Independent School

As a parent and an educator who taught at top private schools on the East Coast, I can confidently state that the education at Independent is on par with competitive private schools. The school has undergone several difficult transitions over the past years with new heads, during which some standards dropped, but the current Head has put the school on a great track. Standards at every level are at or above the averages of top private schools, and our scores reflect strong academic skills. This is the only school in Wichita that is truly accredited through ISACS, fully financially audited and responsible, and on a trajectory to maintain and improve the college preparatory program. Independent School also boasts a great community of teachers and parents that work together, differentiation to the top as well as the bottom, hands-on learning opportunities, and a stellar arts/ performing arts program. For those families coming from the coasts this school does not look as posh and pretty as its local competitors, but it is the only school where the administration is clear on the purpose and goals of a private prep school.
--Submitted by a parent

As a parent who is very involved with the school, I cannot be happier with The Independent School. Teachers are unique and bring out the best in their students. There have been many changes over the past few years and as change is usually scary, the changes at TIS have only made us a better school. The rapport between the staff members seems that of a family. The administration is strong at every level and our board of directors continue to provide a positive path for future growth. The preparation the students receive is measured by the ongoing academic successes---4 National Merits this year. There is no other school in Wichita for this family!!! For the families that left Independent, I wish them the best of luck!
--Submitted by a parent

My children also went there for several years- this is our last. The standardized scores are below other private schools and in areas barely comparable with public schools. It probably was a good school in its day, but has had too much turn over. 3 heads of the whole school, 3 upper school heads, 3 middle schools heads, and 4 lower school heads in the past few years with 17+ teachers leaving the lower school in the same time frame. Good sales pitch, but there is no substance there. This is not even close to college prep! The curriculum is weak . The new administration is sweet but totally lost. Do not let your chidlren be a guinea pig there
--Submitted by a parent

My children attended this school for several years until I discovered that they were actually teaching these kids below the level public schools are teaching! Research this school well before decision. They now cater more to below average than anything else! Beware!!
--Submitted by a parent

I have had two children attend The Independent School from Pre-K through High School. They have both had the best possible education that I could have hoped for. The school is small enough that they could try any activity that they were interested in and be able to fully participate. They were able to experience things that would have never been possible at a large school. They have both been fully prepared for college. My son's transition into to college was extraordinarily easy. The faculty is very nurturing, but it is very academically challenging at the same time. The other students are very accepting of new kids. I find the students to be very down to earth and easy to get along with. I am so happy that my children were lucky enough to attend the Independent School for their education.
--Submitted by a parent

The Independent School offers a community experience and an exceptional education, both academically and in its athletics and arts. The school is now headed by Dr. Mary Dickerson who is a perfect leader for the school, and it will only get better under her leadership. The student body is diverse, and the students are taught to think independently. This is a great school!
--Submitted by a parent

The size of the school allows my child to participate in any activity/sport she wishes to try. Very important to be able to try many different kinds of educational experiences without the fear of "being cut".
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter graduated from The Independent School, and was there since she was four years old. Each year, I was astounded at how wonderful her teachers were, how much they loved and cared for my daughter and all of the students. The teachers and administrators helped me through the years, including letting me know that my daughter needed speech lessons in Kindergarten, needed glasses in third grade, helped counsel me, guide me, and made me a better parent. I was active with the parents group and it was a blast volunteering for all 14 years, and now I have more wonderful friends all over town. I can't rate this school high enough!
--Submitted by a parent

We moved our kids from a local public school district to Independent six and a half years ago. What we like most about the school is the "small town," community feel the school has for our sons and daughter. The students all know and respect each other, and no one is categorized as being an athlete or a scholar or an artsy person. Any student can be all the things they want to be. My kids participate in sports, drama, debate, Scholar's Bowl, Mock Trial, student government, and dance team (not all at the same time!), all while learning and excelling in a strong college preparatory program.
--Submitted by a parent

As a longtime Independent School family, we are thankful for the Independent School where our children feel at home, supported individually, challenged academically, and have been able to find their passions. We have a junior in high school and an eighth grader who, without exception, have been excited to get up and go to school every morning - what more could a parent ask for? With rigorous academics and inclusive (no cut) extracurricular programming, the Independent School is a great value - both financially and culturally with our own family values of learning to think critically, be a person of good character, work effectively on team efforts, and give your best effort always. Our son will graduate next year and is considering smaller colleges where he knows his professors, teachers, and coaches well and is known by them as an individual, just like his Independent School experience of thirteen years.
--Submitted by a parent