Education Matters With MySchoolOptions

Latest Episodes:

Episode 66 - Inside Indiana School Choice: Chris Brunson on Advocacy, Opportunity, and Nonpublic School Success Sep 17, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Education Matters, Chris Brunson, Associate Executive Director of the Indiana Non- Public Education Association (INPEA), joins us to dig into the behind-the-scenes work supporting Indiana’s private schools—from advocacy and compliance to school choice expansion. With a wealth of experience in both school operations and policy, Chris Brunson shares insights on navigating challenges, building successful schools, and ensuring families have access to educational opportunities that fit their needs.

Highlights

Career & Mission: Chris Brunson describes his path from commercial property consulting and international school work to a pivotal leadership role at INPEA, uniting passion and experience to serve Indiana schools and families.
School Operations: Drawing on years of hands-on experience, Chris Brunson explains the unique pressures and rewards of leading smaller non-public schools, noting the crucial role of local support, parent engagement, and investment (“skin in the game” from families and communities).
Challenges School Leaders Face: Key obstacles include aging facilities, evolving community demographics, severe teacher shortages, and regulatory burdens that impact school autonomy.
INPEA’s Role & Advocacy: The organization champions private schools by listening to school leaders’ needs, supporting advocacy at the Statehouse, offering professional development, and facilitating connections between schools and legislators.
School Choice Impact: The Indiana Choice Scholarship Program has enabled greater diversity and access, letting more families—regardless of income—find educational environments that fit their children’s needs and values.
Empowering Families: Chris Brunson stresses the importance of parents understanding that school choice is available to all Indiana families, often with substantial financial support.

Key Takeway

Indiana’s school choice landscape offers families meaningful options—but the most successful outcomes come when parents, schools, and communities are invested and informed. Whether in public or non-public schools, every family should feel empowered to choose the best environment for their child, with robust advocacy, support, and engagement paving the way for quality education across the state.

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For more information about school choice and your school choice options, visit our website at https://www.i4qed.org

Episode 65 - Greatest Hits: Inspiring Stories from Our Find Your Fit Campaign Aug 27, 2026

Show notes

In this special episode of Education Matters, we highlight the inspiring stories from our recent podcast guests and their contribution to our Find Your Fit campaign. The conversation highlights the power of school choice, encouraging families to explore multiple options, visit schools, and engaging with staff and teacher to find the right environment for their child.

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For more information about school choice and your school choice options, visit our website at https://www.i4qed.org

Episode 64 - Supporting Every Child: How School Choice Helped Lisa Dailey’s Family Thrive Aug 06, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Education Matters, Indianapolis mom and educator Lisa Dailey shares how school choice transformed her daughter Maeve’s educational experience. Frustrated by a lack of support for Maeve—who has autism and ADHD—in public school, Lisa used Indiana’s school choice program to find a private school where Maeve could thrive both academically and socially. Lisa’s story is a testament to the critical impact of having educational options for every family.

Highlights

Family & School Struggles: Lisa, a mother of five, describes how Maeve and her brother transitioned from public school to private after Maeve’s needs weren’t met despite frequent behavioral issues and her diagnoses.
Advocacy & Frustration: Lisa pushed back against being told Maeve wasn’t a “big enough concern” for extra support, sharing the emotional toll on the family.

School Choice Success: With guidance from school choice advocates, Lisa found Gray Road Christian School, where smaller classes and supportive staff made a difference.

Transformative Outcomes: Maeve’s grades and confidence soared after repeating a grade and receiving individualized support; most importantly, she found real friendships.
Family Impact: The change brought more happiness, community, and excitement about school for the whole family.
Access & Advice: Financial aid through school choice made all the difference. Lisa urges parents to ask questions, take tours, and seek the right fit for their kids.
Final Message: Lisa encourages other parents to persist for their children’s needs—and calls on policymakers to continue supporting school choice.

Key Takeaway

School choice empowers families to find the best environment for their children to succeed. Lisa’s story proves that advocacy and accessible options can be life-changing for a child’s academic and social growth. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and explore—there’s a “right fit” out there for every student.

