MSD Washington Township

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Carmel and Center Grove Returning to MIC in 2026-27: Resetting the Standard of Excellence

INDIANAPOLIS – The Metropolitan Interscholastic Conference (MIC) announced today that Carmel High School and Center Grove High School back into the conference beginning with the 2026-27 school year.

The MIC was formed in 1996-97 to provide a model for interscholastic excellence across academics, athletics, fine arts, and leadership. Nearly three decades later, the conference remains the winningest in Indiana, with the most state championships of any conference, a long history of nationally ranked teams, and facilities that rival the best in the country. MIC student-athletes also lead the state in earning opportunities at the next level, securing millions in academic and athletic scholarships each year.

Most recently, while competing with only six high schools—Ben Davis, Lawrence Central, Lawrence North, North Central, Pike, and Warren Central—MIC schools earned eight state titles across the past four academic years. Outside of Brownsburg, the MIC has also claimed every IHSAA 6A football championship. Collectively, member schools serve more than 100,000 students and represent the most diverse conference in the state, continuing to provide the very best in public education.

In a statement, Carmel administrators said, “Together, we can share expertise, expand leadership opportunities for students and staff, and build collaborative initiatives that benefit every community.” Center Grove administration added, “We believe in the power of a conference that reflects and uplifts the full range of student experiences—academic excellence, the arts, and collaboration among member schools.”
Following discussions throughout the 2024-25 school year and a formal request to rejoin, the two schools and the current MIC members reached an agreement to move forward together. With this decision, the MIC will again include eight high schools.

“The MIC has always been defined by strong competition and shared expectations,” the principals said in a joint statement. “This decision positions the conference to move forward with clarity and purpose as we enter our 30th year.”

The 2025-2026 school calendar has been updated to reflect an early release day for high school and middle school students on the final student day (May 21, 2026). The high school will release at 1:25 pm and the middle schools will release at 3:25 pm. The updated calendar can be found on the Calendar page.