About Us
Welcome
The Independence School, an independent day school welcoming children age 3 through grade 8, provides an exceptionally strong academic foundation and so much more. At Independence, students learn to think for themselves. They learn independence. Our school mission, beliefs, and core values guide us to ensure we offer students an unparalleled educational experience, opportunities for leadership and a welcoming community for the entire family.
We look forward to getting to know you and your family and showing you how Independence inspires confidence, encourages big dreams, and sets young students on a path of lifelong learning.
Tim Costello
Head of School
Mission & Core Values
The Independence School inspires students to become independent, intellectually curious individuals who possess an exceptional spirit for learning, leadership and citizenship. Independence’s foundation stands on the core values of Respect, Responsibility and Integrity.
Strategic Planning 2024-2025
Strategic planning is essential to the long-term success of Independence. It provides a framework and focus to achieve goals in key areas for improvement that contribute significantly to the school’s ability to advance its mission. Over the coming year, the Head of School, Board of Trustees, and Strategic Planning Committee will lead the school through a strategic planning process.
- Why does Independence need a Strategic Plan?
- Tell me more about the role of the strategic planning consultant, Triangle Associates.
- What is the composition of the Strategic Planning Committee?
- Who is on the Board of Trustees?
- How long does the process take?
Why does Independence need a Strategic Plan?
Tell me more about the role of the strategic planning consultant, Triangle Associates.
What is the composition of the Strategic Planning Committee?
Who is on the Board of Trustees?
How long does the process take?
Our History
Independence was founded in 1978 by parents seeking a challenging education that would be strong in the academic areas, arts, foreign languages, and athletics. At that time, the school was located in a shopping center in Newark, DE.
Growth was significant, and the school purchased 16 acres of land on Paper Mill Road in January of 1980. During the early ‘80s, Independence's programs expanded, and our graduates were demonstrating the success of our program by their exceptional performances in many private and public schools throughout the county.
Today, the school occupies a 90-acre campus in the Pike Creek Valley (near Hockessin, Newark, and Wilmington, Cecil County, MD, and Southeastern Chester County, PA), and features state of the art facilities and outdoor classrooms. Please use the arrows in the timeline below to learn more about The Independence School's history, through the years.
About the Quill
Honoring The Independence School’s roots in patriotism, citizenship, and independence, the Quill has remained a strong and recognizable icon for Independence since the school was established. The original school logo featured a classic looking feather quill with the school name written in traditional script. The logo and Quill icon were updated in 2012 to reflect the school with a dynamic, celebratory, and joyful look, while remaining firmly rooted in traditional values. The addition of stars appearing to move up and out of the Quill, with the large red star visually bursting from the top, brings to mind the confident and capable Independence graduate.