Herron High School plans to build what school leaders call “a transformative performing arts and science facility that addresses urgent and well-documented needs across our network.”
The project comes courtesy of a $25 million grant from the Lilly Endowment through its Marion County K-12 Public Schools Initiative. The award is one of 34 large-scale implementation grants being awarded through phase 3 of the Lilly initiative, which is designed to help strengthen the academic achievement of students in Indianapolis and improve their prospects for success after high school.
Janet McNeal, president of Herron Classical Schools, said the new facility will allow students across its network to access the opportunities that drive long-term success – advanced coursework, hands-on science learning, and rich out-of-school-time experiences. The state-of-the-art science classrooms will be a physical and symbolic center of excellence, allowing expanded access to Advanced Placement, dual credit, and interdisciplinary coursework to the HCS network, which includes Riverside High School and the growing K–8 campus, Herron Preparatory Academy.
When completed, the new auditorium will host theater and choir performances, lectures, family events and community programs – extending use beyond the school day while strengthening the school’s engagement through high-quality out-of-school time opportunities.
“We are both thrilled and humbled by this generous gift,” McNeal said “With this support from the Lilly Endowment, Herron Classical Schools is poised to lead the charge in reimagining what’s possible for Indiana’s future: one student, one school network, and one academic advancement opportunity at a time. Our open-access policy for students wishing to engage in advanced coursework means demand has often outstripped our capacity. This grant, and the new facilities it supports, are a real game-changer for equitable access by removing structural barriers that keep capable students from realizing their potential.”
The three schools which comprise Herron Classical Schools are intentionally designed, tuition-free public charter schools committed to delivering a classical, liberal arts education that prepares students from all backgrounds for academic achievement and engaged citizenship.
McNeal said families choose Herron not just for its rankings, but for the school culture – one that blends intellectual challenge, inclusive community and tradition with opportunity. She said HCS ensures that all students have the opportunity to enroll in AP coursework by removing traditional barriers and fostering an inclusive, college-preparatory culture. In 2025, the majority of Herron High School graduates earned an Academic Honors Diploma.
Herron High School also received a $854,000 implementation grant from Lilly Endowment in May 2025 through phase two of the Marion County K-12 Public School Initiative. Lilly Endowment is making large-scale implementation grants to private schools in Indianapolis through a separate, complementary initiative.
