The CCSJ Difference
Oversight + Support, together
CCSJ Charter Authority is a college-based authorizer, and we use that. We leverage Calumet College of St. Joseph’s campus and community expertise to actively support the schools we authorize — while also holding them accountable for academic, financial, and organizational outcomes. Our fee is not a compliance tax; it comes with real added value.
How We Support Our Schools
Teacher Scholarships for Graduate Degrees with a Dual Credit Focus
CCSJ Charter Authority, LLC supports the professional growth of educators by providing scholarship opportunities for teachers pursuing eligible graduate degrees at Calumet College of St. Joseph. These opportunities can help teachers strengthen their credentials, expand their expertise, and work toward qualifications that may support dual credit instruction, increasing college-level learning opportunities for high school students.
CCSJ Campus Visits for Students
Charter school students have opportunities to experience college firsthand through organized visits to the CCSJ campus. Students can explore academic programs, meet faculty and current students, learn about admissions and financial aid, and participate in activities designed to build confidence and familiarity with the college experience.
Honor Society Opportunities
CCSJ Charter Authority, LLC helps introduce charter school students to the academic opportunities available through Calumet College of St. Joseph’s Honors Program. High-achieving students can learn about the benefits of becoming a CCSJ Honors student, including opportunities for academic enrichment, leadership development, campus engagement, and recognition. This connection provides another pathway for motivated charter school students to envision themselves as future CCSJ students and become part of a community that celebrates academic excellence.
Streamlined Admissions Process
CCSJ works to create a clear and supportive pathway from charter school to college. Students attending CCSJ-authorized charter schools can receive targeted admissions guidance, assistance navigating the application process, information about scholarships and financial aid, and opportunities to connect directly with CCSJ representatives as they prepare for college.
Professional Development for Teachers, School Boards, and School Leaders
CCSJ Charter Authority, LLC provides professional development opportunities designed to strengthen teaching, governance, and educational leadership. Drawing upon the expertise of CCSJ faculty and community partners, programming can address instructional practices, leadership development, board governance, student achievement, compliance, and other topics responsive to the needs of each school.
College and Career Readiness Programming
CCSJ Charter Authority, LLC partners with schools to help students prepare for success beyond high school. College and career readiness programming may include career exploration, college preparation, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, leadership development, workplace readiness, mentoring, and opportunities to connect students with college faculty and regional business professionals.
All-Access Passes to CCSJ Athletic Events
Students attending CCSJ-authorized charter schools can become part of the CCSJ community through access to CCSJ athletic events. These opportunities allow students and families to experience college life, build school spirit, and become familiar with the campus in an engaging and welcoming environment.
Teaching and Learning Resources
Through its connection with Calumet College of St. Joseph, CCSJ Charter Authority, LLC provides charter school partners access to educational expertise, instructional resources, and collaborative opportunities. Resources may support curriculum development, innovative teaching practices, student engagement, assessment, technology integration, and other areas that strengthen teaching and learning.
A Unique Understanding of the Northwest Indiana Educational Landscape
As an institution deeply connected to Northwest Indiana, CCSJ brings a unique understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing students, families, educators, and schools throughout our shared community. This regional perspective allows CCSJ Charter Authority, LLC to build meaningful partnerships that respond to local needs, strengthen educational pathways, and help students envision opportunities for college, careers, and lifelong success.
What our Partners Say
Hammond Academy of Science and Technology appreciates the many ways CCSJ Charter Authority strengthens our work as a school. In addition to providing clear accountability expectations that align with the Indiana Department of Education, CCSJ has helped create valuable opportunities for our staff through professional development, student-teacher partnerships, and access to Transition to Teach coursework and scholarship opportunities for educators pursuing licensure. We are grateful for a partnership that not only supports strong school operations, but also invests in the professional growth of our staff and the long-term success of our students.
— Dr. Deborah Snedden, Superintendent-School Leader, Hammond Academy of Science and Technology
Thea Bowman Leadership Academy values our partnership with CCSJ Charter Authority and its commitment to supporting strong, sustainable charter schools. Their collaborative approach, thoughtful guidance, and focus on accountability have supported our continued growth while respecting our school’s unique mission, vision, and community. We appreciate our journey together—a relationship built on trust, transparency, and a shared commitment to walk together, support one another, and continually strive toward excellence while creating meaningful opportunities and positive outcomes for every scholar we serve.
— Dr. Marlon Mitchell, Superintendent-School Leader, Thea Bowman Leadership Academy
