A PURDUE POLYTECHNIC HIGH SCHOOL
Student Experience
A Day in the Life
A Day in the Life:
Mateo
Mateo came to PPHS knowing he had some catching up to do. Reading had never been his strength, but he had big goals — including becoming an engineer. At PPHS, he’s building the skills and confidence to get there.
Advisory
Mateo meets with his advisory coach to talk about how things are going in English. They review his progress and outline strategies to help him feel more successful with reading.
English Independent Study
During his self-paced English time, Mateo works on reading comprehension. When he gets stuck, he connects with his English coach for support. They work through some tricky passages together, and by the end of the session, Mateo has a new strategy and a sense of accomplishment.
Passion Project
Mateo joins the robotics team, where he’s working on coding an autonomous robot. He’s learning about logic, systems thinking, and teamwork while building something real.
Lunch
Mateo spends lunch with friends, sharing ideas about their IndyCar project and planning their next steps.
Industry Project
This cycle, students are partnering with IndyCar to research how to make engines that are both high-performing and more environmentally friendly. Mateo’s coach helped set up a virtual interview with a Purdue University professor so the team can get expert insight into sustainable engineering.
Math
Mateo ends his day with self-paced math, his favorite subject. He’s well ahead of schedule and on track to take college-level math next year.
Your School Day, Your Way
At PPHS South Bend, students shape their day based on their goals and interests. Every schedule includes core academics, time with a coach, and space to explore through hands-on Passion Projects. Here's what a day could look like:
Sample Student Schedule
| Time | Course | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 8:30 AM – 9:20 AM | Literary Playlist (Passion Project) | Students read fiction and create curated music playlists that reflect characters and themes, blending literature with music and analysis. |
| 9:25 AM – 10:15 AM | Biology | A core science class that includes labs, investigations, and support from coaches to help students master challenging concepts. |
| 10:20 AM – 11:10 AM | Algebra I | Focused instruction on foundational math concepts, with real-world applications and built-in coaching time. |
| 11:15 AM – 12:40 PM | Lunch | More than a break, students gather with friends, recharge, and enjoy a strong sense of community. |
| 12:45 PM – 1:35 PM | Spanish I | Build communication skills while exploring global cultures through conversation, music, and immersive activities. |
| 1:40 PM – 2:30 PM | English 9 | Develop the reading, writing and speaking skills necessary for future success. |
| 2:35 PM – 3:25 PM | Let’s Destroy Books (Passion Project) | A hands-on art project where students turn old books into 3D sculptures, learning about structure, form, and creative reuse. |
A Place Where You Can Be You
Whether a student is outgoing or quiet, artistic or analytical, focused on college or still figuring things out, there is a place for them at PPHS.
Our goal is simple: help every student feel like they matter. Because they do.
Want to see what life at PPHS looks like? Schedule a tour or visit one of our campuses to experience it for yourself.