SIX Education Wins!
Did you know that IFI supported a measure this year to ensure that 100% of Indiana families are eligible for school choice, regardless of income? We stood on the front lines of the battle for educational freedom in our state, and we’re proud to say that we achieved not just one victory, but SIX education wins this session.
As part of Indiana’s biennial $45 billion budget, legislators were able to expand school choice eligibility to 100% of Indiana families with no income restrictions beginning at the start of next year. This move allows parents to bypass what was previously a burdensome process in determining eligibility based on income. Starting in 2026, household income will no longer stand between Hoosier families and getting their tax dollars back to choose the best educational options for their children.
We’d like to thank the Indiana Non-Public Education Association, the Indiana Catholic Conference, and the Institute for Quality Education for their leadership on school choice and their commitment to creating a state where parents can choose the best educational option for their children, regardless of zip code or income.
Senate Bill 255 – “Religious Time Release Instruction”
Part of this bill would allow high school students who enroll in a one-credit-hour elective to receive religious instruction for that course with parental permission. This would enable Christian ministries like LifeWise Academy to teach the Bible to high school students off-site and without taxpayer dollars if the student wants to participate and their parents agree. In other words, we can help public school students learn the Bible and deepen their relationship with God during the school day. What a blessing!
LifeWise has been an incredible partner to IFI and is the sponsor of HLS’s upcoming education day in July. Learn more about LifeWise here!
Senate Bill 442 – “Instruction Concerning Human Sexuality”
This measure would require school boards to approve any teaching on human sexuality before it is included in the curriculum, and the material must be posted online “in a conspicuous place” so parents can access it. This common-sense bill strengthens parental rights and ensures schools are transparent about what is being taught to students.
Senate Bill 289 – “Limitations On Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion”
This bill would prohibit K-12 schools from teaching or promoting to students the idea that “one race, sex, ethnicity, religion, or national origin is inherently superior or inferior to another.” It would also restrict state educational institutions and other agencies from running DEI programs, and bar state funding from institutions that require or advocate for DEI training.
House Bill 1348 – “Fairness for Homeschool Graduates”
This law prohibits state employers, colleges, and universities from requiring prospective employees or students to take extra skill tests if they were homeschooled. The bill establishes that a high school diploma or credential issued by a non-accredited nonpublic school is legally sufficient to demonstrate that the recipient has met the requirements to complete high school.
House Bill 1102 – “Faith-Based Preschool Programs”
This statute removes language restricting school corporations from entering into a contract with a religiously affiliated nonprofit preschool program. This is great news for Christian families in our state who want their children’s early education to reflect the biblical values they learn at home.
Check out the video below for an overview of IFI’s most successful legislative session to date: