Independence Middle School Students Refresh, Recharge, and Build Resilience During Mental Health Day
WE'RE HIRING SUMMER HELP! Join the Independence Local Schools Team
Independence Primary School Celebrates Music In Our Schools Month with 4th Annual Music Spirit Week
In the Know video
student
Cultivating a Legacy of Excellence: Independence Primary School Earns Third Blue Ribbon Recognition
  Independence High School Students Inducted into National Technical Honor Society at CVCC  Students from Independence High School were recently recognized for their outstanding achievements in career-technical education during a March 18 ceremony at the Cuyahoga Valley Career Center (CVCC). During the event, several students were inducted into the prestigious National Technical Honor Society (NTHS).  Inducted students included David Crooks, Claire Dailey, Emma Iacianci, Julia Jurkiewicz, John Walsh, Luke Masek, Riley Melbar, Mitchell (Mitch) Meyer, Alexandra (Alex) Polcar, and Carmen Chen.  The National Technical Honor Society recognizes career-technical students who go above and beyond in academics, leadership, service, and character. Students are selected through a thoughtful process that considers their achievements, attendance, involvement, and teacher recommendations. As members, these students will continue to lead by example in their programs and school community.  Induction into the National Technical Honor Society is one of the highest academic honors a student participating in a career-technical education program can receive and marks a significant milestone in their academic and technical education journey.  In addition to scholastic achievement, membership is determined by attendance, conduct, participation in career-technical student organizations, strong teacher recommendations, and the embodiment of key attributes such as skill, honesty, service, responsibility, citizenship, and leadership. These standards ensure that only the most dedicated and accomplished students receive this distinguished honor.  This recognition highlights the continued commitment of Independence High School students to excellence in career-technical education and their readiness to succeed in future careers and post-secondary opportunities.   Photo: Inducted students included David Crooks, Claire Dailey, Emma Iacianci, Julia Jurkiewicz, John Walsh, Luke Masek, Riley Melbar, Mitchell (Mitch) Meyer, and Alexandra (Alex) Polcar. Carmen Chen was also inducted but was not pictured.
Independence Middle and Primary School Cultural Fair Returned March 19 with “Oh, the Places You’ll Go” Theme
The sign-up deadline is April 6.
Independence Middle School Student Named Finalist in Maltz Museum’s 2026 Stop the Hate Contest
Independence Primary School Named 2026 Governor’s Science of Reading Champion  Independence Primary School has been recognized as a 2026 Governor’s Science of Reading Champion, an honor awarded by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Education and Workforce Director Stephen D. Dackin to schools demonstrating a strong commitment to evidence-based literacy instruction.  The Governor’s Science of Reading Champions Awards recognize Ohio schools that are leading the way in implementing the Science of Reading, a research-based approach that helps students develop strong foundational reading skills while improving engagement and literacy outcomes.  Independence Primary School was one of 109 schools across Ohio selected for the 2026 recognition, highlighting the school’s dedication to providing high-quality reading instruction that supports every learner. “The recognition reflects the dedication of Independence Primary School educators who work each day to inspire a love of reading while equipping students with the skills they need to thrive in the classroom and beyond,” said Superintendent Kelli Cogan.    “We know that the Science of Reading is the best way to teach children how to read,” said Governor DeWine. “When you see a teacher using the Science of Reading to the fullest in the classroom, it’s quite remarkable. For students, it’s fun, engaging, and effective.”  Ohio Department of Education and Workforce Director Stephen D. Dackin also praised the schools selected for the award. “We’re proud of the work happening throughout the state to advance literacy achievement through the Science of Reading,” said Dackin. “These schools recognized as Science of Reading Champions are the result of a precise and dedicated focus from educators, school leaders, and families.”  At Independence Primary School, teachers and staff have embraced the Science of Reading through structured literacy practices that help students build essential skills in phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. These strategies ensure young learners develop the strong reading foundation needed for future academic success. Over the past year, IPS teachers have engaged in professional learning through LETRS (Language Essential for Teachers of Reading and Spelling), deepening their understanding of the Science of Reading and the critical role of phonological awareness in early literacy development. Teachers are actively applying this learning in their daily instruction providing explicit, systematic opportunities for students to hear, identify, and manipulate sounds in spoken language while building strong connections to decoding and word recognition. Equally important, teachers are consistently progress monitoring student learning and using that data to inform instruction. By examining student evidence and adjusting instruction in real time, teachers ensure that every child receives the targeted support needed to grow as a reader. “This recognition celebrates the thoughtful work happening in classrooms each day where educators are committed to evidence-based practices, collaboration, and ensuring every student builds the strong phonological and foundational literacy skills necessary for long-term success,” said Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction, Assessments, and Technology Natalie Matthews.
new school bus
Independence Primary School Explored Art Through the National Parks at the 2026 Art Show
Resumania Workshops Help Independence High School Seniors Prepare for Scholarships and Job Fair
kindergarten registration
Alumni  Association Award Winner
Independence Middle School Students Honored at OMLA Breakfast of Champions
Independence High School Names Justin Aranavage Head Coach of Girls Tennis