment Overview
Enrollment at Grand Park Career Center is steady, with approximately 600 to 650 students enrolled annually. The school attracts a diverse population interested in gaining practical skills and certifications that facilitate entry into the workforce or higher education. Many students come from surrounding districts seeking specialized training not available at traditional high schools. The enrollment process is structured to accommodate new students each semester, with advisors assisting in course selection and career planning. The center also offers dual-enrollment options in partnership with local colleges, broadening enrollment opportunities. Students are supported throughout their studies with counseling, tutoring, and career services to maximize their success and satisfaction.
Application Process
- Complete the online or paper application form.
- Submit official transcripts from current or previous schools.
- Write and submit a personal statement outlining career interests.
- Provide letters of recommendation from educators or counselors.
- Participate in placement tests or interviews, if required by the program.
- Attend an information session or campus tour, if possible.
- Receive acceptance notification and complete enrollment paperwork.
Application Deadlines and Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Opens | January 15 |
| Application Deadline | March 30 |
| Decision Notification | April 20 |
| Enrollment Deadline | May 10 |
| Orientation Sessions | August 10-15 |
Essay Prompt
Applicants to Grand Park Career Center are asked to write an essay explaining their motivation for pursuing a career and technical education. The prompt encourages students to reflect on their future career goals, how the center’s programs align with those goals, and what skills they hope to develop while attending. This essay allows the admissions team to better understand the applicant’s commitment, interests, and readiness for a career-focused learning environment. Students are advised to provide specific examples of experiences or inspirations that led them to choose a vocational path. Responses are evaluated on clarity, sincerity, and alignment with the center’s mission to prepare students for workforce success.
Grand Park Career Center Scholarships
Grand Park Career Center offers several merit- and need-based scholarships to support students pursuing certifications and continuing education. Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, financial need, and involvement in community service or extracurricular activities. The center collaborates with local businesses and foundations to provide funding for tools, uniforms, and tuition for post-secondary programs. Scholarship applicants must submit a separate application, including essays and recommendation letters. Many students benefit from programs designed to reduce financial barriers, enabling participation in internships and career training. The school’s scholarship office also assists students in identifying external scholarships relevant to their chosen fields.
Grand Park Career Center Tuition Fees and Costs
| Item | Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition | N/A – Public |
| Registration Fee | $75 |
| Technology Fee | $50 |
| Activity Fee | $30 |
| Books and Supplies | $200 |
| Optional Lunch Program | $1,100 |
Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics
Grand Park Career Center serves a diverse student population drawn from urban and suburban areas, reflecting a range of socioeconomic backgrounds. The school prides itself on fostering an inclusive environment where students from all walks of life can access career and technical education. Many students come from families where first-generation college attendance is common, and the center plays a vital role in opening pathways to skilled employment. The demographic mix includes varied racial and ethnic groups, with a growing number of students identifying as Hispanic or Asian. The school actively supports cultural competency and equity initiatives to ensure all students feel welcome and supported throughout their studies.
Low-Income Students and Students with Disabilities
Approximately 38% of Grand Park Career Center’s students come from low-income households, qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch programs. The center is committed to providing resources and support to these students, including access to counseling, tutoring, and career readiness workshops. Additionally, about 12% of the student body receives services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) or Section 504 plans. The school offers specialized accommodations and tailored instruction to meet diverse learning needs, ensuring equitable access to all programs. Collaboration between special education staff and vocational instructors helps integrate students with disabilities into hands-on training while addressing individual challenges.
Student Body Overview
| Category | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Female Students | 47% |
| Male Students | 53% |
| Caucasian | 55% |
| African American | 20% |
| Hispanic | 15% |
| Asian | 7% |
| Other/Multiracial | 3% |
University Diversity
Grand Park Career Center embraces diversity as a core value, reflected in its student body and faculty composition. The school promotes cultural awareness through events, workshops, and student organizations that celebrate different backgrounds and perspectives. Efforts to recruit and retain faculty from varied ethnicities and professional experiences enrich the learning environment. The center collaborates with community partners to provide mentorship programs targeting underrepresented groups in technical fields. This focus on inclusion enhances students’ preparation for increasingly diverse workplaces. Additionally, curriculum materials incorporate multicultural content to broaden students’ understanding of global issues and intercultural communication, fostering respect and collaboration among peers.
