A PURDUE POLYTECHNIC HIGH SCHOOL
PPHS LAB: A Program for Big Thinkers
Where Innovation Meets Individuality
At PPHS LAB, we believe education meets students where they are while challenging them to grow. The LAB program offers a rigorous, guided learning environment built for self-motivated learners who want more independence in how they learn, explore their interests, and prepare for the future.
Tailored Academic Experience
Students in the PPHS LAB program earn full credit in all required courses as part of the Purdue Polytechnic High School academic experience.
What makes the LAB program unique is its student-driven approach to learning:
Customized Schedules: Students work with advisory coaches to create learning pathways aligned with their interests and goals.
Guided Learning: Students take ownership of their education through independent learning supported by coaching, accountability, and academic rigor.
Interest-Based Learning: Students engage in real-world projects and work-based learning experiences, including internships that connect academic content to meaningful applications while building resilience, responsibility, and ethical understanding.
College Credit Opportunities: Students can earn college credits while still in high school, giving them a head start on postsecondary pathways.
Real-World Experiences
At PPHS LAB, real-world experience isn't an add-on; it's how students learn. Students have produced a civic podcast featuring Indianapolis community leaders, completed live media production for a nonprofit wrestling promotion, earned ServSafe food service certification through a student-run cooking program, and launched businesses through a live pitch competition with real funding on the line.
Through structured internships and community partnerships, students build a professional presence and a portfolio of real accomplishments before they ever leave high school. On-site advisors and off-site industry partners work together to make sure that what students are doing in the community connects back to what they're earning credit for.
Students in the LAB program graduate with more than a diploma. They leave with work experience, college credits, and a sense of what they're working toward next.
Supportive Community Environment
The PPHS LAB program is designed for students who want more independence while still benefiting from strong guidance and support. Each student is paired with an advisory coach and connected with peers who encourage accountability, collaboration, and growth.
We emphasize open communication, mutual respect, and the understanding that growth comes through challenge, reflection, and experience.
Preparing for the Future
The PPHS LAB program helps students build the independence, responsibility, and critical-thinking skills needed for life after high school. With access to college-credit courses and real-world experiences, our students are prepared to make a positive impact in their communities and beyond.
Join the PPHS LAB Program
Experience a learning environment built for curiosity-driven students who want more independence, meaningful experiences, and guidance that goes beyond the traditional classroom model. Through the PPHS LAB program, students are empowered to take ownership of their learning and prepare for future success within the Purdue Polytechnic High School community.