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For more information about school choice and your school choice options, visit our website at https://www.i4qed.org

Episode 63 - Redefining Student Athlete Education: The Story Behind International Soccer Academy of America Jul 23, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Ethan Hunt, founder and CEO of the International Soccer Academy of America (ISAA), shares his journey building the nation’s first government-accredited high school created exclusively for elite soccer players. From humble beginnings as a graduate thesis to an innovative, world-recognized academy, Ethan Hunt discusses leadership, overcoming barriers, and how faith and perseverance shape both the ISAA community and his personal mission.

Highlights

Building a New Model for Student Athletes

The International Soccer Academy of America is the first government-accredited high school in the U.S. designed around elite soccer development and academic excellence.
Inspired by a youth academy feature in the FIFA video game, Ethan Hunt envisioned a school that invests in the long-term potential of young athletes.
ISAA grew from a master's thesis to a thriving academy with international reach, thanks to partnerships with organizations like Villarreal in Spain and support from the Indiana Department of Education.

Mission & Impact

ISAA serves high schoolers with a unique program melding accredited academics and top-tier soccer training, helping over half of its students earn college soccer scholarships.
Students benefit from opportunities to play against university teams, increasing college recruitment and visibility.
The school champions holistic development, emphasizing that each student has value beyond athletic or academic achievement.

A Day in the Life & Facility Innovation

“Students,” not just “athletes,” spend long, immersive days combining academics and soccer, sometimes from morning until late evening.
ISAA operates in a repurposed YMCA facility with custom renovations, including indoor soccer and workout spaces, and partners with local fields for outdoor play.

Preparing for College & Professional Success

ISAA’s unique partnerships, especially with Villarreal, give students the chance to compete internationally, including tournaments where future global soccer stars have played.

Expansion & International Reach

ISAA aims to begin issuing I-20s for F-1 student visas starting January 2027, enabling greater international enrollment and subsidizing local student tuition.
Welcomes high-level players from around the world, fostering diversity and raising the bar for competition.

Leadership & Personal Growth

Ethan Hunt shares candidly about the health challenges he faced from the stress of starting ISAA, and how writing his book “Without Permission: How I Beat the Odds No Matter the Cost” proved therapeutic.
Leadership lessons center on patience, servant leadership, and the importance of doing what needs to be done—even when it’s difficult.

Key Takeaway

This episode reveals how the International Soccer Academy of America is rewriting what’s possible for student athletes—merging rigorous academics, elite soccer opportunity, and a commitment to personal growth. ISAA is a testament to visionary leadership, the power of partnership, and the belief that every student deserves the chance to reach their potential, both on and off the field.

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For more information about school choice and your school choice options, visit our website at https://www.i4qed.org

Episode 62 - Education, Faith, and Community: The Story of Holy Angels Catholic School Jul 09, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Matthew Krulik, principal of Holy Angels Catholic School, joins us to share the remarkable legacy of this near west side Indianapolis institution, its deep roots in the community, and the faith-driven, family-oriented culture that empowers students—known as “scholars”—to excel academically and personally.

Highlights

A Century of Community Impact

Holy Angels Catholic School has served the west side of Indianapolis for over 119 years, providing academic excellence, spiritual growth, and social development to a 100% minority-majority student body.
The late Pat Rooney’s love for the school ignited a movement that made Indiana a leader in universal school choice.

Mission & Student Community

Committed to nurturing the whole child and equipping families with resources for success.
Holy Angels breaks barriers by making a high-quality parochial education accessible and affordable for local families.

A Culture Defined by Family

The school’s uniquely supportive and inclusive “family” environment sets it apart—every family is known and involved, and success is a shared effort.

Academic Excellence & Student Support

Achieved a remarkable 93% IREAD pass rate this year, credited to outstanding teachers, strong family involvement, and a village approach to education.
Programs include after-school tutoring, fluency packets for parental engagement, and robust mentorship.
Students are called “scholars” to set high expectations and affirm their potential.

Community Service, Clubs, and Opportunities

Enrichments like STEM, chess club, sports teams, and a focus on community service empower kids to find and grow their talents.

Building Trust & Wraparound Support

Holy Angels provides wraparound services for families—food pantry, rental assistance, job support—and maintains open lines of trust and communication.

