Living Our Mission

What Makes Independence Exceptional?

The Independence School inspires students to become independent, intellectually curious individuals who possess an exceptional spirit for learning, leadership and citizenship. Welcoming children age 3 through 8th grade, our mission, beliefs, and core values guide us to ensure we offer an unparalleled educational experience and welcoming community for the entire family.

Message from Head of School Tim Costello, P '26 & '28

At Independence, it starts with our mission and is advanced by our people.

Schools are, first and foremost, places of learning, with students at the heart of this process. Independence exists to serve children, and meeting their needs must come first. This means helping young people flourish, deepening and sustaining their curiosity, and increasing their appreciation of the world’s diversity and complexity. We believe that great teaching and learning are essential to an outstanding educational experience and that our work as educators is the work of building a better world. Our 90-acre campus is home to countless outdoor learning opportunities and provides an unparalleled school experience of discovery and wonder for children of all ages.

The Indy Experience develops our students as powerful, curious, passionate learners who are ready to face whatever comes next. We cherish the ability to truly know, value, and understand each student and celebrate the importance that every student matters. These are incredibly formative years, and the Independence journey from Early Childhood through Middle School represents the longest stop on your child’s educational path. Independence recognizes that while we are preparing children for a future that is impossible to know, it is not impossible to shape.

On behalf of our extraordinary faculty and staff, I invite you to learn more about The Independence School and visit our exceptional school firsthand.

Independence’s foundation stands on the core values of Respect, Responsibility and Integrity.

Respect

At Independence, students value diverse perspectives, practice kindness, and contribute to a supportive community. Through our Character Development Program, students learn to build meaningful relationships and develop strong communication skills.

Responsibility

We empower students to take responsibility for their learning, actions, and contributions to the school and beyond. Whether through service opportunities, student leadership, or academic challenges, Patriots develop the confidence and independence to make a difference.

Integrity

Integrity is at the heart of an Independence education, guiding students to make ethical choices and stand by their principles. In academics, athletics, and everyday interactions, we encourage honesty, perseverance, and a commitment to doing what is right.

Belief Statements
Diversity and Inclusion Statement

Belief Statements

The Independence School

Believes that educational excellence results when there exists in combination outstanding teachers, moderate class sizes, and a pleasant, well-managed classroom environment.
Believes students benefit from a sequential, spiraling, research-based, and comprehensive curriculum.
Believes in a learner-centered approach and various methodologies of teaching and learning.
Believes in a strong parent-school-student relationship fostered by supportive and open communication in a collaborative environment.
Believes that a diverse and inclusive community provides a strong and rich learning environment and values the contributions of the cultural, ethnic, and religious traditions which form our national heritage.
Believes that our moral compass is rooted in the Judeo-Christian traditions on which our school was founded and recognizes and includes all spiritual belief systems.
Believes the development of good character emerges from a program that models and reinforces the core values of Respect, Responsibility, and Integrity.
Believes that all members of the school community should respect our spirit of patriotism and be responsible and engaged citizens locally, nationally, and globally.

Diversity and Inclusion Statement

We value the contributions of the cultural traditions which form our national heritage and believe that a diverse and inclusive community provides a strong and rich learning environment. The school teaches a respect for the views and rights of others, whether individuals or groups, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, family structure, gender, gender identity, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status. We believe that respect for differences creates learning opportunities and increases engagement for all.

Goals:

Encourage and develop cultural empathy and involvement across all areas of school life
Engage in thoughtful and proactive efforts to encourage and welcome diverse perspectives
Promote character development and personal integrity to develop sensitive moral citizens
Create a welcoming environment by integrating our values of integrity, respect, and social responsibility

Strategic Planning 2024-2025

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Learn More About The Independence School

Why Independence?

The journey from Early Childhood through Middle School represents the longest stop on your child’s educational path.

Our Campus

The Independence School is located in Pike Creek and provides exceptional opportunities for outdoor learning experiences.

History of Independence

Explore our school's journey from a small start in 1978 to a thriving 90-acre campus with state-of-the-art facilities today.

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