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This summer, 24 middle schoolers and 4 dedicated chaperones enjoyed an adventure through Spain, France, and the coast! Read more for a full recap of the trip and to enjoy photos of their incredible experiences. 

Last week, our 8th graders embarked on an unforgettable trip to Boston — one of their final bonding experiences before they graduate! Their adventure included exploring historical sites in Plymouth, enjoying a tour of Fenway Park, and attending a Boston Pops performance featuring the music of John Williams. Even the bus rides were filled with fun and friendship.

Last week, our ECI students strapped on their boots and headed to Cob Hill Farm for a morning of hands-on learning. Owner Monica led the group on a tour of the grounds, where the highlight was the chance to meet and hold the animals. Baby goats, chicks, and sheep were a few favorites! Beyond the livestock, students had an opportunity to dive into the world of beekeeping, checking out some hives on the farm. After lots of exploring, it's safe to say, the students (and chaperones!) had a blast. 

Spring is an exciting season of discovery for our students, both on and off campus. The 1st and 4th grade recently took their studies on the road, with an action-packed visit to Plumpton Park Zoo for mammal research and a trip to DASEF in Smyrna for hands-on geological exploration. Both experiences provided unique opportunities for our students to engage directly with their curriculum in the field.

Beyond the classroom, Patriots across all divisions have been busy exploring, observing, and asking great questions on recent field trips! Our kindergarteners visited Ashland Nature Center, where they built a hands-on understanding of Native American history and culture through interactive outdoor experiences. The 3rd graders headed to the orthodontist, making connections to dental health and wellness in a real-world setting. Our 7th graders visited Philadelphia, immersing themselves in the rich history of our nation’s founding by visiting iconic landmarks. 

The annual Latin Day is a favorite event for our middle school students to celebrate this classical language. Tatnall hosted this year as friends from Sanford School, Tower Hill School, and Upland County Day School participated in several athletic activities, the favorite being the chariot races. It is always special to see the large group of Indy alumni from the participating high schools also in attendance at Latin Day! Thank you to Mrs. Fallon for leading our students through this exciting event!

This week, the 8th grade class proudly showcased their Collaborative Inquiry Projects to peers, parents, and teachers. Since September, the students have been immersed in their research, collecting data, analyzing results, and drawing conclusions.

This spring, Independence alumna Zoe Symons ’21 returned to campus, not as a student, but as a teacher-in-training. Now a senior at Sanford, Zoe partnered with Independence for her two-week Senior Project, a hands-on program that allows students to explore a career path through shadowing and real-world experience. Her project centered on blackout poetry, a creative technique where poets use existing texts to reveal hidden poems by blacking out selected words.

Our 4th graders recently wrapped up their geology unit by stepping into the shoes of both scientists and storytellers. To celebrate everything they learned, students teamed up to create original newscasts reporting on fictional seismic events.

The annual Latin Day is a favorite event for our middle school students to celebrate this classical language. Sanford hosted this year as friends from The Tatnall School, Tower Hill School, and Upland County Day School participated in several athletic activities, the favorite being the chariot races. Thank you to Mrs. Fallon for leading our students through this exciting event, and a special shoutout to Grace '27 for designing this year's t-shirt!

At Independence, students build strong research and presentation skills throughout their academic journey. This week, 5th graders put those skills into action during their Famous Person Showcase. After learning about the research process in class, each student selected a well-known individual to study, exploring everything from their early life to career milestones and major accomplishments. Can you identify the famous faces? Read more for a photo. 

Our 2nd graders recently hosted their 1st annual Popcorn and Poetry event. Parents and special guests joined the students on a beautiful afternoon as they read a spring acrostic poem as well as an autobiographical poem aloud in small groups, while enjoying a popcorn snack. They also collaborated with their parent or special guest to write a summer acrostic poem. Well done, 2nd grade! 

It starts with a curve, a connection, and a bit of practice, and soon becomes a skill students carry with confidence. Since January, 2nd grade has been diving into cursive through the Handwriting Without Tears curriculum. What begins as careful, deliberate strokes soon becomes something more fluid. Students learn about the “magic c” and “tow truck” letters, playful names that help them understand how cursive letters form and connect.

