Higher education is getting a head start in Richmond. Indiana University East has announced a first-of-its-kind partnership with the Indiana Microschool Collaborative to launch a public microschool on campus for the upcoming school year.

As reported by our own Ella Chew and posted on the Hometown headlines dot com, The innovative model moves away from traditional "bell-to-bell" schedules, focusing instead on project-based learning for a smaller student body. Incoming freshmen through juniors will get a highly individualized high school experience, with the massive bonus of being able to earn up to 50 college credits directly from IU East faculty.

While the school won't initially offer traditional athletics or bus transportation, campus officials say it is a true public school option designed to empower students. IU East will host two open houses this June for interested families.