School Overview
One School: Three Divisions
The Independence School consists of three divisions: the Early Childhood Division (three year-olds, four year-olds and kindergarten), the Lower School (grades one through five), and the Middle School (grades six, seven and eight). These separate divisions offer each student an intimate, community school feel where all students and their families can be known and appreciated. This has always been a hallmark of Independence. Students feel a sense of pride and accomplishment as they advance from one division to the next. In each division, students have valuable leadership opportunities which prepare them well for the next level, including the secondary school environment.
Although we have three separate divisions, our common philosophy and qualified leadership team guide us in our mission. Through our Head of School, Assistant Head, Division Heads and Curriculum Coordinators we ensure that our sequential curriculum spirals upward through the grades. This connects our divisions in a distinct way allowing for academic unity, yet, assuring individualization and the benefits of a small school when we consider child development. The student-to-teacher ratio is approximately 13:1. Class sizes vary by division and by grade level.
Curriculum
Our strong, sequential academic curriculum is designed to prepare students for success in every consecutive level and to foster a life-long enthusiasm for learning. Curricula includes reading/literature, mathematics, spelling, language arts, penmanship, science, history, geography, study skills, economics and foreign languages: German, French, Spanish, and Latin. Co-curricular programs in physical education and health, vocal music, instrumental music, art, computer education, and library skills complement and enhance the traditional academic course work. Field trips, special projects, guest speakers and individual help enrich classroom instruction and each student’s personal experience. Independence School graduates are readily accepted by competitive secondary schools, including boarding schools, with many Independence students earning scholarships, special recognition and advanced placement in a variety of courses. Specific information about our curriculum is available through our Division Heads and our Admissions office.
Academic Standards
Because every student learns differently, achievement grouping at Independence provides each individual the greatest opportunity for academic success. Classroom skills are reinforced through regular homework. Parents receive frequent communication from teachers and the school so that they are aware of their students’ progress. Trimester report cards contain letter grades, when age appropriate, based on objective criteria augmented by effort and conduct ratings as well as personal comments. Academic awards, honor rolls, contests, and similar incentives of a healthy competitive nature are encouraged, beginning in grade five. The Independence School participates in the Educational Records Bureau testing program to evaluate student progress on a national level as well as within the independent school community. These tests are administered each spring to students in grades one through eight; test results are shared with parents.
Clubs, Organizations and Athletics
Students have many opportunities to participate in a wide variety of activities designed to enrich their education and broaden their experiences. Student Government Association, yearbook, drama club, chorus, band, strings, Odyssey of the Mind, Math League, Math Counts, Math Olympiad, Science Olympiad, talent shows, art shows, and athletics are among the numerous options. Our athletic program includes soccer, basketball, volleyball, wrestling, baseball, lacrosse, field hockey, tennis, cross-country and track. Intramural sports begin in fifth grade; seventh and eighth grade students may participate in our competitive interscholastic athletic program. The Independence School also hosts Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts.
Campus & Facilities
Located in the picturesque “ Pike Creek Valley,” The Independence School comprises a 130,000 square foot facility and is surrounded by 90 acres. We have five athletic fields, six tennis courts, a track, a baseball diamond, age appropriate playgrounds, and an outdoor conservancy area. Highlights of our facilities include a 900-seat auditorium and performing arts center, a full size gymnasium, a library/media center, well-equipped art classrooms, a computer lab and the light-filled Fasick Gallery.
Atmosphere & Dress Code
The Independence School believes that learning is best achieved when understanding and attention are given to each individual and when we treat one another with respect. A visit to our school will confirm this. We have a dress code that requires students to be clean, neat and well groomed. “School” clothes are required, not “play” clothes. A complete dress code for each division is published in our Parent/Student Handbook.
