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
... Read more 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! Read less
Posted by a student on 06/04/09
Fabulous school, excellent teachers and beautiful campus. I feel lucky to have my children there and thriving.
... Read moreRead less
Posted by a parent on 05/11/09
We have been very pleased with The Independence School. Our son was encouraged to excel in Math and Science. Some teachers like Mrs. Godsey, 5th grade stood out as exceptional even among a pool as high as this. He was able to take Geometry, Algebra I and Algebra II prior to finishing 8th grade; he was
... Read more encouraged to set his own pace and to aim high. He is well prepared to enter any high school in this state or elsewhere and succeed. The standards are set high. His English and Social Studies were also good to excellent. We found all of his teachers more than willing to give of their personal time to help out answering questions and give added support. The building is safe, clean and pleasant. The theatre is in my opinion the nicest in the state for any school. Lab prep/science department very hands on. Read less
Posted by a parent on 02/14/09
This school is for parents and students who are serious about education. The only people who seem to be frustrated with the school are the ones whose children cannot keep up with the academics. It can be a tough school for a student who needs special help or a more relaxed way of learning. It's a
... Read more safe school because they do not put up with bad behavior like the public schools do. The education is outstanding. We've tried several schools in the area and this school has been the best. The price includes everything ..field trips, gym uniforms, yearbooks etc. They ask for money once a year and they gladly accept $10 if that's what you have to give. If you are looking for a private school with a music program that is similar to a highschool program and an outstanding rigorous academic program then this is the school! Read less
Posted by a parent on 08/30/08
No school can be everything to everybody. That is the beauty of having a choice. However, this school has a strong philosophy that is supported by the administration and faculty. All employees are familiar with the students who are greeted by name. Teachers and administrators often keep in touch
... Read more with former students. The quality of education is phenomenal. Often Indy students are the valedictorians and salutatorians of area private schools. Indy graduates are well-received in the private, parochial, & public schools. The curriculum is rigorous and there are a lot of expectations of the students for which we are grateful! It is a pleasure to see a school uphold standards of academic achievement, morals, and behaviors. However, the faculty understands that they are working and teaching children who are growing, learning, and making mistakes. Independence is certainly a school worth consideration! Read less
Posted by a parent on 07/23/08
If you are concerned that the public school curriculum is not rigorous enough or that your student is under-challenged academically, consider this school. Our academically-gifted son went from being a bored, disrespectful potential public-school dropout to a cheerful, motivated, enthusiastic student.
... Read more What a difference a school can make. Read less
Posted by a parent on 05/13/08
Good school overall. Safe, positive, and productive environment. Small class size is a plus. Disappointed in the lack of communication from teachers and administration. Amount of homework is unreasonable and leads to stressed out students. Constant pressuring for $ donations. Independence could be
... Read more a great school with some effort. Read less
Posted by a parent on 04/16/08
This is an awful school. Low paid teachers who don't care about the children. Old world rote memorization methods. Way too much homework most of which is merely 'busy work'. It's a shame schools like this exist.
... Read moreRead less
Posted by a parent on 03/11/08
We have been very pleased with the quality of the early childhood education division. The teachers are nurturing and enthusiastic. Our children are very happy at Independence.
... Read moreRead less
Posted by a parent on 04/27/07
Independence has great art and music programs and some excellent teachers. However, there are too many teachers who do not perform to expectations. There are too many 'discipline issues' that are not taken care of even after going to administration. They have a great curriculum and great potential
... Read more if they could only get their act together again. We left after 5 years. They need to control misbehaved students, allow for more focus on ALL students' abilities, weed out teachers and aftercare workers who are not performing and focus on values. Read less
*The resources listed are programs that the institution is staffed to support. Staffing for a program does not guarantee that it will be offered. This content is provided by the institution and may be incomplete. The institution may offer programs not listed here. Please contact the school directly for additional details.
Advanced Placement
AP classes are college-level classes offered at the high school level. Once a student completes an AP class and passes a final comprehensive examination conducted by the College Board, the student earns college credit for the course. AP classes are specific and not to be confused with other higher-level classes such as honors classes.
Before/After School
"Extended day" programs where the school day is extended before and after school to accommodate working parents. These programs should not be confused with common after school clubs or athletic activities.
Gifted and Talented
A school system may identify 10% to 15% or more of its student population as gifted and talented. A brief description of each area of giftedness or talent as defined by the Office of Gifted and Talented:
general intellectual ability or talent - high intelligence test score (usually two standard deviations above the mean), and high levels of vocabulary, memory, abstract work knowledge and abstract reasoning;
specific academic aptitude or talent in one area such as mathematics or language arts;
creative and productive thinking, the ability to produce new ideas;
leadership ability, the ability to direct individuals or groups to a common decision or action;
visual and performing arts, special talents in visual art, music, dance, drama, or other related studies;
psychomotor ability, such as practical, spatial, mechanical, and physical skills.
Vocation/Technical Curriculum
Vocational and/or technical courses offered within a comprehensive school, usually a senior high school.
Special Education Classes
A school or program within a school that provides services and training to students with moderate to severe mental and/or physical disabilities.
Adult Education Classes
Programs offering GED or equivalent courses for adults within regular schools, whether classes are held during evening or daytime schedules.
English as Second Language
English language classes for students whose first language is not English.
Newark schools — Independence School is located at 1300 Paper Mill Rd, Newark DE 19711. 1300 Paper Mill Rd is in the 19711 ZIP code in Newark, DE Independence School is a Private school that serves grade levels PK - 8.
School information provided by OnBoard Informatics Copyright (c) 2008. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
We won't spam you. Nor will we give, sell, rent or otherwise make your email address available to third parties.
All our mailings include a link so you can easily unsubscribe. For more details, read our full privacy policy.
Parent Reviews
These reviews include feedback from parents, students, former students, administrators and other staff. This feedback
may help you further evaluate and compare schools, along with other information such as test scores, academic programs,
school resources, classroom and teacher ratios, etc. The reviews are provided by GreatSchools.
Ask a question about this school on Trulia Voices to learn more
about this school or district from residents and other local experts.
Test Score Ratings
Test score ratings are based on the most recent standardized test results reported by this state. These ratings may help
you compare similar schools in this district or area. For example, a rating of 8 indicates that, on average, students in
this school scored better than 70% of the students in the state on the same tests. We have indicated below which tests
were used in calculating these ratings. Other factors should be considered when comparing schools, including teacher
experience, academic programs, extracurricular activities, resources for special needs students, etc. These ratings are
not provided by the state Department of Education, which may have their own rating systems.