Lawrence County Schools

Lawrence County K-12 students are served by two public school districts, the North Lawrence County Community Schools, which serves the upper part of the county in and around Bedford and Mitchell Community Schools, which serves the southern area. There are also three private, faith-based schools in Bedford,.  

North Lawrence County Community School corporation includes a high school, a career center, 3 middle schools, 10 elementary schools, and a special education center. Student enrollment of about 5,300 (K-12) is served by approximately 800 certified and support employees. Its educational philosophy states that "North Lawrence Community Schools provides an educational climate challenging students to work to their potential and offers them an opportunity to succeed within the boundaries of available resources and facilities. Within these boundaries, we provide varied educational opportunities for all individuals, thus encouraging the development of the whole person. The focus is placed upon acquiring basic and advanced academic skills, expansion of creative talent, enhancement of social skills, and physical and character development. The education provided is based upon democratic principles and challenges each individual to face and accept the responsibilities and challenges of today's rapidly changing world."
To learn more, visit the North Lawrence County Community Schools web site or its Facebook page.

Mitchell Community Schools includes one high school, one junior high school and two elementary schools that serve nearly 1,600 students.

To find out more, visit the Mitchell Community Schools web site or its Facebook page.

North Lawrence Community Schools
460 W Street
PO Box 729
Bedford, IN 47421
Phone: 812-279-3521
Fax: 812-275-1548 

Community Education

The Purdue Lawrence County Extension Office has educators, specialists, & volunteers who provide practical solutions to local issues. Educational programming includes youth 4-H development, health and human sciences, nutrition education, agricultural and natural resources, obesity prevention and community development. Visit their web site or Facebook page for more information.

The Bedford Public Library has an extensive collection of books, movies, music and more, but also provides educational programming and community events for adults, teens and children.  Visit the library web site for more information. 

Vocational Schools/Colleges

Ivy Tech Community College-Bedford, a branch of the Bloomington campus, is housed in the StoneGate Arts & Education Center. Currently, Ivy Tech offers a wide variety of basic college courses, including English composition, integrated reading and writing, public speaking, interpersonal communication, algebra, psychology, sociology, student success in university transfer, EMT certification, electronics and medical terminology. A majority of Ivy Tech's courses transfer to other learning institutions. Ivy Tech has transfer agreements with both public and private institutions in Indiana and in other parts of the country. 

For more information, to schedule an Accuplacer exam or to register for classes, contact Ivy Tech at (812) 279-8126, ext. 3.

Ivy Tech Community College - Bedford
405 I St.
Bedford, IN 47421
(812) 279-8126, ext. 3

Oakland City University offers accredited Associate, Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in an accelerated format at StoneGate Arts & Education Center. Oakland City University is a Christian faith-based learning community dedicated to the enhancement of intellectual, spiritual, physical and social development for positive leadership. All OCU classes are presented in an accelerated format, and students can begin at any time. Undergraduate programs include an associate of science degree in business administration; a Bachelor of Science in business administration, with concentrations in accounting, human resources or management; and a Bachelor of applied science in operations management. Graduate degrees offered at the Bedford campus include a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Science in strategic management. Online offerings include a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice. OCU is recognized as a military-friendly school, and has participated in the Yellow Ribbon Program since 2008. Tuition is free for qualified veterans who have served 36 months of active duty since Sept. 11, 2001. OCU has been recognized by U.S. News and World Report as one of the top universities in the Midwest. In addition, OCU has been voted as one of the safest colleges and universities in the state of Indiana. The school holds the distinction of being accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA). 

For more information about enrolling, contact the OCU Administrative Assistant, at (812) 279-8126, ext.2.

Oakland City University Bedford
405 I St.
Bedford, IN 47421
(812) 279-8126, ext. 2