Signature School is a unique kind of public high school; it depends on donors. It is a public school that receives tax dollars for operations only. The rest of the funds for expenses - science laboratories, equipment (tables and desks), texts, technology, and debt-service (start-up costs) - must come from private donors.

Signature School is based on the values of respect, responsibility and effort. We strive to attract donors who believe in these values as the foundation of high school learning.

Charter schools across the country are founded on the principle of partnership. One form of partnership is funding. Signature School pays the costs of its day-to-day operations from the tax dollars it gets. Funds for capital improvements and equipment depend on donors.

The Principle of Partnership includes collaborating with universities. (Currently, Signature's curriculum offers college credit courses from University of Evansville, University of Southern Indiana and Indiana University. Indiana University's Center for the Study of Global Concerns guides Signature's curriculum development in international studies. Students can earn a year of college credit, 32 hours, at Signature.)

The Principle of Partnership also includes collaborating with business, bringing business leaders into the school and sending Signature students into businesses and community agencies. (Science students learn hands-on about health care and technology at Deaconess Hospital. Additionally, Signature students donate time to community service agencies, a requirement of every student.)