Harshman Middle School Suspension Rates Dropped to 8%
A student-led mediation program in Indianapolis helped lower school suspensions significantly since 2023.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Secondary Education
Live Poll
Should schools prioritize student-led conflict resolution programs to address disciplinary issues?
H.L. Harshman Middle School, which serves 500 students, saw its out-of-school suspension rate fall from 26% in 2023 to 8% in the 2024-25 school year. The school achieves this through a long-standing student-led peer mediation program.
Why it matters
The program helps address student conflicts before they escalate into physical confrontations that require adult intervention. This shift marks a significant improvement in school climate for local families compared to previous disciplinary benchmarks.
The school reports an 8% suspension rate, a major decline from the 26% seen in 2023. This is measured against the district IPS average of 10% and the Indiana statewide average of 6.5%.
The players
H.L. Harshman Middle School
An Indianapolis middle school serving 500 students that implemented a conflict-resolution program.
Indiana University Health
A statewide health system that provided a $1.2 million grant to support student mental health and mediation initiatives.
Peace Learning Center
An organization that trains students in conflict mediation and restorative justice practices.
The details
Students request mediation by submitting forms in their classrooms, which initiates a process where peer mediators facilitate discussions. Parties involved sign an agreement to maintain confidentiality, ensuring the process remains private. Supported by a $1.2 million grant from Indiana University Health, the school utilizes specialized methods taught by trainers from the Peace Learning Center.
Timeline
2016: H.L. Harshman Middle School began the peer mediation program.
2023: Suspension rates began declining from a 26% peak.
2024-25: The out-of-school suspension rate reached 8%.
The Home Front
Local schools are increasingly adopting restorative practices to align their disciplinary outcomes with broader state-level benchmarks. This trend reflects a move toward reducing out-of-school time for middle schoolers by managing behavioral issues within the campus environment.
Families with students at the school should encourage their children to speak with educators if they are involved in interpersonal conflicts. Being aware of internal school resources helps you support your child in resolving issues before they require formal administrative discipline.
The takeaway
Student-led conflict resolution can significantly impact a school's disciplinary environment and overall student retention. Parents can help by reinforcing that seeking out peer mediation is a positive, proactive step in managing social stress.
Further reading
Learn more about local educational initiatives at the Secondary Education page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Chalkbeat.
Live Poll
Should schools prioritize student-led conflict resolution programs to address disciplinary issues?
