Independent School

Great College Preparatory School! 2012 National Merit Finalists: 4 members from the Class of 2012!!!! (highest percentage of ANY school in Wichita or surrounding areas) Average Independent School students' SAT scores: 1810 (national average 1498) Over 60% of of TIS Middle School students qualify for additional enrichment through Duke University Talent Identification & Midwest Talent Search Programs 100% of Upper School graduates and goes on to college 43% of graduates go to Out-of-State colleges $3.2 million in scholarship offers Isn't this what you want for your child(ren)?! :)
—Submitted by a parent

Our children have been at TIS for six years and we couldn't be more thrilled. Our children are thriving. They feel challenged and are motivated to excel. The teachers are exceptional and have met the needs of our children academially and emotionally. Our children are encouraged to participate in scholastic competitions, fine arts, and sports. We have seen our children grow and become mature, responsible young people and we feel we owe it to TIS. They love this school as much as we do and can't wait for next year!
—Submitted by a parent

The Independent Lower School has been wonderful for my child! I have found the head of the lower school to be energizing and positive, and the teachers amazing! This has been one of the best choices we have made to send our child here.
—Submitted by a parent

We love the lower school and several aspects of the middle and upper schools because the teachers are so well connected with the students. The education in the lower school is far superior than surrounding area schools. In some areas, that can be said of the middle and upper schools as well. However, the current Head of Lower school is unprofessional, curt with parents and down right mean to some staff while playing favorites with other staff. He actively seems to undermine school policies and the mission of the school as well as several efforts that the current head or active parents spearhead, mostly through his sheer inactivity and follow-through. Attempts to get him to properly do his job are frequently met with hot-headed redness and a verbal railing, even when he's been proven severely negligent. He lacks discretion or an understanding that parents pay his salary. Too many parents are voting with their feet.
—Submitted by a parent

This is our tenth year at The Independent School. The education that our three children have received is far superior to that of their peers/friends at other private schools and at the public schools. Our children not only get an individualized education that challenges them, they are also encouraged to be good, kind citizens that give back to the community both locally and globally. Being able to grow and learn with classmates from all walks of life has taught them to be open and inquisitive. And as parents, we have always been encouraged to be involved in the process. We have frequent conversations with the teachers and with the administration to ensure that our kids are getting the most out of their College Prep education. The Independent School has given them a lifelong love of learning and the tools they need to be successful in college and beyond.
—Submitted by a parent

My child has bloomed at The Independent School both academically and as a person. The teachers are very hands-on and help children discover their talents and teach them how to build on them. The graduates are prepared for college and I am impressed with the high school students who are so well-rounded.
—Submitted by a parent

Our children all attended independent from pre-K thru 12. They were able to enjoy diverse friendships, explore a variety of activities without being pigeon-holded, including sports, drama, leadership roles and academic clubs. They are now nearly out of college and found the transition from Independent to college with ease. They were prepared and confident. It is a place of community for parents, teachers, and students. We as parents and students continue to share experiences as graduates of independent as life long friends.
—Submitted by a parent

Great school. My son has attended since pre-K and loves the school. Excellent academics, fine arts and athletics. Standardized test scores meet or exceeds other ISACS schools. The only area ISACS certified school. The academic accompolishments exceeds other private schools in the Wichita metro area. Consistently have one of the highest percentage, relative to their student body size, of National Merit Scholars in south central Kansas. Not sure where other reviewers get their test data but check with school and you'll find out their test scores are exemplary. Catch It Kansas 2010-2011 state 3A all sports champions and consistently in the top tier 3A schools all sports rankings. Sports programs that encourage all students to particpate with 80+ percent of students in at least one sport. The biggest plus is my son enjoys going to school and what he learns is consistently a grade level above his friends that attend other area schools. Particpates in 3 sports and getting excellent education. Made the right choice 10 years ago. Highly recommend!
—Submitted by a parent

Do your research! 5 years of this school and it was finally proven to me that their academics are below that of several public schools. in our 5 years, we saw so many turnovers in the school heads that I couldn t tell you our first one!! Beware!!
—Submitted by a parent

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

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

TIS is not just a school...it's a community. Our children have attended this fantastic school for 10 years and we could not be happier. Each child is treated as an individual and every child can participate in a variety of extra-curricular activities. The teachers are exceptional, know every child, and truly care about children, the childs education, and their profession as educators. We are very pleased with the direction the school is heading.
—Submitted by a parent

We have been part of the TIS family for 8+ years and we have seen all of the changes and the school has remained very strong. With the new leadership from Dr. Mary Dickerson, TIS feels more like home than ever before. The teachers are the best! They are passionate about their jobs, our kids and our school! We have many more years left at TIS and we would not think of going any place else! When our kids are at school we know they are cared for and they are being well prepared for thier future!
—Submitted by a parent