About
In This Section
ACADEMICS
Belzer Middle School serves students in grades seven and eight. The rigorous curriculum includes Pre-Advanced Placement coursework in all core areas, high school credit classes, as well as a wide variety of student-led service learning activities to build character and serve our community.Teachers take pride in a building-wide focus on literacy, and students log their reading hours and monitor their own progress. The Belzer staff takes great pride in both meeting students at their individual level, and taking them to new heights.
Belzer is one of nine certified STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math) schools in the state. Project Lead the Way (PLTW) curriculum is offered to students in both 7th and 8th grade, and is taught by two full-time PLTW certified teachers.
Bilingual Latin American Studies (BLAS) classes exist for native Spanish speakers who are either English language learners or students who are already proficient in English. The program incorporates cultural appreciation, language, and real-world advocacy for students, eventually preparing them to earn the Indiana Seal of Biliteracy upon graduation from high school.
All grade levels utilize a Core Curriculum based on Indiana State Standards, taught in all Lawrence Township Schools. The Readers and Writers Workshop approach is used in Language Arts, Balanced Math, Science, Social Studies, and Social Skills & Community Building.
Environment
Belzer Middle School will create an environment of high academic performance and social development for all students. This will be achieved by a visionary staff through innovative and creative approaches to instruction, proven teaching strategies, use of time, and assessments. Reading, writing and problem solving skills will be the primary focus for improvement. Physical, social, and emotional well being will be promoted as well. Citizenship, character education, and community service will be the foundation of each student’s social development.
Belzer Middle School will create an environment of partnership and collaboration among students, parents, community, and staff. Each person will be an integral member of the community through a variety of opportunities and activities.
Belzer Middle School will model lifelong learning by being an education resources center for all members of the community.
Profile
Belzer Middle School, 7555 E. 56th Street, Indianapolis, IN, 46226, is located one-half mile east of I-465 on the east side of Indianapolis at the intersection of 56th Street and Richardt Street.The Belzer physical plant was formerly Lawrence Central High School, which opened in 1941. The facility housed the consolidated township high school until 1963 when a new building was completed across from the site on 56th Street. Belzer completed renovations in 1993, which added 20 new classrooms, a new front office area, a large group instruction room, and a new gymnasium. Belzer now has 190,208 square feet under roof.
Learn about Francis Oliver (Frank) Belzer
Belzer Middle School holds a Purple Star Designation from the Indiana Department of Education for their ongoing commitment to service members, veterans, students, and families connected to our nation's military. Click here for more information on the Purple Star Program.
Vision
Belzer envisions, in partnership with the school’s community, meeting both the academic and affective needs of the early adolescent. Each student will be given opportunities to develop academic talents through a variety of challenging learning experiences. Students’ social and emotional growth is fostered and encouraged within a safe and supportive environment. Adults within the Belzer community will model expected behaviors through positive attitudes, self-discipline, and lifelong learning.