Independence High School

This isn't such a great school to go to. If you don't mess with anyone then nothing will happen to you, but you can help but seeing whats going on around you. It's not such a great place to learn as many of the courses have been 'dumbed down' in an attempt to try to improve the test scores. There are very few educational oppurtunities.
—Submitted by a student

I have one son graduated 2 years ago and I have 2 attending Independence this year. Independence is a great school. The tutoring is great. I think at any school you have good teachers and bad teachers that does not care about students. Dr. Henson is great. Whenever my childrens is not keeping up or slowing done on the homework or low test score a teacher will call me. No one should be low rating this school. Again it is a great school.
—Submitted by R S, a parent

My 2 children attend this school. They do not feel it is safe, or that the majority of the teachers have their best intrest in mind. There is much favoritism going on at this school. I would love to know how to get them into Butler.
—Submitted by a parent

My three children graduated from Independence 2000,2002 and 2004. When my oldest child started there in 1995 it was a wonderful school and but by 2004 I would not recomend this school to anyone. The principal is on a ego trip and cares nothing about the children or the teachers. Most of the wonderful teachers that were there have now gone to other schools. Children that make really good grades or play football may be treated well most of the children there do not fit into either catagory. I hear the principal is retiring after this year and if he takes most of his staff with him it could become a top school again.I could tell hundreds of examples of why it is not a good school but only a few good ones. The teachers use to be top notch but the principle has managed to run most of them off
—Submitted by a parent

I am not a parent but I am the Executive Class Council President for the 2004-2005 school year. All of the negative comments about my school actually hurts my heart. I have attend Independence all 3 going on my fourth year and I would never go anywhere else. There is a reason why we are the most crowded school in CMS, because we're the best. Our principle is wonderful and so is the staff. Of course everyone single person in the school is not well behaved but Dr. Hinson makes it known everyday that if you act up you will be dealt with. I just say if you are not in the school everyday then you don't know what happends everyday. I Love Independence! And as a student, I recommend it to anyone and everyone!
—Submitted by Kendra, a student

I'm a rising junior at Independence High School. In my opinion its the best school in charlotte mecklenburg. For the parent who wrote so many bad things about Independence- Yes it may be a little overcrowded but Dr.Hinson has been a principle for a long time and I know he knows whats best for his school. Independence is great! I would never go anywhere else. I have had great teachers that are very supportive and a principle that is perfect. He's the only principle I know whos picking up trash, sweeping after every lunch, and always has a smile on his face. He knows everyones name although there are atleast 2200 students. Yes we have a great football program but our academic programs are just as good. Independence has so much diversity to add. There are so many different races. Independence is great!
—Submitted by elesia thomas, a student

This school is way overcrowded with children with discipline problems. These problems are rarely dealt with. Violence is prevalent and unchecked. Many teachers would rather misinform the students than admit they don't know something. The principal is friendly and optimistic, but doesn't follow through on many of his plans to better the school. Drugs are commonplace. But it's great if you are a fan of high school football!
—Submitted by a student

This school is really nce. It easily can mix fun and education without making light of school.
—Submitted by a former student