What a delight to once again have our charming 1st graders invite us to visit their Mammal Zoo! As one of the most treasured hallmark experiences for young Indy students, the Mammal Zoo represents so much more than children dressed in adorable animal costumes.

This week, we proudly celebrated the 34th annual Patriotic Program, a beloved Independence tradition led by our talented third graders. With inspiring remarks from current parent Conrad Langenegger, and an excellent performance by the students, this was an evening to remember. Bravo to our third graders for their poise and passion, and heartfelt thanks to Michelle Robinson and Amy Holt for guiding them through this meaningful and memorable event. A sincere thanks to pianist Bruce Vrana, who has accompanied the program for more than 25 years, ever since his own children were students at Independence.

This year, with the addition of our School Counselor, Mr. Brangs, lunch bunches have become a valuable part of student life at Independence. Designed to create a smaller, more relaxed setting during the school day, these groups give students the opportunity to connect with peers, build relationships, and develop a stronger sense of belonging within the school community.

Families recently gathered for two engaging CWIL Parent Workshops focused on one of today’s most pressing parenting topics: helping children find balance and thrive in an increasingly digital world. Throughout the workshops, presenters explored how technology shapes developing minds and relationships while sharing strategies families can use to promote healthier habits at home. These CWIL Parent Workshops reflect Independence’s ongoing commitment to partnering with families and providing resources that support students’ overall well-being, both in and beyond the classroom.

Beginning on the first day of school, our 1st graders learn that the words they choose and the attitudes they bring to school can make a powerful difference. In Mrs. Annable’s classroom, positivity is part of everyday learning. Students are encouraged to notice what they are thankful for, celebrate their strengths, and spread kindness to classmates and adults alike.

As part of their Social and Emotional Learning curriculum, our 5th graders dedicated an hour this week to serving the local community by writing heartfelt holiday cards and decorating each one with festive cheer. The cards will be shared with nearby Acts Retirement Communities, spreading warmth and joy to residents. Thanks to a special connection through Mrs. Shockley’s family members who work there, the cards will be personally delivered this holiday season, ensuring they arrive with care.

On World Kindness Day last week, Independence students celebrated the power of being kind through special activities and thoughtful projects. This meaningful day highlighted how small acts of kindness can bring our school community even closer together.

Congratulations to our newly elected Student Government Association Executive Officers for the 2026-2027 school year! We’re proud of every candidate for their commitment to serving the Indy community.

President: Riley M.; Vice President: Kelsey M.; Treasurer: Henry C.; Secretary: Lucas P.; Historian: Henry K.

Independence 7th graders recently stepped into the spotlight for the school’s first-ever Shark Tank-style presentations, pitching original business ideas to a panel of six professional “Sharks” from fields including engineering, finance, entrepreneurship, software development, and Head of School Tim Costello. Over 15 students in Mr. Cloud’s Shark Tank elective showcased inventive products and thoughtful business plans, each one designed to solve real-world problems in creative ways.

Our middle schoolers had the opportunity to gain life-saving skills through after-school workshops with the American Heart Association, sponsored by CWIL. The 6th graders earned their First Aid credentials, learning how to handle minor injuries and stay calm during medical emergencies. Meanwhile, our 8th graders successfully completed a CPR training course, practicing chest compressions and the critical steps needed to save a life during cardiac arrest.

What would hip hop be without Langston Hughes’ poetry—and what would the Civil Rights Movement be without the Harlem Renaissance?  This week, Independence welcomed Soul of Langston, a one-man show, to answer this question and explore the life and contributions of American poet, playwright, and civil-rights activist Langston Hughes. Set in his study room, the performance reflected on the moments that shaped his journey, from “busboy and poet” to a leading voice of the Harlem Renaissance.

This March, as part of the Character Development Program (CDP), our 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students completed their in-school hour of community service. Each group was tasked with coming up with their activity and executing it. Read more for a few examples.