Middle School | The Independence School

Leading with confidence, purpose, and integrity.

As students transition to sixth grade, their individualized schedules become more subject-specific, allowing them to learn with different peers throughout the day and ensuring they are appropriately challenged in each area of the curriculum. Our students are supported by the faculty as they grow to be self-reliant and independent in managing their educational experience from classwork to homework to extracurricular activities. A respect for community and cultural diversity is expected school-wide. Through our unique Middle School Character Development Program (CDP), students build their foundation to become strong citizens and leaders. At Independence, we inspire students to grow, lead, and make a difference — in school and beyond.

The Middle School Indy Experience

The Middle School program complements a thorough grounding in core subjects with a rich array of co-curricular offerings, and combined with unique traditions, creates an unforgettable education. Some all-time favorite experiences include a field trip to the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C., a 7th grade art research project, Shakespeare scene studies in the Great Stone Barn, and the 8th grade graduation trip to Boston. Explore some of our Middle School curriculum highlights below.

Learning to Explore

At Independence, learning stretches far beyond the classroom. In Middle School, students move beyond our 90 acres to explore their wider community and the world. Off campus, they engage in hands-on learning through trips to historic sites in Philadelphia and a day of discovery in New York City. Opportunities for local service deepen connections to others, while traveling abroad opens doors to new cultures and perspectives. Projects like the Middle School world map study expand global awareness, and the capstone trip to Boston offers eighth graders a meaningful opportunity to reflect, bond, and celebrate how far they’ve come. Every experience brings learning to life.

Learning to Learn

By the time our students complete Middle School, they are equipped with essential skills that set them up for success in high school and beyond. Through lessons in organization, time management, goal setting, and learning strategies, students build habits that support deeper, more independent learning. Guided study halls, individualized attention, and even opportunities to support learning with younger students help them apply what they’ve learned, grow in confidence, and take ownership of their academic journey.

Learning to Communicate

Each year at Independence, students complete a yearly research project in preparation for their Capstone. All 8th graders are required to complete a year-long project that includes a written research report, the creation of an authentic artifact that demonstrates their learning, and an oral presentation in front of an audience of peers, faculty, and parents. It requires students to stretch beyond their current knowledge and skills to pursue a topic of particular interest to them, possibly connected to future fields of study and professions.

Learning to Balance

The resources at Independence focused on student wellness are considerable, from the groundbreaking initiatives of CWIL (The Center for Wellness, Innovation and Learning) to the Character Development Program with its strong focus on social and emotional learning. Our Studio hosts regular mindfulness sessions to accompany a health and wellness curriculum that now includes a substantive emphasis on mental health.

Learning to Lead

In Middle School, leadership takes many forms as students step into roles that match their strengths and interests. Opportunities range from serving as team captains in athletics to representing peers through the Student Government Association (SGA), or welcoming new families as part of the Student Ambassador program. Across classrooms, clubs, and community experiences, students are encouraged to lead with responsibility and integrity. These experiences help them build confidence, practice collaboration, and prepare for leadership beyond Independence.

Curriculum by Grade

Meet Our Head of Intermediate and Middle School, Amy Graham
"We often refer to Middle School as the "Land of Opportunity," where students cultivate a passion for learning and embrace new experiences. Whether it's participating in academic clubs, exploring a new sport, or contributing to the school community via service projects or the SGA, our students graduate with exceptional leadership skills and a strong sense of independence in their educational journey. Local high schools are eager to welcome our graduates, affirming that Indy students are exceptionally well-prepared for the next chapter of their academic lives."

Meet Our Full Faculty & Staff