Skip To Main Content

Home

Give Me Independence

Watch Me Soar

 

It All Starts

Here

Independence provides students the foundation to develop the essential skills and confidence for future success and happiness in school, at work, and as members of a global community.

Early Childhood

Ages 3 and 4

These young learners are naturally curious and attuned to the wonders of the world around them. They explore their surroundings, discover friendships, and are inspired through play.

Learn More

INSPIRE

Lower School

Kindergarten - 4th Grade

Growing continues as students are transformed from little learners to full-fledged students. They are willing and able to apply themselves as they understand that they hold the keys to their accomplishing their dreams.

Learn More

DREAM

Middle School

Grades 5 - 8

Students integrate foundational learning with an emphasis on critical thinking and internal motivation. They become prepared to achieve at the highest levels of their capabilities and are ready to excel in school and in life.

Learn More

ACHIEVE

Inspired Learners.

Confident Leaders.

Learning to Protect Our Watershed

Through our partnership with Stroud Water Research Center this past summer, middle school science teacher Sarah Ferrell had an opportunity to participate in the WATERS project. The project is part of an overall initiative to develop, test, and implement an innovative water science curriculum for middle school students. Sponsored by the National Science Foundation, the WATERS project is a collaborative effort by Stroud, The Concord Consortium, and Millersville University. Indy 7th graders have been working with this curriculum this fall using our campus waterways as their laboratory.

Read More about Learning to Protect Our Watershed
The Great Outdoors at Independence

The school’s interest in outdoor learning is not new. In fact, Independence committed to the idea of exploring outdoor opportunities in its 2011 Strategic Plan. “We realized we have all this land and began asking why we weren’t doing more with it,” explains Head of School Vicky Yatzus. “You can have a treasure at your doorstep and miss its potential.”

Read More about The Great Outdoors at Independence
Outdoor Learning Days Debut

With the completion of the Funk Outdoor Classroom and new opportunities for learning outdoors, Lower School Head Christy Koense developed a pilot program for full days of outdoor learning. During the spring, every grade in Lower School from Early Childhood through 4th grade experienced an entire school day held outside!

Read More about Outdoor Learning Days Debut
Katie and Georgie Holding Certificates

Congratulations to Katie and Georgie (6th grade) on placing 1st and 3rd, respectively, in the VFW Post 3420 Patriots Pen essay competition. The theme of this year's competition was "My Pledge to Veterans." Indy 6th grade students submitted essays for the annual competition sponsored by our local VFW district. Winners received certificates and cash awards at a special luncheon and recognition ceremony on Sunday, January 22. Read more for Katie's essay.

Read More about Indy Students Named VFW "Patriots Pen" Essay Winners
First Lego League Explorers

Two young Indy robotics teams held presentations after school on Tuesday for their families, as well as Mrs. Gilmore and Mrs. Yatzus. Both teams are involved in the First Lego League at the Explore level, an entry-level program for school-aged children, ages 6 -10. This year's challenge was called Super Powered, focusing on the idea that energy plays an essential role in keeping our world running.

Read More about First Lego League Explorers
Making Math Stick

While much about education should and does change over time, one thing is certain: Deep learning comes not only from practice, but also from conceptualization, discussion, trial and error, collaboration, and review. Rather than rely on traditional teacher-led math instruction only, a math curriculum that incorporates all of these learning strategies can be much more effective and “sticky.” 

Read More about Making Math Stick
Social Emotional Learning Curriculum at Indy

The topic of Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is not new, but over the past 5-10 years, it has been gaining strong traction in education due to increasing evidence that SEL is a critical aspect of learning and connection with others. The Independence School has adopted a PreK through 8th-grade SEL program called Second Step with lessons around empathy, managing emotions, problem solving, valuing friendships, managing relationships and social conflict, and more. 

Read More about Social Emotional Learning Curriculum at Indy
Independence vs. Collaboration

As educators, we often talk about the importance of intentionally developing our students to be independent learners and independent thinkers. Even with the youngest preschool children, we focus daily on working to help them grow their abilities to be independent. But, is this focus on independence in direct opposition with one of the most important 21st-century skills – collaboration?

Read More about Independence vs. Collaboration
Rosetta Lee

Rosetta Lee, an educator and diversity speaker, was our guest for a virtual session with students in grades 4 through 8. Independence engaged Rosetta to conduct her session, titled "No Joke Zones," in response to data from the AIM Survey and various additional sources. Facilitated by Rosetta, the presentation and conversations focused on teasing, joking, and other behaviors that can be hurtful to others.

Read More about Educator/Trainer, Rosetta Lee, Visits Indy Students
Student Tributes to Veterans

On Grandparents' and Special Friends' Day, three 6th grade students were given the honor of reading their recent essays about veterans from the podium. The "Patriot's Pen" essay assignment is related to a competition sponsored annually by the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). This year, the topic for the national contest was "My Pledge to Our Veterans." Mia, Brian, and Ava were selected by their peers to read at the assembly. Read more for links to each essay.  

Read More about Student Tributes to Veterans
Student Government Officers

Middle School is difficult, and no adult I have ever known has admitted to wanting to repeat it. I don’t mean the academics. I mean that feeling of wanting to crawl out of your skin, hide under your bed, and wait for this awkward and terrifying stage of life to pass without anyone noticing you.  How can we make school more comfortable during these difficult transition years?

Read More about What are the Benefits of a Pre-K - 8th Grade School?
Inspiring Young Artists

This week, ECII and Kindergarten students have been studying contemporary artist, Jim Dine. With Dine's work as their inspiration, they are exploring color mixing, lines, and positive negative space. At this age, there is also great focus on brushstroke and how to properly hold a paintbrush. Check out some of their creations in addition to one of their reference pieces, Dine's 1969 piece, "Four Hearts."

Read More about Inspiring Young Artists
A Festive Winter Concert

Nothing gets us into the holiday spirit more than the first winter concert of the season! Our audience enjoyed a variety of tunes including a grand finale performed by all members of the Stage Band, Elementary Choir, Treble Choir, and Mixed Choir. Congratulations to these very talented students and our music department on an excellent evening!

Read More about A Festive Winter Concert

Signature programs are at the heart of the Independence experience. These research-based initiatives and learning opportunities underscore and support the exceptional outcomes for Independence students.

In Our

Words

Laura

Class of 2022

Laura has attended Independence since she was 4 years old and has taken advantage of every possible opportunity to be involved

I am a

Leader

Darren

Class of 2024

Darren has been playing soccer for as long as he can remember. At Independence he is a team player

I am an

Athlete

Cynthia

Class of 2029

It's not every day that you get to paint on an easel outside. As a budding artist, Cynthia loves painting anywhere, especially in our Funk Outdoor Classroom

I am an

Artist

Stuart

Class of 2026

A passion for writing emerged very early on in Stuart as his favorite area of writing is science fiction

I am a

Writer

Marlise

Class of 2023

Science looks different at Independence because of our expansive campus with a creek and pond for students’ exploration and study. Marlise loves putting on waders to see what she might discover in the creek

I am a

Scientist

Sonia

Class of 2024

Both a saxophone and clarinet player, and a member of the choir, one of Sonia's favorite places on campus is the music wing

I am a

Musician

Learn about the value of an independence education from members of our community as they share their unique perspectives