Stephen Foster, School 67, has a current enrollment of 750 students in two instructional programs, the traditional program for grades K-6 and the Montessori Option Program for grades K-8. Our attendance area encompasses the westside inner city urban area allowing us to be culturally and socio-economically diverse. 100% of our students receive free or reduced lunch and textbook assistance with a racial composition of white, black, and hispanic.

Stephen Foster, School 67, is an exceptional place where all children will learn. All staff members are committed to seeing that all children reach their potential and become capable, independent, successful citizens who will assume effective roles in society.

Traditional Program
The Traditional Program combines a solid core curriculum that uses the adopted IPS textbooks and other supplemental materials that challenge students with enrichment activities. We foster critical thinking, use of higher-level skills, problem solving activities, and a strong literature and writing base program. High expectations are set for students in behavior, as well as in academic achievement. We work to train and develop skills that will prepare our students for the future as productive citizens. With an ongoing identification and assessment of the strengths in an already successful program, our goal is to maintain and continue to improve upon what has worked well in a traditional elementary school setting.

Montessori Option Program
The Montessori approach to education is based upon the work of Maria Montessori, an Italian physician, and was introduced into the United States in the early 1900's. Her methods have been studied and incorporated around the world. Currently there are many Montessori Schools throughout the US, including several in public school systems.

Part of School 67 is a Montessori magnet school within the Indianapolis Public Schools thus the philosophy and teachings of Dr. Maria Montessori combine with the Indiana State Standards to drive the instructional program. The program is designed to teach the whole child; physically, emotionally, cognitively, and spiritually while effectively mastering the Indiana State Standards. The method meet the developmental needs of students through the use of sequenced, concrete, manipulative materials in every subject area. The discovery approach fosters an attitude of inquiry and provides a foundation for problem solving. Lessons, presented in an "impressionistic" style, automatically illustrate concept in all areas of the curriculum. IPS textbooks are also used for direct instruction and individual work. Our practices emphasize the children learning how to learn by continually practicing, reviewing, and revising their work and competing intrinsically with their own best efforts as they add to their knowledge and competence.

The Montessori classrooms are set up as multi-age, multi-ability, inclusionary learning environments. Direct instruction occurs in small groups throughout the school day. Student Individual Learning Plans allow for independent exploration and practice with hands on materials, peer tutoring, cooperative group activities, and one on one instruction by classroom instructional assistants. Learning Plans are developed based on each individual student's specific academic needs.