Early Start at 21st Century Charter High School Emphasizes Academic Success

Students dressed in black and red polo shirts carried clear backpacks as they entered the 21st Century Charter High School on Thursday morning. Rap songs invited them back to school, creating a lively atmosphere. Upon entering, students encountered side-by-side metal detectors. Staff members prepared plastic bags for collecting cell phones, headphones, and other wireless devices. Students wrote their names on sticky notes placed inside these bags.

Dean of Students Anton Williams guided students on their first day. This school is the first in the area to begin classes, kicking off the school year early on July 30, 2026.

This year, Indiana legislators implemented a “bell to bell” ban on wireless devices. However, 21st Century students have been following a similar ban for two years, either leaving phones at home or storing them away. Principal Othiniel Mahone explained that last year phones were collected by first-hour teachers. This year, the responsibility shifted to collecting them upon entry.

Freshman Jamirah Johnson preferred leaving her phone at home, expressing indifference to the change. Similarly, other students chose to leave their phones at home.

Jasmine Ware, a parent from Gary, supported the phone ban, noting, “Phones are a big distraction.” Her son Amir Robinson, a freshman, attends the school aiming to earn post-high school credentials or a degree. The school offers pathways for students to graduate with associate or bachelor’s degrees.

Monae Velez, a resident of Merrillville, brought her twins and godson for the first day. She appreciated the variety of classes but disliked starting school in late July, saying, “It’s horrible, it sucks. We used to go back after Labor Day.” Despite this, she remained optimistic about her children’s education prospects.

Principal Mahone and Peter Morikis, the district’s executive director, explained the early start aims for a balanced schedule. Students receive extended breaks – two weeks in October, December, and March – to combat learning loss and increase focus.

Mahone stated, “We’re setting ourselves up to eliminate learning loss.” School officials firmly adhere to the July 30 start, noting increasing freshman enrollment, with numbers the largest in four years.

Gary hosts more charter schools than any district in Indiana, with over half school-age children attending these institutions. Enrollment projections indicate a 20% increase for K-12 students.

Morikis mentioned enrichment activities available during breaks for students to improve or advance academically. Parents and students have responded positively to the revised calendar, appreciating its academic benefits.

Both Mahone and Morikis endorse Indiana’s new point-based accountability system for schools. Mahone stated, “It gives each individual student their own grade, showing their contribution to overall success beyond test scores.”

Carole Carlson reports freelance for the Post-Tribune. Here’s a schedule for region schools:

NWI first day of school:

• Lake County Aug. 6: Gary Aug. 10: East Chicago Aug. 11: Lake Central Aug. 12: Hanover Community, River Forest, Lake Station, Hobart, Hammond, Crown Point, Lake Ridge, Griffith, Merrillville, Munster.
• Aug. 13: Highland, Whiting Aug. 18: Tri-Creek
• Porter County Aug. 13: Boone Township, Duneland, East Porter, Portage Township, Porter Township, Union Township, Valparaiso

Charter schools:

• July 30: 21st Century Charter, Gary Aug. 6: East Chicago Urban Academy
• Aug. 10: Charter School of the Dunes, Steel City Charter (K-3), Gary; Higher Institute of Arts and Technology, Merrillville
• Aug. 11: Aspire Charter Academy, Gary; Steel City (grades 4-6); NWI Lighthouse Charter Schools, Gary and East Chicago
• Aug. 12: Hammond Academy of Science and Technology, Steel City (7-11), Hammond; Steel City (grades 7-11)
• Aug. 13: Steel City (grade 12)
• Aug. 17: Thea Bowman, Gary; Discovery, Porter