My son has been at ICS for 2 and a half years and we are in love! The teachers always take the time to talk with me when I pick him up and they have offered advice from diaper rash creams to potty training tricks. We struggled with potty training at home, but the real turning point is when the teachers told me to just send him to school in his underwear despite any unpleasant accidents. As a parent there is plenty of opportunities to be involved in field trips or class parties or fundraising. A friend with a child at ICS said that her son has been diagnosed with ADHD. He really struggled at his last school and the teachers didn't want to deal with him. But the teachers here have been incredibly patient with him and he's had much fewer problems. He's was even moved up to the Kindergarten class early! We drive from Irvine to bring our son here because we can't bear to part with the wonderful friendly staff.
—Submitted by a parent
I can say that this school practice what they preach. Both of my children have attended since they were 2 and I couldn't be more impressed with the staff, administration, and their new facility. Academically, they are very advanced! My kindergardener is learning Spanish! But the thing that just blesses the socks off of me is how my children have grown spiritually. My 6 year old son talks to Jesus like he's His best friend.
—Submitted by a parent
This is a top notch school. Strong academic Christian based curriculum, tons of extra-curriculars, staff that knows your entire family, and best of all their brand new facility is beautiful! Parents are very involved, the teachers give and give and the principal has a heart of gold. This school helps students of all abilities, advanced, special needs, etc. The best part is that your kid is exposed to all of these different people and they're all treated as 'normal'. Great place to learn true diversity.
—Submitted by a parent
I also felt as though the school gave up on my child when he developed ADD after his father passed away. I understand that it was very hard to deal with but you should never give up on a child 6 months after his father's passing. He was asked to leave the school and he finished his school year at a public school which my child was utterly devastated by. Not pleased with the decision to say the least especially since we were in the middle of treating the ADD but their patience had run out. As far as positive things about the school go, they have a few really great teachers which we were lucky enough to deal with as well as the daycare staff and office personnel. If you are thinking about enrolling your child in this school keep in mind that the principal will turn you away should your child develop ADD or have a really rough year personally.
—Submitted by a parent
Both our children are currently enrolled at ICS. Our son is finishing first grade and our daughter is graduating from the two year old preschool class. Each year we are blessed and amazed with the love and dedication from the staff, as well as administration at the school. The Kindergarten and First Grade teacher have been compassionate and genuinely cared for our son and family. The preschool staff genuinely cares for our daughter and has never hesitated to give her a hug on her toughest of days. The daycare staff is organized, caring and always looking out for the children. Our family is blessed to have found such a great Christ centered school. Do not hesitate to enroll your child at Independence School.
—Submitted by Jeanette Solis, a parent
We love ICS! This is a great school that both my kids attend. The teachers are always there for my kids. My son has ADD and they always are there to give him the attention he needs. Everyone there is friendly and Christ-like. You can sure see Jesus in the hearts of the Teachers and Staff. I will continue to stay with ICS for another 8 years since my youngest just started Kindergarten. Thanks for a the Best School Ever!
—Submitted by a parent
Both of my children attended this school, and it was a wonderful experience for them. The small size gives it a 'family feel,' and it's a big plus that each teacher knows each student well. I especially appreciated that the principal knows and cares about each child--I felt that, even when I disagreed with a decision that he made, he was acting on the best interests of the child (rather than on a political or career-building agenda). I would highly recommend this school to prospective parents.
—Submitted by a parent
This is a great school. The teachers are great, parent participation is great, and the curriculum is great. My daughter learned more in the first 3 months at ics that in the previous 2 years at another school. Very christ based, would reccommend to anyone!
—Submitted by Lauren, a parent
This school is a gem among elementary schools. It offers high academic standards combined with moral training for a well rounded student.It is known for the personal attention it provides each student.Students of various economic and ethnic status work well together unconcerned of their differences. The school has twice the number of teachers with Master Degrees than the national average. They have the most experienced staff in the county with a average tenure of 18 yrs. The student standardized test scores average in the top 25% of all schools nationally. 40% perform above their ability expectations. They offer a pioneering program for children with learning dis abilities and all of them are mainstreamed with no social stigma.They have been in existence for 30 years. My kids love the school.
—Submitted by a parent
The teaschers, principal and staff are warm and loving. Academically it is good, but I felt like they gave up on my daughter when she entered the 4th and 5th grades. She has ADD, and in the end I got the impression that they felt as if they did all they could with her. Nice memories though.
—Submitted by a parent
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