School Alive

Paramount Lafayette is a tuition-free public charter school at 1904 Elmwood Avenue in Lafayette. The campus serves kindergarten through grade 8. It is not a private special-education school, and no voucher is required for a seat. The campus belongs to Paramount Schools of Excellence, which opened its first Indianapolis campus in 2010. Lafayette uses Indiana academic standards with a structured academic approach. A high-ability program offers deeper enrichment. Student and parent services include support for IEP and multilingual learners. Before- and after-school care is offered at select Paramount campuses. Enrollment is by application when a seat is open. The school is a general-population charter, not a therapeutic campus.

STEAM Lafayette was the first STEAM Academy site, opening in 2017 with six classrooms beside the River City Community Center on Old US 231 and adding 11 more classrooms in 2019. Our rooms run from infants at 6 weeks up to pre-K, the building is open 7 a.m. until 6 p.m. each weekday, and we add summer camp and break care. Inside, children have an indoor PlayPlace with a toddler area, an indoor play space for rainy and cold days, a science lab and a rock climbing wall. Our faith-based STEAM curriculum blends science, technology, engineering, art and math with age-appropriate Bible lessons and follows the Indiana Early Learning Standards for kindergarten readiness. Staff-to-child ratios run from 1:4 for infants to 1:12 in pre-K, and an onsite mental health consultant supports children and staff. Breakfast, lunch and a snack in the afternoon all meet CACFP guidelines. STEAM Academy is a registered childcare ministry of River City Church and a Paths to Quality Level 3 provider, and we accept CCDF vouchers and On My Way Pre-K. Optional activities such as GymBus Gymnastics and SoccerShots are available for an added fee.

Our Lafayette school plans each student's classroom around social and emotional needs, developmental level, and educational and vocational goals. T.C. Harris offers both school and residential services for young people with neurodiverse needs. We use cognitive behavioral approaches, applied behavior analysis principles, positive behavior supports, and trauma-informed care. Talk with our team about day or residential placement and how your student's goals would shape the school day.