Independence High School

Every time I try to write a bad review of this school, it gets pulled. The school is average at best. Problems are hidden and you cannot get an honest answer from administration. It is a poorly run school and it has been going downhill ever since the current principal arrived.
--Submitted by a parent

We love Independence. No school is perfect. I would rather fault on the side of being too churchy.
--Submitted by a parent

great school. lots to do and everyone goes to the sporting events, especially football games. the education is very good here and the teachers are great.... INDY NATION

As a student of four years, I agree with some of the other people who've posted that a lot of favoritism is shown towards the churchy kids, and I'm not afraid to name names. The members of Thompson Station Church (it's Baptist no matter what the try to tell you) has a massive hold over both this school and the community in general. The students that go to the church are very cliquish and rude and they usually all vote for each other for class offices. Out of all the student speakers at our 2011 graduation, all of them attend TSC to my knowledge, except one. Thankfully, our valedictorian was not part of the club and kept her speech free of religion. I'm a Christian myself, but I don't appreciate having another church forced down my throat and I disagree with subjecting non-Christian students to it at school. Guidance is slow and the administration sucks. Otherwise, I enjoyed my time at Independence. The standard classes are a joke, but AP classes are great and honors classes usually are, too. There's a lot of extra-curriculars to get involved in and if a student puts in the work, they can be massively successful here no matter how they feel about their teachers and fellow students.

Having suffered along with my children wth this school for 4 years . . . I have issues with: Favoritism of sports and religious groups (even having school events at a specific church). It favors the establishment of one religion over another by allowing that religion to bully non-belivers or other religions ON CAMPUS, including physical attacks. Difficult relations wish Student Services/Nurse/Check-In Out and Sick, each child and parent is treated like a criminal Gifted Program is a joke - it caused more problems rather than assisting me or my child with the unique challenges of being gifted. Unless you or your child are a sports person or a southern baptist, you shouldn't attend this school - you, and especially, they will be miserable. School should be about academics. Period.
--Submitted by a parent

IHS is a great school. We moved here from another state just for the highschool. It was the best decision for schools and area to live in. Love it!
--Submitted by a parent

I could not have been happier at any other high school in the county. Something about the teachers and students and IHS make you want to get involved. I took advanced classes and was very impressed with the quality of teachers. I do not think that the teachers of lower level classes were as good, but that is expected. I often took AP and honors classes in subjects I was not interested just because of the quality of the teachers. IHS was an amazing experience.
--Submitted by a student

I have a child who attends this school with an IEP. And I for one have not one complaint.(as of yet) I have found the faculty, staff, and administration very helpful. They communicate with student and parent as often as I would like. (I am a very involved parent and seem to meet with the entire group of administration and faculty involved with my child every marking period always evaluating what can be done to make the four years here successful). Looking at choices of homeschooling, private or Independence, I could highly recommend you to try Independence.
--Submitted by a parent

If your child is a struggling student this is not the school for them. IHS is only interested in educating students that are self motivated and do not need any guidance along the way. If your child is extremely bright and self motivated they will be happy to service you to improve their test scores.
--Submitted by a parent

The Band, Drumline, Color Guard and the entire Music Program! They are why we purchased a house in the area. The IHS Eagles Marching Band is the best!
--Submitted by a parent