Average Earnings
Graduates from Grand Park Career Center generally enter the workforce with competitive starting salaries that reflect their certifications and skills. On average, alumni earn between $32,000 and $45,000 annually within the first two years post-graduation, depending on their chosen field. For example, students certified in health sciences or information technology often command higher initial wages due to demand in those sectors. The school’s strong ties with local employers facilitate placement in well-paying jobs and apprenticeships. Over time, many graduates experience salary growth as they gain experience or pursue further education. The career center’s emphasis on practical skills and certifications equips students to enter the labor market with credentials valued by employers, positively impacting long-term earning potential.
Graduation Rate
Grand Park Career Center consistently achieves a graduation rate above 85%, reflecting its effective support systems and career-focused curriculum. The school’s success is attributed to personalized advising, early intervention for struggling students, and opportunities for earning industry certifications that motivate completion. Many students are engaged through work-based learning experiences and internships that provide a clear link between education and career opportunities. The center also offers credit recovery and flexible scheduling to help students stay on track. Graduation ceremonies celebrate diverse achievements, including technical awards and academic honors. Through continuous monitoring and student-centered practices, Grand Park Career Center maintains a high graduation rate that benefits students and the broader community.
Grand Park Career Center Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
The faculty at Grand Park Career Center consists of highly qualified professionals with both academic credentials and real-world industry experience. Many instructors hold certifications in their respective trades, bringing practical insights to classroom instruction. The school employs approximately 58 full- and part-time staff members dedicated to student success, including counselors, career advisors, and support personnel. Faculty members are praised for their accessibility and willingness to provide individualized guidance. Staff participate in ongoing professional development to stay current with technological advances and teaching methodologies. This commitment ensures that students receive relevant instruction aligned with industry standards. The collaborative culture among teachers fosters innovation and continuous improvement in program delivery.
Faculty Profiles
Grand Park Career Center’s faculty includes experts in fields such as automotive technology, health sciences, and digital media. For example, the lead automotive instructor has over 15 years of experience in automotive repair and holds ASE Master Technician certification. The health sciences department is led by a registered nurse with extensive clinical teaching experience. Faculty members often engage in partnerships with local businesses, serving as liaisons to facilitate student internships and apprenticeships. Many instructors hold advanced degrees and participate in research or professional associations relevant to their disciplines. The diverse expertise and backgrounds of faculty contribute to a rich learning environment where students gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for career success.
Grand Park Career Center Campus and Student Life
Campus Life and Housing
Grand Park Career Center operates as a day school without on-campus housing, serving primarily local students who commute from surrounding areas. The campus features modern labs, workshops, and classrooms equipped with industry-standard tools and technology. Students benefit from dedicated spaces for collaboration, study, and extracurricular activities. The school hosts career fairs, guest lectures, and student clubs related to various trades and professions, fostering a vibrant campus community. While the center does not provide dormitories, it offers guidance on local housing options for students who may relocate. Overall, the campus environment balances professionalism with a supportive atmosphere that encourages student engagement and growth.
Transportation
The school provides several transportation options to accommodate its commuter student body. A network of school buses serves multiple districts, ensuring reliable access for students living within a reasonable distance. Public transportation is also accessible, with nearby bus stops connecting to city transit routes. Many students use personal vehicles or carpools to reach campus. The school maintains ample parking facilities and promotes safe travel through partnerships with local transit authorities. Efforts to coordinate schedules with nearby high schools facilitate seamless attendance for students enrolled in dual programs. Transportation support is a key component of the center’s mission to make career education accessible to a broad community.
Job Openings and Career Opportunities
Grand Park Career Center actively supports students in securing employment during and after their studies. The school’s career services office maintains relationships with local employers across sectors such as healthcare, construction, and information technology. Job openings for internships, apprenticeships, and entry-level positions are regularly shared with students. The center organizes job fairs and networking events to connect students with industry professionals. Career counselors assist with resume writing, interview preparation, and job search strategies. Many graduates report positive outcomes in finding gainful employment shortly after completing their programs, thanks to the practical skills and certifications earned. The school’s focus on career readiness ensures that students are well-positioned to transition smoothly into the workforce.