The Independence School

This school turned out to be incredibly disappointing. Extremely little effort is put forth by the teachers and administration to work with children that exhibit the slightest deviation from a "cookie-cutter" child. The families and parents associated with the school are fantastic, but at times it seems the teachers and administration simply can't handle anything even the slightest bit out of the ordinary. For the money being spent, Do yourself a favor and look at other private schools or North Star Elementary. They are much more willing to put forth effort to work with their students.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is very heart warming and welcoming. I have been in this school from 10 years(EC1-8th)and whenever we have someone new joining our school we feel happy, we treat them like our family. in all my years at Independence i feel more like family than a student. However this school does go downhill from 3rd,4th,and 5th grade. I thought those years were the worst , but middle school was great, i really wish i could do it all over again.

This is my 11th year as an Indy parent (two kids, one of whom graduated), and I've experienced all grade levels. Here's what I like: 1) everyone knows my children; 2) low faculty turnover; 3) responsive faculty and administration (lots of communication); 4) solid leadership -- thoughtful, deliberate, and fiscally conservative; 5) outstanding music and sports programs (high participation); 6) exceptionally good phys ed/health program that benefits every child, not just the athletes; 7) a culture of kindness and teamwork; 8) it's "cool" to be smart; 9) excellent foundational skills for high school and beyond (if you know anyone who works in high school admissions, ask them); 10) good $ value; and 11) small class size. My children are smart and wonderful, but they're not overachievers and they might be inclined to "coast." Independence has asked them to reach as high as they can. If I could change one thing, it would be a bit less homework, but the plus side is the development of good time management skills and planning. I've always picked up happy kids at the end of the day.
--Submitted by a parent

I have found the student- teacher- administration- parent relationship to be quite strong. We were able to connect with teachers at any time for support, when I went there. There were strong academic programs that left us all so prepared for high school. Although enrollment is down, having been there to visit the last few years, I know how hard the staff and faculty are working to create an even better program for students. Major curricular changes are happening in order to meet the demands of our changing world.; It is a strong program and as an alumni and present educator, I am an advocate for the school.

I totally agree with the Oct 16, 2010 review. Enrollment has been dropping steadily in the last 4 years (~20% drop). Admin constantly says it is a function of the economy, but we discovered many families have just moved to other, usually higher cost, schools. Tuition increase seems to average +7% per year. The Board needs to change some of the administration (headmaster, head of lower school) in order to improve the schools reputation. In social circles it is frequently brought up that much of the administration is out of touch with the students and parents and are making poor decisions for the schools future. The lack of use of technology to interact with parents is appalling. Current grades, assignments, and progress reports need to be readily accessible to parents via their website. Most schools we visited in making our school selection provide this capability, including public schools! Much of the curriculum is rote memorization instead of teaching the child to think and problem solve. As a result the teachers just administer assignments instead of interacting with the class and demonstrating actual teaching capability.
--Submitted by a parent

An absolutely phenomenal school for the right student. It is the most challenging middle school in the state and the local area. Students who will thrive at Independence embrace structure, organization, and rigor. This is not the school for a brilliant, creative, disorganized child. Independence taught me organization skills, goal setting, and a real work ethic. I carried this through all of high school and credit Independence largely with my acceptance to Swarthmore College. Independence gives every student a solid academic foundation. There will be not one hole in your child's learning. Kids leave Independence with strong organization skills, a true work ethic, a desire to achieve, and a back to basics, rigorous education. Academics are the real focus at this school. If you have a serious student who is high-achieving, I don't think you can go wrong.

When one subscribes to any institution it is because of the overall belief in the philosophy. For a parent to think that they will agree with every decision, is foolish. I have 2 children attending Independence and under the guidance of dedicated and qualified teachers and the Lower School Head. Rigid is certainly not a word that I would use to describe her. Rather, the LS head is a professional who clearly understands pedagogy and child development. I have learned that if, as a parent, your goal is to have your child in advanced classrooms - then your goal will not match the goals of teachers or administrators. Their goal, specifically the LS head's goal, is to have my children in an environment where they learn best, develop confidence, and succeed. Sure we could all probably push our children, but at what cost? I appreciate that she doesn't!
--Submitted by a parent

I agree with one of the parent reviews about the philosophy of the school. This school wants its students to be quiet instead of active. If you have a child with a curious mind, happy, and innovative, this is not a good choice for you. If your child is shy, quiet, and never challenges or questions what is given to him/her, the Independence School fits you well. Plus, this school starts to go down hill in recent years. Both 1st and 2nd grade reduced from 4 to 3 classrooms this year. The high attrition rate is partly due to economy, but I think its lower school admistrative officer has some problem too. Very errogant and rigid.
--Submitted by a parent

My son has been going to Independence for 5 years and we have been continually amazed at the teacher's abilities to excite and motivate him to learn and grow. Good citizenship, respect for others and a real sense of self-worth are stressed with the students from a very early age. We feel our son is getting the best possible education at Independence! As parents, we have enjoyed many rewarding opportunities to volunteer and participate in his education. We are thrilled with our decision to send our son to Independence.
--Submitted by a parent

I am a graduate of Independence, and also a recent graduate of Ursuline Academy (I will be attending the University of Delaware this fall). Independence, although a lot of work, really prepared me for high school. The demands of Indy allowed me to reach my full potential in high school (over my high school career I have taken 7 college level courses, in addition to my other classes). I frequently visit my old teachers and coaches. And, although the curriculum is very structured, Independence has a wonderful fine arts program to balance it out. Another overlooked aspect of this school is their computer skills program, which provides an excellent head start to presentations, research, and writing in high school. I am extremely lucky to have gone to this school!
--Submitted by a student