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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. 

Last Friday, the 7th grade visited the Delaware Art Museum to kick off their Art Research Projects. Each year, students select a work of art to study in depth and ultimately teach their classmates about its significance. During their visit, students explored artwork spanning a variety of time periods and mediums while participating in a “Close Looking” tour led by the museum’s art educators.

A beloved Independence tradition continued last Friday as our 8th graders headed to New York City! Students, faculty, and a team of parent chaperones spent the day exploring the Big Apple, beginning with a ferry ride to Ellis Island. They also visited the 9/11 Memorial, walked through Wall Street, and capped the day with stunning dusk views from the top of the Empire State Building. Special thanks to trip organizer, Mr. Motta, who has led this experience for more than 15 years! 

Some of our middle schoolers recently embarked on the first field trips of the year, an exciting start to this year’s adventures beyond the classroom! Last week, the 8th grade class paddled down the Brandywine River at Northbrook Canoe, working in pairs and building connections at the start of their final year at Indy. This week, the 7th graders traveled to Stroud Water Research Center to complete a stream study of the White Clay Creek, diving into hands-on science in the field.

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!

Does Birth Order Affect Persoanlity?, How Has Automotive Aerodynamic Design Evolved?, Why is "Brainrot" Addictive?—just a glimpse into the wide variety of topics explored by our Class of 2026 for their Capstone Projects, which they presented on Monday night.

In geography class this winter, the 6th graders learned about the history of agriculture in Mesopotamia. One of their critical thinking inquiries - Was the development of agriculture good for humans? - became an opportunity for students to practice writing persuasive essays. Using the knowledge of the Neolithic era and historical documents provided by Ms. Palmer, the 6th graders worked with their English teachers to craft a five-paragraph essay that responded to the inquiry.

Now is the time to seize the day! Our Newsies, Jr. cast and crew delivered a headline-worthy performance filled with confidence and heart proving that even the smallest voices can spark a big change. Another round of applause to our talented actors, the behind-the-scenes crew who kept the presses running, and our directors who made it all possible.

Our 2nd grade students have spent the last three weeks taking a deep dive into one of the most important chapters in American history, the Civil War. From exploring the controversy over slavery to studying remarkable figures like Harriet Tubman, Abraham Lincoln, and Clara Barton, these young historians have covered a lot of ground. As the unit wraps up, students will flex their creative writing skills with a culminating activity by working together on a class book filled with illustrations and captions. Read more to learn about what they've been up to!

Learning to read is a journey that begins long before books. In our Early Childhood classrooms, students build the foundations of literacy through joyful, play-based experiences that introduce letter recognition and early writing skills. Using hands-on, multisensory activities and the Handwriting Without Tears program, children strengthen memory, focus, and understanding while developing confidence and curiosity as learners. Read more about how playful learning builds strong readers from the very start.

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.

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. 

Independence 7th grader Abby recently shared an inspiring and informative presentation with faculty about her experiences working alongside neurodivergent students. Drawing on her own observations and research, Abby explored the gap between textbook definitions of neurodiversity and the lived experiences of students who identify as neurodivergent.

Congratulations to our newly elected Student Government Association Executive Officers for the 2025-2026 school year! We’re proud of every candidate for their commitment to serving the Indy community.

President: Layaan; Vice President: Tim; Treasurer: Riley; Secretary: Stuart; Historian: Violet

Recently, sixth-grader Abby took part in Advocacy Week with the Tourette Association of America (TAA) after being selected through a rigorous application process to train as a Junior Youth Ambassador. Over three days on Capitol Hill, she met with key policymakers, including Congresswoman McBride, the Health and Education Policy Director for Senator Coons, and the Legislative Director for Senator Blunt Rochester. Abby confidently shared her story and advocated for critical TAA initiatives. Abby plans to continue participating in this important training and sharing the acquired knowledge and tools with her fellow Star Kids Club members.