About Independence High School
Independence High School is a public charter school that will be opening in August of 2010.
IHS welcomes all students in the metro Denver area. IHS is a part of Denver Public Schools and attendance is free. IHS offers small a classroom environment and has a truly dedicated staff to support our students in reaching academic excellence.
IHS will serve approximately 400 students in grades 9 through 12. Middle school, grades 7 and 8 will be added in 2012 bringing the school enrolment up to 600 students.
Independence High School full-heartedly embraces the ideals so eloquently expressed in the Declaration of Independence. We also understand the pain and heartache that our economically disadvantaged and people of color experience from being passed over on a daily basis. We know Education to be the great equalizer. The Mission of Independence High School is to provide the highest quality of education possible, to create a holistic learning environment that respects the needs of the students, staff and community. By holistic, we mean nurturing and respecting the development of the “whole” person (intellectual, emotional, physical and spiritual). We view education as a life-long process. We are committed to developing each student into a “whole person” who will passionately embrace learning for the remainder of their life.
IHS places personal development on a par with a high school education. The varied course offerings, resources, and community opportunities are coordinated to achieve both the high school diploma and preparation for a meaningful productive life after graduation. This preparation will run the spectrum from trade development and certification, to college readiness.
Education Plan:
Independence High School embraces the philosophy of holistic education.
Independence High School teachers and staff will provide innovative educational experiences in collaboration with students, utilizing the 5-pathways as a vehicle for investigation, problem-solving and multi-modal learning. While working in the arts, health sciences, technology, trade, or general education, students will be uniquely called upon to envision and set goals for themselves.
This includes determining the methods that they will use to reach their goals, re-visioning and re-working original ideas as their experiences at IHS directs, working collaboratively with fellow students, and developing self-discipline.
At the 10th grade level the student will choose one of The Five Pathways and will design their curriculum with their adviser. Independence High will offer all students an enriched college-prep curriculum and learning opportunities. IHS will utilize an Advanced Educational Skills Department to ensure that identified students receive the additional support to meet the requirements to qualify for a 4-year college.
Students not preparing for college will receive assistance in selecting a trade or discipline. They will have access to the necessary resources to be fully qualified for immediate entry level employment, placement assistance and, where available, certification in their chosen trades. Because there are many very qualified organizations offering excellent training programs we will maximize partnering opportunities with screened, qualified programs in the area.
Interested in being a part of the IHS instructional team? Interested in donating your personal resources whether time or money? Please call 303.832.2994 or email:
Walker McDonald | Project Leader, Founding Team
walkerm@independencehigh.net
Pierre Jimenez | Co-Project Leader, Founding Team
pierrej@independencehigh.net
Sincerely,
Walker McDonald
Project Leader
Founding Team
Independence High School
Founding Team Leadership and Advisory Board
Pierre Jimenez • Walker McDonald • Bill Johnson • Patrick Vigil • Kim Hill • Aaron Ney • Michael Giltner
