Education Matters With MySchoolOptions

In this episode, we sit down with Heather Shidler, Director of Enrollment for Lafayette Catholic Schools. Together, we dive into the real experiences and concerns families face when choosing a school for their children. Heather shares insights from her 25+ years working with students and parents, highlighting what drives families to seek a new school—whether they’re running toward a close-knit community and academic excellence or away from challenges like bullying or large class sizes.

The conversation covers:


The emotional and logistical journeys families go through in enrollment


Best practices for schools to build welcoming, effective enrollment systems ("white glove service" and role clarity)


How current families are the best marketers for schools


The central fears parents have, especially regarding affordability


Heather’s powerful personal story and advocacy for Indiana’s Choice Scholarship Program


Myths vs. reality of access to private education—especially for working-class and Latino families


The transformative impact of the Choice Scholarship, highlighted by moving personal stories


What makes Lafayette Catholic Schools unique—faith, safety, and a true sense of belonging


Growth, future vision, and encouraging families to “do it scared” when taking the leap into a new school setting

Key Takeaway:Choosing the right school is a deeply personal decision that goes beyond academics—it’s about finding the right fit, community, and support. Tools like the Choice Scholarship Program can be life-changing, and every family deserves to know their options.

Need support finding your fit?Check out My School Options’ Find Your Fit enrollment campaign for events and resources.

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For more information about school choice and your school choice options, visit our website at https://www.i4qed.org

In this episode of Education Matters, Sarah and Cesar sit down with Greg Harrell from the Institute for Quality Education to break down the key themes from Indiana’s 2026 legislative session. They discuss:


Major wins on literacy and math policy to boost student achievement, including new requirements for parent notifications and math instruction frameworks.


Updates to school choice, including moving up the start of universal Choice Scholarship eligibility and important changes for charter schools.


Efforts to cut red tape in education, including deregulation bills and new K-12 operational reports.


The new bell-to-bell cell phone and smartwatch ban in public and charter schools, plus social media restrictions for students under 16.


Expanded opportunities for work-based learning, including adjustments around transportation barriers and workers’ compensation.

Tune in for a practical recap of the biggest legislative changes impacting Hoosier students, educators, and families heading into the next school year.

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For more information about school choice and your school choice options, visit our website at https://www.i4qed.org

This special bonus episode of Education Matters is all about the exciting launch and impact of the new Find Your Fit campaign, a collaborative effort between My School Options and partner schools throughout Indiana. The first school they are partnering with is St. Joseph Catholic School. In this special bonus episode, we are joined by principal Kevin Rice, who shares his enthusiasm for their upcoming joint event— the first annual Carpenter Fest, set for May 30th.

Episode Highlights:


Find Your Fit Campaign:This episode dives into how My School Options is partnering with St. Joseph through the Find Your Fit campaign, designed to help families across Indiana discover schools that meet their unique needs. This campaign’s focus is boosting enrollment by directly connecting families with schools in their communities.


Carpenter Fest Details:Kevin Rice unveils the vision for Carpenter Fest — a welcoming, festival-style enrollment fair at St. Joseph. From an outdoor Mass, live music from the band Jackjaw, food trucks, street festival atmosphere, a kids’ zone, and bounce houses, it’s an event created to help families experience the true culture and community spirit of the school.


Who Should Attend?As emphasized by Principal Kevin Rice, this isn’t just for current students. The event welcomes prospective families, alumni, parishioners, and anyone curious about what St. Joseph has to offer. It’s a chance to talk with teachers, meet other families, and discover what makes St. Joseph special.


Find Your Fit’s Core Message:The Find Your Fit campaign is all about making school choice approachable and accessible. This initiative provides direct support for families considering a new school environment, especially after challenging academic years. St. Joseph’s commitment to being “rooted in Christ and committed to excellence” is highlighted as an example of what families can expect from participating schools.


Enrollment Information:Interested families can reach out to [email protected] for a personal tour or enrollment support — with the assurance of quick, welcoming follow-up from the school’s dedicated team.

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For more information about school choice and your school choice options, visit our website at https://www.i4qed.org

In this heartwarming episode, we talk with Kevin Rice, principal of St. Joseph Catholic School in Corydon, Indiana. With deep roots in both the school and local community, Kevin shares how tradition, faith, and commitment to excellence drive everything at St. Joseph. From his unique journey from master plumber to recognized educational leader, to his passion for supporting families and building a legacy, listeners get an inside look at what makes this school—and its community—so special.

Episode Highlights

A Principal’s Homegrown Perspective


Kevin reflects on leading the same school that shaped his faith and family, creating a sense of stewardship and continuity.

Supporting Families and Students


Kevin discusses how being a parent reshaped his philosophy, highlighting the importance of partnership and consistency in nurturing every child.


He believes in meeting parents where they are with support, not judgment, working toward a shared goal of student success.

Academic Excellence Without Gimmicks


St. Joseph’s 70-year legacy is rooted in focusing on the fundamentals—strong reading instruction, small class sizes, and classic literature.


Students routinely outperform on state-standardized tests, with 3rd graders achieving 95–100% iREAD pass rates thanks to a systematic phonics approach.

Teacher Support and High Expectations


Teachers are valued and supported, with clear objectives, ongoing feedback, and resources. Many volunteer extra time for student tutoring.


The school’s approach echoes proven, “back-to-basics” Catholic school methods—balancing tradition with purposeful, modern instruction.

Faith at the Center


Catholic identity isn’t limited to religion class—it’s woven through daily prayer, Mass, service, and formation of mind, body, and spirit.


Non-Catholic families are warmly welcomed; about half the student body is non-Catholic, valued for bringing unique perspectives while participating in the mission.

Access and Affordability


Kevin highlights Indiana’s Choice Scholarship Program, making a St. Joseph education more accessible than ever for Hoosier families—most qualify for significant tuition assistance.

Upcoming: Carpenter Fest & Enrollment Fair


St. Joseph is partnering with My School Options to host its first annual “Carpenter Fest” and enrollment fair on May 30th, an opportunity for families to experience the school’s vibrant community. This is a great opportunity to attend an outdoor Mass, enjoy food trucks, live music, activities, and learn about enrollment.

How to Enroll


Interested families can email [email protected] to start the enrollment process, request a tour, or get questions answered directly by the school’s welcoming team.

For families seeking a stable, caring school environment that’s “rooted in Christ and committed to excellence,” St. Joseph offers proven academics, a strong community, and formation for life.

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For more information about school choice and your school choice options, visit our website at https://www.i4qed.org

In this powerful episode of Education Matters, Katie Kirley, Executive Director of Steel City Academy in Gary, Indiana, sits down with us to share her decade-long journey of turning a commitment into a calling. From starting as a Teach for America corps member to co-founding Gary’s only A-rated school in over 15 years, Katie offers a front-row look at how listening deeply to a community and relentlessly focusing on core values can build a legacy of excellence and hope.

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For more information about school choice and your school choice options, visit our website at https://www.i4qed.org