From Pandemic Disruption to 100% Literacy Mastery: The Genius School’s IREAD-3 Success

Indianapolis, IN – When our current 3rd graders first entered school, their classrooms were computer screens, their classmates were tiny boxes on Zoom, and their earliest learning experiences took place amid a global pandemic. Many began Pre-K or Kindergarten during this time—years considered the most critical for building foundational literacy skills.

Across the nation, these “pandemic-start” students have faced significant reading gaps. Experts predicted it could take years to close them. However, at The Genius School, we see a different story. Our school was designed for a time such as this—its very existence built to offset the learning loss caused by the pandemic and create an educational experience for the post-pandemic child.

In 2025, 100% of our 3rd graders passed the IREAD-3 assessment. Additionally, 100% of our 2nd graders who were with us the entire year passed as well. These are not just passing scores—this is proof that pandemic learning gaps can be closed through intentional, research-based teaching and a holistic approach to education.

How We Did It

Our results are the outcome of a deeply intentional approach to instruction, culture, and student support:

      • Genius Groups: Our daily, school-wide initiative where students work in small, dynamic, leveled groups. These groups allow us to target each child’s exact reading level, accelerate growth, and ensure that no skill gaps go unaddressed. Students in Genius Groups have shown an average of 1.5 to 2 years growth in one school year, and our IREAD-3 results confirm this impact.
      • Emotional Regulation & Focus Training: Through daily meditation and HeartMath Institute practices, our students develop the focus, resilience, and confidence needed to approach both learning and offset testing anxiety with self-efficacy, self-esteem, and confidence.
      • Instruction Aligned with the Science of Reading: We provide explicit, systematic phonics, vocabulary development, fluency practice, and comprehension strategies that build mastery from the ground up.
      • Data-Driven Teaching: Every instructional move is informed by ongoing assessment data, allowing for immediate intervention when needed.
      • Family Partnerships: Parents and guardians are considered and treated as essential partners, building community, reinforcing skills at home and working closely with our educators.
      • High Expectations, No Excuses: We believe every child can learn to read at or above grade level, regardless of their starting point—and we act on that belief each day.

Why This Matters

The Genius School outpaced:

      • Indiana State Average: 87.3%
      • Pike Township Average: 75.4%
      • Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) Average: 69.8%
      • Indiana State Average (Black students): 76.1%
      • Pike Township Average (Black Students): 76.6%
      • IPS Average (Black Students): 65.7%

This is especially significant because these students began their education during one of the most disrupted periods in modern history. While many schools are still working to recover from pandemic learning loss, our students show that with the right environment and support, children can not only catch up—they can excel.

How You Can Help

This kind of success doesn’t happen by accident—and it doesn’t happen without resources. As a private, faith-based school, The Genius School relies on donor generosity to ensure every child has access to the tools and support they need.

Your donation helps fund:

      • Tuition Assistance for families
      • Genius Group resources like books, literacy tools, and adaptive materials
      • Professional development for teachers in the Science of Reading and HeartMath
      • Student wellness programs to build confident, resilient learners
Learn about the sgo
GIVE TODAY

About The Genius School

Founded in 2024, The Genius School Inc. (GSI) is a state-accredited, faith-based PreK-7 private school in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our mission is to nurture the whole child—academically, spiritually, physically, and emotionally—through an innovative and holistic approach to education. We offer a responsive academic model tailored to meet the needs of today’s students, with programs that emphasize character development and hands-on learning.

At GSI, we prioritize small class sizes, allowing for personalized instruction and a focus on individual growth. Our diverse and inclusive community is dedicated to equipping students with the tools they need to succeed in school and in life. Through project-based learning, advanced science studies, and specialized programs such as martial arts, we help students discover and unleash their full potential.

For more information, contact us at (317) 643-5430 or follow us on social media:
Facebook: @thegeniusschoolindy
Instagram: @thegeniusschoolindy

Be Part of the Transformation

Together, we can close achievement gaps, nurture the whole child, and transform learning outcomes for students across Indianapolis.

GIVE TODAY
Apply Now