The Scholar Experience
Where scholars are inspired to discover their potential, build confidence, and lead with purpose.
The HIAT Scholar Experience
From Day One to Success and Beyond
At the Higher Institute of Arts & Technology, the scholar experience extends far beyond the classroom. As Merrillville’s first and only tuition-free public charter school serving K–8 scholars, we nurture the whole child—academically, socially, creatively, and emotionally. Through arts integration, hands-on technology, small-group instruction, and a welcoming, culturally responsive environment, every scholar is known, supported, and inspired to grow into a confident learner and compassionate leader.
Families are central to our mission. Together, we empower scholars to achieve excellence, embrace their creativity and identity, and make meaningful contributions within our school and the greater community.
Where Care Meets Excellence
Tensia Johnson, Principal
“When scholars walk through the doors of HIAT, they enter a place where they are seen, valued, and empowered to grow. Our team is committed to nurturing a creative, inclusive, and supportive environment that inspires both academic achievement and personal development. Every child is encouraged to explore boldly, think creatively, lead with character, and take pride in the work they create and the goals they accomplish.”
Hallmarks of
THe HIAT Experience
The Higher Institute of Arts and Technology’s proven model ensures that every scholar has access to a high-quality, well-rounded education—one rooted in equity, care, and community.
Strong Academics & Personalized Learning
Every scholar benefits from engaging, arts-integrated instruction tailored to their needs. Through small-group learning, one-on-one support, and hands-on technology, our teachers help scholars build strong foundations and achieve lasting growth.
Enrichment & Creative Exploration
HIAT offers a wide range of enrichment opportunities—including STEM, robotics, visual arts, dance, athletics, gaming, and more. These experiences spark creativity, build teamwork, and support learning beyond the classroom.
Safe, Inclusive & Culturally Responsive Environment
Care, safety, and inclusion guide everything we do. Our staff foster trust, respect, and belonging so every scholar feels valued, supported, and confident to learn, explore, and grow.
Caring Teachers & Mentorship
Our teachers know each scholar well and serve as mentors who guide, encourage, and motivate. Through thoughtful support and goal-setting, they nurture confidence, character, and a love for learning.
Afterschool Extracurricular Programs & Sports
Scholars explore robotics, STEM, dance, gaming, visual arts, and a growing selection of extracurricular programs—including flag football, volleyball, cheerleading, and more.
Family & Community Partnership
We believe success grows through partnership. With open communication, family engagement events, and community programs like SkilledUS and Summer Advantage, we support scholar growth and family success.
What Families Can Expect
from the HIAT Experience
Families choose HIAT for a school that feels creative, inclusive, and connected—where scholars are supported, challenged, and inspired every day. Through arts integration, hands-on technology, and personalized instruction, we help every child reach their potential and grow into confident, compassionate leaders.
Where Every Child Belongs
HIAT is built on trust, safety, and belonging. Every scholar is known, valued, and supported in a welcoming environment that celebrates creativity, culture, and community.
Innovative Classrooms
We combine arts-integrated lessons, small-group instruction, and 1:1 technology to create engaging, personalized, and effective learning experiences.
Character & Leadership
Scholars learn to lead with integrity, empathy, 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 rigorous, hands-on instruction and personalized support, every scholar receives the challenge and guidance they need to excel in reading, math, science, and the arts.
Joyful Learning Environments
From STEM and visual arts to athletics, clubs, and family events, HIAT provides joyful, meaningful experiences that make learning exciting and relevant.
Empowered Educators
Our dedicated teachers receive ongoing coaching and support, helping them deliver high-quality instruction and build strong relationships that inspire scholar success.
HIAT’S
FAMILY JOURNEY
At HIAT, we believe every family’s journey is a shared story of growth, pride, and purpose. From the first day of kindergarten through eighth grade, our tuition-free public charter school partners with parents to ensure every scholar is loved, challenged, and supported. Beyond the classroom, HIAT strengthens families through free summer learning programs that keep scholars engaged and free career training opportunities that help parents and family members build brighter futures. Together, we nurture academic excellence, cultural pride, and leadership—empowering scholars and families to thrive in school, in work, and in life.
The Scholar Journey Through HIAT (K–8)
From the first day of Kindergarten through 8th Grade, HIAT 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, HIAT 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 HIAT 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.
Empowering Scholars, Strengthening Families,
Transforming Communities
At HIAT, 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, HIAT 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.
Build a Brighter Future with Skilled US
SummerAdvantage.org
HIAT 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, HIAT 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.
McKinney-Vento Act