Indianapolis Public Schools and Indiana University Health announced on May 6 a major investment to expand the historic Crispus Attucks High School during the annual IU Health High School Fellowship White Coat Ceremony.
The announcement highlights a $25 million commitment from IU Health, in partnership with the Indianapolis Foundation, to support a planned $44 million campus expansion. The project will include new academic spaces, a state-of-the-art health academy lab, and a regulation-size gymnasium. Construction is set to begin in late May, with completion of the health and wellness facilities expected by winter 2028.
Superintendent Dr. Aleesia Johnson said the project builds on an established partnership between IPS and IU Health to increase opportunities for students. “This is about creating real opportunities for our students — both in the classroom and beyond,” Dr. Johnson said. “Through this partnership, we are not only preparing students for careers in healthcare, but also investing in spaces that support learning, wellness, and long-term success.”
IU Health president and CEO Dennis Murphy also commented on the significance of the initiative: “Today’s students are stepping into opportunities that will shape the future of healthcare in our community,” Murphy said. “We are proud to partner with IPS to invest in both students and the facilities that will support their growth.”
The investment is part of IU Health’s broader commitment to the Indy Health District—a nonprofit initiative launched in fall 2024 covering 1,500 acres on Indianapolis’ near north side—aimed at addressing socioeconomic factors affecting overall health outcomes.
Crispus Attucks High School was built in 1927 as Indianapolis’ only all-Black high school and holds historical significance as it became nationally recognized when its basketball team won a state championship in 1955. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Indianapolis Public Schools emphasizes racial equity as a core strategic priority while serving over 30,000 students through tailored educational programs across central Indianapolis families according to its official website.
