Students are selected based on a number of different factors and teacher recommendations. Social/Emotional behaviors are also taken into consideration.

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.

Yes! Leadership 101 helps students develop team building, project management, and communication skills. All of these skills can be seen in the real world during the 8th grade field work to Disneyland. 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.

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.

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.

Students and parents will be sent an email for acceptances or waitlist.

Once you are accepted to the program, you will be in the program next three years if starting in 6th grade.