Monroe County, Indiana – Families exploring education in Monroe County will soon have a new way to get to know the schools that make up the Monroe County Community School Corporation (MCCSC). Beginning this month, the district is opening its doors to prospective families through guided school tours, designed to provide an inside look at classrooms, programs, and resources before parents make important decisions about their children’s education.
Through the new initiative, families can visit mccsc.edu/explore to sign up for tours or to request information about schools that interest them. The tours will be available at all MCCSC campuses, which include 14 elementary schools, three middle schools, and four high schools.
MCCSC Superintendent Dr. Markay L. Winston said the program reflects the district’s belief that families should feel informed and confident when choosing a school. “We know that families have varied interests for their children’s education, and we want to provide the best possible way for them to explore what our school corporation has to offer,” Winston said. “Families who are new to the community and are exploring educational options are welcomed to contact us to learn more. Our schools offer a comprehensive education, where liberal arts are highly valued and technology is a tool for hands-on learning, creativity, and academic excellence. We ensure all students have access to a high-quality education, from getting an early start in accredited Preschool and Pre-K programs — to preparing for college and careers.”
The new program comes at a time when many parents are weighing more choices than ever before. MCCSC leaders believe the best way to showcase their schools is to let families see them in action, from classrooms and labs to music rooms and athletic facilities. The tours will also highlight the variety of academic and extracurricular options that MCCSC has developed to meet the needs of diverse learners.
Among the district’s strongest offerings are its STEM and STEAM programs. MCCSC boasts five schools certified in STEM by the Indiana Department of Education, while every school incorporates Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math into its curriculum from kindergarten through high school. Students also have access to the International Baccalaureate World School program at Childs Elementary, Templeton Elementary, and University Elementary, where they follow a globally focused framework that emphasizes inquiry and critical thinking.
The arts are another central pillar of MCCSC’s approach. Music, visual arts, and performance opportunities are available from the earliest grades through high school. The district’s Elementary Strings program introduces young students to instruments, while middle and high schools offer band, orchestra, and choir. Fairview Elementary even integrates the arts into its core curriculum, giving students a unique option to pursue “choice” arts classes alongside traditional subjects.
MCCSC also places an emphasis on outdoor learning. Many elementary schools use natural resources as part of daily instruction, whether through gardens, hiking trails, a pond, a nature preserve, or an outdoor amphitheater. These programs allow students to connect with their environment while reinforcing lessons in science and creativity.
For families focused on college and career readiness, MCCSC offers more than 40 dual-credit courses, 34 Advanced Placement classes, and 26 career and college pathways. Students across all four high schools also have access to the Hoosier Hills Career Center. Meanwhile, The Academy serves as a certified Early College high school, giving students a jump start on higher education.
Language immersion is another area of opportunity. Select MCCSC schools feature Spanish Dual Language Immersion, in which core academic content is taught in both English and Spanish. For bilingual families or those who want their children to become fluent in more than one language, this program offers a valuable advantage.
MCCSC leaders emphasize that the district is committed to meeting every student where they are. High ability programs, specialized student support services, and even a virtual school, MCCSC Online, ensure that options are available for a wide range of learners.
For prospective families, the new tours represent a chance to see these offerings firsthand, talk to school staff, and get a feel for the community environment. By opening its classrooms, MCCSC hopes to make the decision-making process easier for families while showcasing the strengths of its schools.
Families interested in taking part in the tours can learn more and register at mccsc.edu/explore.
