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Principal's Message

Welcome to Mishawaka High School!

As you explore options for your child’s high school education, I want to personally welcome you to Mishawaka High School (MHS). Choosing the right environment for these crucial four years is a significant decision, and we are honored that you are considering becoming part of our Cavemen family.

At MHS, we often say that we are "small but mighty." Serving approximately 1,200 students in grades 9–12, we offer the best of both worlds: an incredible breadth of academic, vocational, and hands-on career opportunities typically found in large high schools, paired with the supportive, close-knit feel of a small-town community.

Here, your student will never be just a face in the hallway. We pride ourselves on building a culture where every student is truly known—not just by name, but by their unique skills, passions, and personal goals. We recognize that postsecondary success looks different for every child. Whether a student’s path leads directly to a four-year university, a two-year degree, specialized technical training, or straight into a high-demand career, we build tailored pathways and supportive networks to help them reach their potential.

Real-World Experience: Career Readiness & Internships

We know that classroom instruction is only part of the equation. To help students discover their true passions, MHS places a heavy emphasis on hands-on work training, structured internships, and active community partnerships:

  • Finding Their Passion: Through early Career Exploration Internships, students get hands-on experience in real-world environments before committing to a postsecondary track. For many, these experiences build the confidence and clarity needed to realize that pursuing college or advanced technical certifications is the right next step. For others, it provides clear direction and entry-level mastery for immediate career entry.
  • Work-Based Learning & Capstones: For students pursuing vocational and career pathways, our Work-Based Learning and Pathway Capstones pair students with active workplace mentors. Students earn high school credit while gaining documented, high-value work experience with local businesses and organizations.
  • Robust Local Partnerships: MHS collaborates with a wide variety of local industries, civic organizations, and academic institutions. Our students take part in real-world placements, including:
    • Notre Dame STEM Research: Hands-on laboratory research opportunities through local university science programs.
    • Advanced Manufacturing: Internship opportunities for students interested in STEM, Smart Manufacturing, and production through our partnership with Daman Industries.
    • Healthcare & Nursing: Clinical experiences with local healthcare facilities leading directly to Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) certifications.
    • Education & Early Childhood: On-site cadet teaching within our district elementary schools and practical placements with local childcare and learning centers.
    • Civic Partnerships: Unique hands-on pathways in Agriculture operated in cooperation with the City Parks Department

Whether students graduate directly into the workforce as more skilled, highly valued employees or move on to post-secondary education, they leave MHS with proven experience, professional networks, and a strong work ethic.

Unmatched Early College & Dual Credit Acceleration

For students aiming for college, MHS offers exceptional early-college advantages that save families time and tuition:

  • Endorsed Early College High School: MHS is officially recognized by the Center of Excellence in Leadership of Learning at the University of Indianapolis as an Endorsed Early College High School, and has been since 2019.
  • Massive Dual Credit Offerings: Through strong partnerships with Ivy Tech Community College and Indiana University (IU ACP), our students accumulated over 4,000 college credits in a single graduating class! (Go Class of 2026!) More than 60% of our seniors graduate with real, transferable college credits.
  • Indiana College Core (ICC): Students can complete the 30-credit-hour Indiana College Core certificate, satisfying general education requirements across Indiana public universities before ever stepping foot on a college campus.
  • Earn an Associate Degree in High School: Through our structured support, dedicated students can achieve the milestone of earning a full Ivy Tech Associate Degree concurrently with their high school diploma.

At Mishawaka High School, we believe every student has unique potential waiting to be unlocked. We invite you to tour our school, meet our counseling and career coaching team, and see firsthand how our "small but mighty" community can help your child succeed in the classroom, in the workforce, and in life.

Go Cavemen!

Chad Brugh
Principal, Mishawaka High School