URBAN ACT Academy, in partnership with the Indianapolis School District, became one of city’s Innovation Schools in 2018. URBAN ACT serves over 350 students in grades K-8. The educational model is uniquely centered around "place-based" instruction, which involves students learning in connection with their community. The impact of place-based learning has led to an increase in student academic and civic engagement, knowledge of local issues, greater student agency and a stronger connection to community partners and neighbors. In the school's first year, over 90% of students participated in a place-based service learning project.