Independence Academy

I absolutely love this school! The teachers who taught me in 7th grade were amazing! I'm very disappointed that this school doesn't continue into high school, because I for sure would attend it! The classrooms are structured and are a perfect learning enviroment than any school I have ever been too! GO IACS!

I am very happy that my daughter is going to this school. She has been going since K.
—Submitted by a parent

We moved to Grand Junction this year and chose IACS because it was a one of the few K-8's in town and it was recommended by a friend. We have nothing but praise for the school, it's leadership and teachers. My child's difficulties with math were identified within a few weeks of school starting, before I even had a chance to go to the teacher with my concerns she had him identified and was giving him the extra help he needed to catch up. I thought I would dislike the four day week schedule, but it turned out to be great for my child. He's doing so much better in school this year. The only reason I don't give IACS five stars is because they don't have band, orchestra or organized sports. I hope these will be available to the kids in future years.
—Submitted by a parent

This school has made leaps and bounds of progress since the days it was in the church. Quality staff is dedicated to giving the best instruction possible and has taken their own time to form a professional learning community to make sure best practice is used in all academic areas. Students are held accountable and are treated with respect by all staff members. Don't know where a former reviewer got the idea that the school was not going to be around this year. It is going strong and adding another 3rd grade class for the 2011-2012 school year. The school will be two round from K-3rd grade. Keep up the great work teachers!

Love it . Mr Lockhart is outstanding the best in the valley. Always thier to listen and help. You can find him in the middle of summer painting and re carpeting the school with several other staff. To spell it out his leadership and devotion is an A+. Kindness isnt forced and he is driven by the success of his students.
—Submitted by a parent

I was thinking of taking my child to this school, but after meeting the principle I was very discouraged. It was my perception he was very insensitive to my concerns about my childs needs and did not give any encouragement at all. I felt as thought he was doing me a favor by accepting my son into" his" school. The arrogance, unprofessionalism, and insensitivity was a huge turn off for me. I am sorry for those students that are exposed to this type of leadership.
—Submitted by a parent

As a student who may be going there (school may be gone next year)next year and has gone there for 2 years before. i saw a change from how it is at a normal school and this school some is normal some isnt. i recivedsome education and at the same time.... i lost hope i just felt like none of the teachers there belived that i could go back to a normal school. only 3 of my teachers belived i could do it .(big shoutout to mr. kevin!!!!!) one day i missed my bus and i heard some of them talking about me and i sat there unnoticed for about 10 minutes and some of the things they said about me were awful and hurtful. i may have been one of the most unlikley students that was there but the things they said were uncalled for and rude.

i like the idea of having the smaller classroom settings for the middle schoolers but if one of these teachers decide they dont like your student then its a no win situation for your child. out of the 6 middle school teachers there are really only 2 that can really relate to and teach the kids in my opinion. i also do not think any staff member has the right to swear at any student but thats always their word against your childs. i will be very happy when we are done there this year. thanks to the ones who really have tried and worked with my student but to the ones who have picked their favorite students you have not been fair to the others. so in my opinion this school would be great with a few different teachers and a few new office staff people
—Submitted by a parent

This is our 1st year @ IACS and our child loves it, the enthusiasm and zeal for learning has returned and improved in just a few short weeks. We like the overall attitude and environment and of course the 4 day school week. It is great to see the principal so visible, accessible and involved with the staff, parents and students. It is a fantastic alternative to regular public school. Keep it up staff!
—Submitted by a parent

I attended Independence Academy for 3 out of $ years in m y high school carreer. for the first two years it was an amazing school; however, once the leadership was transferred to Damon Lockhart, this school has fallen horribly. I watched students lose moral and rebel as Lockhart's horrible choices affected all those attempting to learn. What once was a great, open, beautiful learning environment is now no better than the harsh, judgmental, and bland public schooling experience.
—Submitted by a student

Atteding this school has made a world of difference for my kids and step-kids. My oldest son for example was having serious behavior issues in a the 'regular' public school he attended until halfway through second grade. His problem came from finishing his work ahead of the other students, and not being given anything to do so he became disruptive. He just finished 4th grade, and is excelling wonderfully, doing 6th grade reading and math. Their father and I were so impressed by his improvement, that we did not bother with the regular public school for our younger son who has now finished kindergarten and is expected to be doing 2nd grade work for some subjects this next school year. I love how hands on and involved the teachers are, and how the school has a feeling of being a large extended family. I recomend this school to others frequently.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is by far under the worst leadership i've seen in my life!
—Submitted by a student

My daughter and granddaughter went to IACS the last three months of this school year and they both were very happy there and learned alot. In my daughters previous school she was very discouraged because she was not learning to read and not gettting the help she needed so did not want to go, now she loves going and has not complained not even one day that she did not want to go to school. she loves it and everyone is very nice to her. I am happy with my choice to put her in thi school. My granddaughter would come home everyday and say that they did not learn anything new and she was bored
—Submitted by a parent

i go to this school and i love it . it is a small school and every one is friends there are not any cliques either . we also go on a lot of camping trips and other field trips . i would recomend it to any one!!!
—Submitted by a parent

I like Independence Academy. so far it is the best school i've ever been to because it is out going, hands on and the teachers are great. Mrs.Igo is one awesome lady!
—Submitted by a student

My daughter is starting her second year of school at Independence Academy. So far, we've been very happy with the school. They accepted her for kindergarten a year early, and she was moved into 2nd grade reading. She's excelled as a student, especially considering she's a year younger than her classmates. She reads at a phenomenal level, she knows more Spanish than I do, and her math skills are steadily improving. That being said, I can't see her staying at this school more than another year or two. The school simply does not have the amenities of a 'normal' public school. No hot lunches, no after school programs, no sports, and grades are grouped together in the same classrooms. And they 'lease' a church, since charter schools cannot levy construction bonds. It was a great start for her, but she's almost due to 'graduate' to a real public school.
—Submitted by a parent

My child came from a very negative school where teachers treated her very poorly. She felt that everyone there hated her, and I observed the same of these teachers, not just to her but myself as well. Since we've been at Independence Academy my child is a happy, loving child once again. Her academics at this school are very strong, she's even doing 3rd grade math! She is taught Spanish twice a week, along with art. PE is offered daily. Her class will be going on a dinosaur journey next week! Parents are always welcomed and very involved. We recommend this school to everyone! My child knows she is loved and wants to go to school every day!
—Submitted by Tammy Igo, a parent

The academic quality of programs is lacking. Classes are a mix of grades. No music,sports etc offered.
—Submitted by Richard Reno, a parent