Founded in 1988 by the Indiana General Assembly, the Indiana Academy for Science, Mathematics, and Humanities has two purposes that are central to its mission. First, the Indiana Academy serves as a residential high school for approximately 300 gifted and talented juniors and seniors from across the state of Indiana. Second, through various Outreach programs, the Indiana Academy strives to stimulate and enable vitality in educational programs for academically gifted students and teachers. The Indiana Academy is located on the Ball State University campus and is accredited by the Indiana Department of Education and by the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges through the University Schools. It is a member of the National Association of College Admission Counseling and complies with the NACAC "Statement of Principles of Good Practice." The Academy has been nationally recognized as a premier educational institution for gifted and talented students. The Indiana Academy’s major purpose is to provide educational opportunities appropriate to the ability and development of its students. The Academy is committed to creating innovative programs and practices that attract, retain, and nurture a diverse Academy community and foster an environment that enables all who contribute to excel in a culture that is growing more diverse.