Independence Academy Charter School
Rise Honors Program
Within this program, academically motivated and gifted students come together to create an honors program like no other.
Our Story
We strive to provide our students with a unique learning experience and opportunities to grow. Through the use of experiential learning and the team-teaching model, students are engulfed in a learning experience that helps them grow both academically and personally. Our accelerated curriculum allows for students to gain high school credit, but also allows for students to participate in experiences outside of the classroom.
​​Along with the mission statement of Independence Academy, the Rise Honors Program mission is to provide academically motivated students the ability to move at a more rigorous pace in order to move beyond the standard curriculum through the use of experiential learning opportunities, cross-curriculuar content, and student choice.
Our Curriculum
At IACS, the team-teaching model allows for two content specific teachers to work together to create cross-curricular lessons for our Rise Honor Students. Not only does this model allow for the classroom to come alive, students are supported by their teacher unlike any other classroom and are able to make connections within their learning. ​Within their classes, students will explore leadership and communication styles, team building, and plan their very own community project. Leadership class gives students the skills and structure to complete the 8th grade capstone project the following year.
Our Principles
Using our Rise Honors pillars, students' social and emotional needs are met. ​The Rise Honors Program is different than other honors programs as admission is not limited to gifted students. The dynamic within the classroom creates a balance of perspectives while also creating a more creative environment.
Student Expectations
Students within the Rise Honors Program are required to maintain a 3.0 GPA, uphold the Rise Pillars each day, and have no office referrals or disciplinary issues.
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To help students reach their academic goals, the Rise program is designed to support students through a number of processes. Students struggling academically can be put on grade improvement plans or participate in a lunch study hall.
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In their 7th grade year, Rise students participate in a leadership class either during the fall or spring semester.
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Students are expected to participate in the many field work and expeditions that are a part of the Rise program. These experiences help our classroom learning outside of the classroom.
Meet The Team
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How are students selected?Students are selected based on a number of different factors and teacher recommendations. Social/Emotional behaviors are also taken into consideration.
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Are there additional cost to the Rise program and parent involvement?Along with cost of enrollment, students in the Rise program will have the chance for learning opportunities outside the classroom which might require additional funds, travel, or guardian involvement.
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Are Leadership 101 and Capstone projects required?Yes! Leadership 101 helps students develop team building, project management, and communication skills. The Capstone project for 8th grade puts those skills into real life practice so students have the confidence, knowledge, and connections as they begin their journeys to high school. Each student will choose a capstone mentor to guide them through this process.
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What does a normal day look like?7:45am - 8:00am: Drop-Off-Students have the opportunity arrive at school before the beginning of the academic day. During this time they can drop off and organize for the day as well as socialize with their peers in the secondary outdoor area. 8:00am-12:00pm: RISE students will attend 2 integrated core classes per day equating to four hours of academically focused classes daily. Middle School teachers carefully craft highly integrated, multidisciplinary lessons that may span the entire block or a series of interconnected lessons that build upon or radiate from each other. During this time, Middle School students work in a whole class environment, in smaller groups, or individually. Our teachers are mindful of the age group they are working with, and plan numerous opportunities for out of seat learning, movement within the classroom, as well as breaks from learning, including an opportunity to eat a snack. Rise students are provided three elective classes per day. Each student will have a large variety of classes to choose from. General Arts, theatre, choir, STEAM, Foundry Fundamentals just to name a few. In 7th grade, students will take Leadership 101 as one of their elective classes either in the spring or fall semester. 12:00pm - 12:40pm: Lunch/Brain Break 12:40 pm-1:00 pm: Advisory Meetings-At Independence Academy how students learn is as important as what students learn. Responsive advisory meetings structure sets the tone for respectful engagement as it builds and enhances interpersonal connections. Our groups are intimate in size which lends itself to personalized attention that each of our students need and deserve. 4:00pm: The academic day at Independence Academy officially ends at 4:00pm. All academic classes are released at this time, and students are free to check out and depart school. Most students will be picked up by a parent or guardian in a car, and others ride their bike or walk home. 4:00pm-5:30pm:Clubs and Sports teams meet beginning at 4:00 pm. In addition, we recognize that schedules may create conflict, so Independence Academy offers after-school supervision for students who are not able to depart right at 4:00pm and are not part of an afterschool club or sport. After-school supervision ends at 5:30pm.
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Are students able to participate in extracurricular activities?While academics are important, in the Rise program students are encouraged to find passions, participate in extracurriculars and more. We understand students have life outside of the classroom and the importance of family time. Through organization and time management, students will be able learn life long skills to help achieve this balance.
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How will students be notified of acceptances?Students and parents will be sent an email for acceptances or waitlist.
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Do students have to reapply each year?Once you are accepted to the program, you will be in the program next three years if starting in 6th grade.
Rise Pillars
The Rise Pillars are expectations that students are held to within the program.
