The Scholar Experience
Where scholars are inspired to discover their potential, build confidence, and lead with purpose.
The PLA@103 Scholar Experience
From Day One to Success and Beyond
At PLA@103, the scholar experience goes far beyond the classroom. As a tuition-free public charter school serving K–6th grade scholars on Indianapolis’s Far Eastside, we nurture the whole child—academically, socially, and emotionally—through personalized instruction, hands-on learning, and a calm, inclusive, and culturally rich environment. Every scholar is known, supported, and inspired to grow into a confident learner and compassionate leader.
Families are at the heart of everything we do. Together, we empower scholars to achieve excellence, embrace their culture, and make a meaningful impact within our school and the greater Indianapolis community.
Where Care Meets Excellence
Matt Rimer, Principal
“At PLA@103, we believe every child deserves an education filled with love, high expectations, and limitless opportunity. Our teachers work tirelessly to help scholars grow academically, build confidence, and discover their unique potential—because every scholar can succeed with the right support and care.”
Hallmarks of
The PLA@103 Experience
Strong Academics & Personalized Learning
Every scholar benefits from rigorous, data-driven instruction tailored to their individual needs. Through small-group learning, one-on-one support, and targeted intervention in math and reading, our teachers help scholars build strong foundations and achieve lasting academic growth.
Enrichment & After-School Programs
PLA@103 offers a wide range of after-school activities and enrichment opportunities—including STEM, robotics, art, athletics, and tutoring. These programs inspire creativity, teamwork, and leadership beyond the classroom.
Safe, Inclusive, and Culturally Rich Environment
Safety, care, and inclusion are at the heart of our mission. Our staff foster trust, respect, and belonging so every scholar feels valued, supported, and confident to explore and grow in a culturally rich environment.
Caring Teachers & Mentorship
Our teachers serve as mentors who truly know and support each scholar. Through guidance, goal-setting, and encouragement, they nurture confidence, character, and a lifelong love of learning.
Character & Leadership Development
PLA@103 prepares scholars to lead with integrity, empathy, and pride in their culture. Leadership programs, enrichment clubs, and community service opportunities help students strengthen their voice, values, and sense of purpose.
Family & Community Partnership
We believe strong family and community connections are essential to scholar success. Through open communication, family events, and partnerships like SkilledUS, Summer Advantage, and the Boys & Girls Club, we support scholar learning, leadership, and family growth.
What Families Can Expect
from the PLA@103 Experience
Families choose PLA@103 for a school that feels calm, inclusive, and connected—where scholars are supported, challenged, and inspired every day. From rigorous academics to hands-on enrichment, we help every child reach their potential and grow into confident, compassionate leaders.
Where Every Child Belongs
PLA@103 is built on safety, respect, and belonging. Every scholar is known, valued, and supported in a welcoming environment that celebrates diversity, culture, and community.
Innovative Classrooms
We combine data-driven instruction, small-group learning, and 1:1 technology to make lessons engaging, personalized, and effective for every scholar.
Character & Leadership
Our scholars learn to lead with integrity, kindness, and confidence. Through mentorship, enrichment clubs, and community partnerships, they develop the skills to make a positive impact at school and beyond.
Academic Excellence for All
With a rigorous, data-driven curriculum and personalized instruction, every scholar receives the support and challenge they need to excel in core subjects like reading, math, and science.
Joyful Learning Environments
From STEM and art to athletics, clubs, and family events, PLA@103 provides joyful, engaging experiences that make learning exciting and meaningful.
Empowered Educators
Our dedicated teachers are lifelong learners themselves—receiving ongoing coaching, training, and support to provide the best education for every scholar.
Empowering Scholars, Strengthening Families,
Transforming Communities
At PLA@103, learning goes beyond the classroom. Through programs like Skilled US and Summer Advantage, we equip both children and adults with the tools to thrive—helping families gain stability, scholars stay on track, and communities build brighter futures. Together, we’re creating opportunities that change lives across generations.
Build a Brighter Future with Skilled US
skilledus.org
Through Skilled US, PLA@103 extends its mission beyond the classroom—empowering parents and adult family members (ages 17+) to build stable, rewarding careers. This FREE job training program offers hands-on instruction, career coaching, and direct connections to employers in high-demand industries. Graduates of Skilled US programs earn $45,000 or more per year, creating greater financial stability for their families and stronger foundations for their children’s success. When parents thrive, scholars thrive. Click below to learn more and start your journey toward a new career today.
Enroll in our free 5-week Summer Advantage Program
SummerAdvantage.org
PLA@103 partners with Summer Advantage to keep scholars learning, growing, and thriving year-round. This FREE, research-based summer program helps prevent learning loss and boosts academic achievement through hands-on enrichment, reading and math instruction, field trips, and fun activities that spark curiosity. While most students lose ground over the summer, PLA@103 scholars gain skills, confidence, and friendships that carry into the next school year. Families love the joy, structure, and inspiration their children experience every day. Click below to learn more and give your child the gift of a summer that makes a difference.
The Scholar Journey
Through PLA Schools (PreK–12)
From the first day of PreK through high school graduation, PLA scholars experience a transformative education rooted in love, high expectations, and academic excellence. Our classrooms build strong foundations in reading, math, and social-emotional growth while nurturing leadership, service, and a passion for lifelong learning. By the time they graduate, scholars are confident, college- and career-ready, and equipped to lead in their communities.
The Scholar Journey Through PLA@103 (K–6)
From the first day of Kindergarten through 6th Grade, PLA@103 scholars experience a transformative education rooted in love, high expectations, and academic excellence. Our classrooms build strong foundations in reading, math, and social-emotional growth while nurturing leadership, service, and a passion for lifelong learning.
Summer Advantage
Learning doesn’t stop when school ends. Through our partnership with Summer Advantage, scholars stay engaged and inspired all summer long with hands-on enrichment, reading and math instruction, field trips, and fun experiences that boost achievement and prevent learning loss.
Skilled US
With Skilled US, PLA@103 extends opportunity beyond the classroom—offering free career training for parents and adult family members (ages 17+). Graduates often earn $45,000 or more per year, building financial stability, confidence, and a stronger foundation for their children’s success.
Beyond Graduation & Community Impact
The PLA@103 experience transforms entire families. Alumni, parents, and partners become leaders and advocates who strengthen their neighborhoods and inspire the next generation—creating a lasting legacy of learning, growth, and opportunity.
“Choosing PLA@103 was the best decision we made. My child is thriving, and I feel part of a family that believes in their potential.”
— PLA@103 Parent
“Being a scholar at PLA103 is exciting. I’m learning, making friends, and getting ready for the life I want after graduation.”
— PLA Scholar
“At PLA@103, we combine academic rigor with genuine care, helping every scholar reach their full potential.”
— Matt Rimer, PLA@103 Principal
“PLA@103 changed our lives. My child is thriving in school, and through Skilled US, I found a career that lets me provide more for my family.”
— PLA@103 Parent
“PLA@103 and Summer Advantage make learning exciting. I’m getting smarter every day and can’t wait to come back each summer.”
— PLA@103 Scholar
"Together with PLA@103 , Skilled US helps parents build skills, earn more, and model success for their children—strengthening families from the inside out."
— Kristi Williamson
“I’ve learned that being a leader means helping others, not just yourself. My teachers at PLA@103 make me believe I can do anything.”
— PLA@103 Scholar, 5th Grade
Our
Testimonials
Voices from our schools and communities
See what our scholars, teachers, families, and alumni are saying about the difference PLA@103 makes in everyday lives.
Learn how we’re driving equity, nurturing leadership, and inspiring change—one school, one scholar, one community at a time.