3208 Vera Valley Rd
Franklin, TN 37064

Currently, I am going through the 7th grade and to be honest it matters what teachers you get. Sometimes you get teachers who barely interact with students and only show some notes to copy down (Dr. Milliam) while others will try to look through the perspective of students and ask for feedback on how they are teaching. There is a good share of good and bad teachers at the school but overall there are teachers that are doing their job how they should. The only problem that I feel affects certain students and their mental health is that the counselors will not listen to what students have to say sometimes and won't work on making sure that students are not being harassed. Same thing with some teachers, they won't do anything about it unless brought up.On the other hand, there is a great band and orchestra program for those who want to try it out for 6th graders or if you are moving schools and want to continue with your instrument. In terms of sexism or racism, there is practically none. Though in PE there is sexism from the coaches (not sure if it is something from the district) during pacer tests girls only have to do 40 while boys have to do 61. When there is basketball there are a bunch of rules to "try to get everyone involved" which say that you need to pass to a girl and back before shooting plus girls' points are double. In terms of punishments, there is a strike system where if you get 3 strikes you get detention and 4 strikes is ISS (in-school suspension) Just be safe and try to get along with people.

I am the parent of a 2017 High School Graduate, of Independence High School. Given my only child, my son, graduated now over 5 years ago, I am not certain of the new administration, so I can only provide direct information as to his and my experience (mine of course, as a parent of an Indy student). I do have a niece at Indy now, and she loves it. She is on the Ultimate Freesbie Team and is thriving at Independence, when she had tons of issues at previous schools that she attended. I am so grateful that she is finally at a school where she can be accepted for who she is, as an individual. I saw another review that stated that the school last cliques, but please... what large group of individuals doesn't? I saw another review that stated that the school is not diverse at all, however, based on experience, I can say that the school is highly diverse. My son is a very well rounded individual and he had tons of friends from all walks of life. Honestly, had it not been for his experience at Independence, I'm not so sure he would be so well rounded. My son played sports including Football and Baseball, while also thoroughly enjoying his time in Theater, with a completely different group of classmates. It was his acceptance of all people, regardless of their ethnicity, heritage, etc., as well as their acceptance of the same. A very diverse group. There were no racial issues at all, during our time at Indy. That is why we loved it so much. Sure, there are going to be those with less education on heritage backgrounds, that run their mouth, or whatever, but I can assure you, at Indy, those folks are far and few between. I overwhelming recommend this high school, based on our experience. The school has a very high academic record, as well as success in nearly every sport, and high success in football, basketball, and soccer, among others. The teachers at Indy are very supportive and genuine, wanting to follow your child success, post high school, due to their heartfelt interest in uplifting young people into adulthood. Their Nursing Program is stellar and something my son enjoyed while there. My son is now a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree, Environmental Science. He is very independent, needing nothing from me, except advice from time to time. I firmly believe in the teachers and staff at Indy and I am so grateful that they all believed in my son. Good Luck!

Had high hopes for the neighborhood school, the facilities are beautiful- but left disappointed with teachers and administration. Child was behind benchmarks even with straight A’s. Mental health wasn’t addressed. Teacher was never for our child. So much happier after leaving, and is now thriving at a nearby private school. Looks forward to school, nice kids and engaging learning every day after a year of dreading school at PCES.