Students at 21st Century Charter High School in Gary began their school year on Thursday, July 30, 2026. They arrived donning black and red polo shirts and carrying clear book bags. A mix of rap music played as they entered the building.
As they approached the school’s entrance, staff collected cell phones and other wireless devices. Indiana lawmakers have enforced a statewide ban on these devices from ‘bell to bell’, but this school had already adopted a similar policy. Students would either leave their phones at home or deposit them in labeled plastic bags at the entrance. Several students, like freshman Jamirah Johnson, opted to leave their phones at home.
Principal Othiniel Mahone explained that last year phones were collected by the first-hour teachers but the process was streamlined by collecting them at the door this year. The policy was positively received by parents like Jasmine Ware, who cited phones as distractions.
Phones are a big distraction. They get bored and the first thing they want is their phone. Do something else, talk to someone,” said Ware.
21st Century Charter is known for its students’ achievements. Many earn associate and even bachelor degrees by graduation. This draws students like Amir Robinson, whose parents Jasmine and Demetri Ware enrolled him in hopes of his earning post-high school credentials.
Parent Monae Velez shared her thoughts on the early start of the school year. Although she expressed disappointment about the July start, she appreciated the educational trade options the school offers.
It’s horrible, it sucks. We used to go back after Labor Day,” she noted, yet remained optimistic about the new school year.
Principal Mahone explained that the change to a late-July start was to create a balanced academic calendar. Students will have two weeks off during fall, Christmas, and spring breaks, reducing potential learning loss.
We’re setting ourselves up to eliminate learning loss with our students,” noted Mahone.
Currently, freshman enrollment is the largest in four years, with approximately 140 students and still growing. Overall, K-12 enrollment is expected to rise about 20% from last year’s 1,180 students.
The district offers enrichment and remediation sessions during the first week of breaks. These sessions allow students to improve grades or advance in their studies. Executive Director Peter Morikis stated the new calendar’s benefits.
I’ve had positives from parents and even the kids,” said Morikis.
Both Mahone and Morikis support Indiana’s point-based accountability system to track student progress. They believe it encourages students to follow career pathways or earn credits beyond high school.
I think it’s a great idea to keep track on how students are doing,” said Mahone.