Rock the Block: Celebration of Community

The annual “Rock the Block” event blends live music, a car show, food, and resource sharing, strengthening bonds both within the school and with local partners.

Key Takeaway

This episode shines a light on how Holy Angels Catholic School’s unwavering focus on faith, family, and academic excellence transforms the lives of students and their community. The “family” atmosphere, high expectations for scholars, and holistic support make it a true anchor on Indianapolis’s west side—and a living example of the power of equitable educational opportunity in Indiana.

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For more information about school choice and your school choice options, visit our website at https://www.i4qed.org

Episode 61 - Transforming Lives: Workforce Skills and Youth Opportunities at Boys and Girls Club Jun 18, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Katie Rodriguez—mentor, coach, and community leader at the Boys and Girls Club—shares her journey and the transformative impact of workforce development and youth empowerment programs on young people in Indiana.

Highlights:

Katie Rodriguez’s multifaceted role: from coach and mom to trusted mentor known as “Miss Katie”
Building trust and authentic connections with youth to foster growth
The power and necessity of early career exposure and workforce readiness programming
Creative partnerships, including hands-on trades days, collaborations with community organizations, and immersive experiences with University of Notre Dame
Real-life success stories: students overcoming challenges and gaining life-changing opportunities through culinary and STEM programs
Strategies for teaching vital real-world skills: communication, teamwork, time management, and soft skills
The supportive, inclusive environment at the Boys and Girls Club—from practical cooking clubs to one-on-one mentorship
How community members and local businesses can get involved and inspire the next generation, plus upcoming workforce development goals

Key Takeaway:

This episode underscores the powerful impact of mentorship and work-based learning experiences in shaping confident, capable young people—and invites the community to play an active part in building pathways to success for Indiana’s youth.

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For more information about school choice and your school choice options, visit our website at https://www.i4qed.org

Episode 60 - Shaping the Future: How Work-Based Learning Is Transforming Indiana High Schools Jun 04, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, we sit down with Greg Harrell to break down Indiana’s sweeping new graduation requirements and the growing importance of work-based learning for high school students.

Highlights:

Indiana’s graduation overhaul: Why the class of 2029 will experience a completely reimagined high school journey
The motivation behind change—connecting school to real-world outcomes, addressing chronic absenteeism, and closing the gap between college aspirations and actual enrollment
Introduction of “readiness seals,” allowing students to customize graduation requirements for enrollment, employment, or enlistment
How schools are adapting quickly to new requirements and the flexibility provided by the stackable, permeable nature of the seals
The critical role of early and ongoing career guidance, starting as early as middle school
What high-quality work-based learning really looks like: internships, apprenticeships, school-based enterprises, and even authentic workplace simulations
Equity in opportunity—approaches to ensuring all Indiana students, including those in rural and under-resourced communities, can access meaningful experiences
Building and sustaining employer and industry partnerships, and the growing role of intermediary organizations
Practical supports for schools: training plan templates, resources from the Department of Education and partner organizations, and the importance of not reinventing the wheel
Looking ahead: Greg Harrell’s vision for an Indiana where students graduate with industry-valued credentials and genuine readiness for whatever comes next

Key Takeaway:
This episode underscores Indiana’s bold steps to connect classroom learning with practical, real-world experiences—giving every student the tools, options, and confidence to thrive after high school, regardless of their chosen path.

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For more information about school choice and your school choice options, visit our website at https://www.i4qed.org

Episode 59 - Community Leadership and Innovation with Duane Wilson of the Boys and Girls Club May 21, 2026

Show notes

In this inspiring episode, Duane Wilson, President and CEO of the Boys and Girls Club of Northern Indiana Corridor, joins us to discuss the evolution and impact of community leadership in supporting youth and families across Indiana.

Highlights:

Duane Wilson's personal and professional journey to leading the Boys and Girls Club
Innovative approaches during the pandemic—creation and evolution of e-learning hubs
Expansion of mental health and emotional well-being services with a full clinical team
Exciting plans for a new neighborhood community center, featuring intergenerational programming and wraparound family services
Powerful stories of youth transformation, including the journey of Rema, Midwest Youth of the Year
Duane Wilson's vision of impactful partnerships and a call for local businesses and organizations to engage with the club's mission
Reflections on the evolving needs of kids and the importance of innovation and connection in youth development

Key Takeaway:

This episode highlights the critical role of community organizations in adapting to changing educational and emotional needs, and invites listeners to support and join in the collective mission of empowering the next generation.

