K-12 education's future appears uncertain

Fifth-grader Tariah Doyle gets some individual social studies help from her teacher Laura Charpentier at the Charter School of the Dunes in Gary.

Charter School of the Dunes to finish building despite nonrenewal of charter

Charter School of the Dunes is under construction at U.S. 20 and Old Hobart Road in Gary.

Charter School of the Dunes to finish building despite nonrenewal of charter

Mike Norman, of Valparaiso, cuts drywall in the elementary school section of Charter School of the Dunes in Gary. The $13 million structure is a 64,000-square-foot, pre-engineered steel building.

Charter School of the Dunes to finish building despite nonrenewal of charter

A construction worker walks through the Charter School of the Dunes in Gary. Work continues on the school despite it having lost its charter. The school has filed an appeal.

Students learning at the Charter School of the Dunes School

Fifth-grader Tariah Doyle gets individual social studies help from her teacher Laura Charpentier at the Charter School of the Dunes in Gary.

Students learning at the Charter School of the Dunes School

Jamelle Edwards and Haylie Barnes examine a stone in a vial during a lesson in their environmental science class at the Charter School of the Dunes in Gary.

Students learning at the Charter School of the Dunes School

Stacie Shine and Jordan Summers examine a stone in a vial during a lesson in the environmental science class at the Charter School of the Dunes in Gary.

Students learning at the Charter School of the Dunes School

Kelly Bennett conducts environmental science class at the Charter School of the Dunes in Gary.

Students learning at the Charter School of the Dunes School

Students can watch live as their new Charter School of the Dunes is being built in a new location in Gary.

21st Century Charter board to buy its school building

Twenty-first Century Charter School in Gary is buying its building from its management company.

New Vistas High School opens doors for inaugural school year

Thirty-five-year-old student Chris Lewin, left, of Lake Station, opens an Algebra I book Tuesday at New Vistas High School on the first day. This is the first year for the new charter high school.

New Vistas High School opens doors for inaugural school year

Thirty-five-year-old student Chris Lewin, of Lake Station, opens his Algebra I book Tuesday during the first day of classes at New Vistas High School in Portage. This is the first year for the new charter high school.

New Vistas High School opens doors for inaugural school year

New Vistas High School science teacher Jamie Smoot gets to know his students Tuesday during the first day of classes at the new charter school in Portage.

New Vistas High School opens doors for inaugural school year

Anais Cortez, of Portage, fills in an introductory questionnaire in art class Tuesday during the first day of classes at New Vistas High School in Portage.

Rain doesn't dampen spirit at New Vistas

Rebecca Reiner, executive director of Neighbors' Educational Opportunities, receives hugs from supportors Thursday during the grand opening of New Vistas High School in Portage.

Rain doesn't dampen spirit at New Vistas

Rebecca Reiner, executive director of Neighbors' Educational Opportunities, speaks to people gathered under a tent Thursday at the grand opening of New Vistas High School in Portage.

Rain doesn't dampen spirit at New Vistas

Rebecca Reiner, executive director of Neighbors' Educational Opportunities, speaks to people gathered under a tent Thursday at the grand opening of New Vistas High School in Portage.

Rain doesn't dampen spirit at New Vistas

U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky, D-Merrillville, speaks to people gethered under a tent Thursday at the grand opening of New Vistas High School in Portage.

Rain doesn't dampen spirit at New Vistas

Barbara Woodruff, wife of the late Ken Woodruff, who was the first director of Portage Adult Education, cheers Thursday at the grand opening of New Vistas High School in Portage.

Rain doesn't dampen spirit at New Vistas

Rebecca Reiner, executive director of Neighbors' Educational Opportunities, receives hugs from supporters Thursday during the grand opening of New Vistas High School in Portage.