Crispus Attucks High School is in line for a major upgrade, with a roughly $44 million expansion that will add a healthcare training lab and a second IHSAA compliant gym, officials announced Wednesday. Indiana University Health has pledged $25 million toward the project, while Indianapolis Public Schools has earmarked about $20 million in bonds to round out the funding. The new facilities, including lab and tech classrooms, locker rooms, concessions and a gym that seats roughly 2,400, are expected to open in 2028.
What the Expansion Will Include
As reported by Chalkbeat, the plan calls for new lab rooms, a technology lab and an atrium that will connect the original building to a new south side addition. The second gym is being designed to meet Indiana High School Athletic Association standards and will feature home and visitor locker rooms, indoor concessions and a weight room. IPS officials say the combined funding from IU Health and district bond dollars brings the overall project cost to roughly $44 million.
Fellowship Builds a Local Career Pipeline
The expansion is closely tied to an IU Health fellowship at Crispus Attucks that launched in 2021 as a three year pathway into healthcare careers. Students apply as freshmen and can earn credentials such as certified nursing assistant and certified medical administrative assistant while also completing paid internships. Program reporting by Mirror Indy notes that fellows receive clinical exposure and college credit as part of the pipeline. "This investment reflects how much we believe in you," Indianapolis Public Schools Superintendent Aleesia Johnson told students at the announcement, according to Chalkbeat.
Timeline and Neighborhood Input
Indianapolis Public Schools says the project has moved into detailed design and construction planning. Site mobilization and early utility work are expected in late spring 2026, with a groundbreaking planned for fall 2026 and completion anticipated in winter 2028. District officials say the expansion grew out of a community led visioning process and that they have published town hall materials and meeting recordings for neighbors to review. IPS leaders add that construction phasing is being coordinated to minimize disruption to students and nearby streets.
How the Gift Fits Into a Bigger Plan
IU Health is framing its $25 million contribution as part of broader community investments tied to the Indy Health District, a cross institution effort aimed at addressing social determinants of health and growing local workforce pipelines. The Indy Health District describes itself as a collaboration among major medical, education and civic anchors in and around north downtown Indianapolis, with a long term goal of improving life expectancy and opportunity in nearby neighborhoods. IU Health has highlighted partnerships with local schools and workforce programs as a key part of that strategy.
What Comes Next
Public engagement sessions are set to continue as the project moves through permitting this spring and toward construction later in 2026, according to district materials. School leaders say the addition is intended to preserve Crispus Attucks historic campus while expanding access to modern science labs and athletic facilities that can serve students and the surrounding community for decades to come.