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For more information about school choice and your school choice options, visit our website at https://www.i4qed.org

Episode 58: Finding the Right Fit: Janet Gunn's Journey of Supporting School Choice in Indiana May 07, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Sarah and Cesar Roman sit down with Janet Gunn, a dynamic community leader and MSO ambassador from Greensburg, Indiana, to spotlight the real-world impacts of universal school choice. Together, they explore how policies enabling educational options are transforming families’ lives, with a special focus on the success of Good Shepherd Christian Academy.

The conversation dives into the logistics of community organizing, what motivates parents to seek alternative school options, and the power of grassroots advocacy in driving state-level education reform.

Highlights

How School Choice Opens Doors: Janet Gunn describes how universal school choice gives rural families access to private, faith-based education that once felt unattainable due to financial barriers.
Grassroots Organizing in Action: Insights into the “rock the block” event, parades, and outreach at Good Shepherd Christian Academy, including how these efforts boosted enrollment and awareness in the Greensburg area.
Community and Belonging: The episode unpacks the profound impact that volunteers, such as Janet Gunn, have in shaping tight-knit school environments—kids affectionately call her “Grammy,” underscoring deep relationship-building
Advocacy as a Game-Changer: Janet Gunn discusses how everyday parents and community members, not just policy experts, are instrumental in passing monumental legislation—and why your voice matters.
The Role of Faith and Community: The conversation centers on the value of Christian education, prayerful support systems, and community care at Good Shepherd.
Practical Steps for Families: Advice for parents looking for a new educational fit: visit schools, take tours, talk to staff, and trust your instincts to find the best environment for your child.

Takeaways

School choice empowers families of all income levels to access private education—especially crucial in rural or lower-income areas.
Personal relationships and grassroots organizing drive enrollment and success, from fun events to one-on-one encouragement and outreach.
Advocacy at the local level truly makes statewide change possible; every voice has the potential to impact legislation and improve options for students.
Faith-based schools provide more than academics; they nurture community, care, and values, creating spaces where students and families thrive.
Finding the right educational fit is a journey; touring schools and meeting teachers is key to making informed, confident decisions.

Want to learn more or get involved?

- Contact Good Shepherd Christian Academy at 812-663-2410 or visit gscademy.org.

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For more information about school choice and your school choice options, visit our website at https://www.i4qed.org

Episode 57 - Navigating New Digital Boundaries Apr 23, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Sarah is joined by Cesar Roman to unpack the sweeping changes coming to Indiana schools with new laws banning cell phones and tightening protections around social media use for kids. They walk through what these state mandates mean for classrooms, teachers, parents, and students—both at school and at home.

The conversation explores the reasons behind Indiana's new “bell to bell” cell phone ban, the costs and logistics of implementation, how exceptions will work for students with unique needs, and why non-public schools are exempt. Shifting beyond the classroom, Cesar breaks down newly enacted social media safeguards, including age verification and enhanced parental controls, and reflects on how these changes are part of a broader national movement to keep kids safe online.

Highlights

The purpose and scope of Indiana’s new cell phone ban, including why lunch and passing periods are now covered
How the law aims to reduce digital distractions and provides clarity for teachers
Unexpected costs for schools, and how they can comply without new funding
Key exceptions: support for students with IEPs, medical needs, and multilingual learners
Why non-public schools retain autonomy and are not included in the cell phone ban
Overview of the new social media protections for those under 16, focused on tackling addictive features and advertising algorithms
New requirements for parental consent, monitoring, and the ability to set usage limits on social media accounts

Takeaways

Uniform policies make it easier for teachers to maintain focused learning environments
Balancing student safety and parental concerns requires both clear rules and flexible exceptions
Implementing technology restrictions presents costs and operational challenges—especially when passed without new funding
Parental involvement is critical, with new laws empowering families to act as “digital gatekeepers”
These legislative steps are part of a growing national movement to address digital safety and student development both in and out of the classroom

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For more information about school choice and your school choice options, visit our website at https://www.i4qed.org

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