FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Anne O’Brien, Director of Communications
317-660-0733
aobrien@indiana.ag
Montezuma, Indiana — May 22, 2026— The Indiana Agriculture & Technology School (IATS) is proud to announce that it has received approval from its charter authorizer, the University of Southern Indiana (USI), to move forward with opening a new tuition-free public charter school serving grades K–6 at the historic Montezuma Elementary School building. Enrollment is open now.
The school, located at 459 East Strawberry Road in Montezuma, Indiana, will open in August 2026 and is now enrolling students for the upcoming academic year.
This new campus marks an important step in preserving and continuing the legacy of Montezuma Elementary School, which has served as a cornerstone of the community for generations.
“We would like to thank the Montezuma organizing team and the community at large for their unwavering commitment to this mission. We’d also like to thank the IATS board of directors, and USI for their approval, guidance and support throughout this process,” said Keith Marsh, Executive Director of IATS.
Members of the Montezuma community have been active and vocal in their support. Many have been working closely with IATS throughout the early phases.
“When the members of the Montezuma community approached us to see how our charter could help their school, it felt like a natural fit. We are honored to partner with families and the community to ensure this school continues to be a place of learning, opportunity, and connection for generations to come,” said Keith Marsh, Executive Director of IATS.
“It’s been encouraging to work with people who care about creating opportunities for students and families,” said Montezuma community member Nathan Falls about working with IATS.
“I just want our community to know that we are so proud of them. I hope that the kids that walk into the school can feel the love and support from the community that fought so hard for them,” said community member Cierra Earley.
For decades, Montezuma Elementary has been a place where students learned, families connected, and the community came together. As the building enters a new chapter, IATS is honored to carry that legacy forward by operating a charter school dedicated to serving local families.
Indiana Agriculture & Technology School is committed to:
- Honoring the school’s history and preserving its legacy
- Providing strong leadership through an established charter school model
- Ensuring responsible governance and operational oversight
- Investing new funding and resources into the school
- Continuing the mission of education and opportunity for the community
The Indiana Agriculture & Technology School at Montezuma Elementary will be a 100% tuition-free public school, with no cost to attend. All students are welcome.
Program highlights include:
- Agriculture-centered learning
- Strong literacy foundation
- STEM-focused math and science
- Accessible programming for families
- Student support services, including special education and speech services
- Transportation provided
All textbooks and instructional materials will be provided at no cost.
Families are encouraged to enroll as soon as possible.
To enroll, visit www.IATSME.com
Stay connected and follow the launch of the new school on social media:
Community response has already been strong, already exceeding the initial pre-enrollment goals for the 2026–2027 school year. IATS anticipates maintaining a 20:1 student-to-teacher ratio to ensure personalized instruction and a high-quality learning environment.
In addition to K-6, IATS is also exploring the development of a Pre-K program to serve families earlier in their educational journey. Community interest in Pre-K has already been significant as leadership evaluates program structure, staffing, and next steps. More details will be shared soon as planning progresses.
While IATS has served grades 7–12 across Indiana for the past eight years, the organization is expanding its model to include primary education.
The elementary program is designed to spark curiosity and build foundational skills through hands-on, real-world learning experiences. Students will engage in agriculture, science, literacy, and math through integrated, project-based instruction.
Key elements of the program include:
- Hands-on agriculture learning, including greenhouse-based instruction
- A strong emphasis on reading and literacy across all subjects
- STEM-based math and science learning
- Project-based, experiential education
- Exposure to music, art, and creative expression
- Field trips and real-world learning opportunities
About Indiana Agriculture & Technology School (IATS)
The Indiana Agriculture & Technology School is a tuition-free public charter school serving students across Indiana. With campuses in Evansville, Trafalgar, Rensselaer, Greencastle, Fort Wayne, and now Montezuma, IATS provides innovative, career-focused education that blends academics with hands-on learning in agriculture, technology, and environmental sciences.
Its flexible learning models and personalized approach help students gain real-world skills and prepare for success in college, careers, and beyond.