Hammond's Faith-Based Education Expands with New School and Universal Voucher Eligibility

The landscape of faith-based K-12 education in Hammond is set for a significant transformation with the upcoming opening of Hammond Riverside Christian School in the fall of 2026.

This development follows the sale of the former Spohn Elementary School building by City Baptist Schools to the educational partnership For Generations to Come.

Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. welcomed the initiative, stating, "This investment in Hammond shows the strong confidence our regional partners have in the future of our city and its families."

He emphasized the city's support for diverse educational options, including faith-based institutions.

The For Generations to Come partnership, comprising Illiana Christian High School, Crown Point Christian School, and Highland Christian School, plans to launch Hammond Riverside with 126 seats for grades K-5, aiming to expand to accommodate up to 1,040 students from Pre-K through 12th grade over time.

Scott Miller, Chief of Staff to Mayor McDermott, noted that the city did not intervene in the transaction, as the property's use remains consistent, avoiding zoning issues.

He mentioned that the group had consulted with the mayor in 2024 to ensure alignment with the city's vision before proceeding with their offer.

City Baptist Schools, a ministry of Hammond's First Baptist Church, had occupied the Spohn campus since 2003, serving students from Illinois.

The church also operates Hammond Baptist Schools in Schererville for Indiana residents.

The introduction of Hammond Riverside Christian School coincides with significant changes to Indiana's Choice Scholarship Program.

Legislation passed in 2025 eliminated income caps for voucher eligibility, making all Indiana families eligible for private school tuition assistance starting in the 2026-2027 school year.

This expansion is expected to increase the number of families opting for private education.

Data from the Indiana Department of Education indicates that in the 2024-2025 school year, over 76,000 students utilized vouchers, with the state allocating nearly $500 million to the program.

Despite this growth, vouchers often do not cover the full cost of tuition and fees, requiring families to contribute additional funds.

In Hammond, the School City of Hammond (SCH) has experienced a decline in enrollment due to increased school choice options.

The Spring 2024-2025 Public School Corporation Transfer Report revealed that out of 13,039 students residing within SCH boundaries, 3,615 chose to attend schools outside the district.

Of these, 1,702 students utilized the Choice Scholarship at 32 private institutions, predominantly faith-based schools.

Notably, Bishop Noll Institute enrolled 329 SCH students, followed by Saint Casimir School with 276, and Saint John Bosco School with 239 students.

The schools involved in the For Generations to Come partnership collectively accounted for 103 SCH students using vouchers.

With the removal of income restrictions, it's anticipated that more families will consider private education options.

The establishment of Hammond Riverside Christian School offers an additional faith-based choice for parents seeking such an environment for their children's education.

As the educational landscape evolves, Hammond remains committed to supporting a diverse array of schooling options to meet the varied needs of its families.