Building Potential Beyond A Diagnosis
Our Mission
The mission of the Independence Academy is to create the most inviting multidimensional school that provides autistic students with access to an evidence-based academic curriculum, sensory-friendly amenities, personal, social, and emotional awareness skill building, and life-affirming success. Independence Academy is educating and inspiring students on the autism spectrum to defy barriers now and beyond high school.
Who We Are
Founded in 2008, The Independence Academy is a nonprofit 501c3, state-accredited private school in Indianapolis, Indiana. Independence is dedicated to serving families with diploma track students in grades 4 - 12 seeking a more innovative, comprehensive, and understanding approach to achieving the educational and social growth needs of their students on the autism spectrum. Students graduate with a fully-accredited high school diploma.
Who We Serve
Our students are fourth through twelfth grade students on a diploma track from central Indiana. Students often come to the Independence Academy frustrated and struggling academically and socially. Independence Academy provides a judgement free, positive environment in which students begin to feel accepted for the independent person they are.
Our Safety Policy
At Independence Academy, your child's safety isn't just a priority; it's our prioritized commitment. Crafted by the school administration and board, our safety policies align with the stringent guidelines of the School Safety Commission and IDHS. Rigorous assessments are regularly conducted, covering facilities, security, and the overall culture to uphold a safe and nurturing learning environment.
We go beyond the basics, providing extensive safety education opportunities for students. Collaborating with security experts, we proactively address concerns and ensure preparedness for emergencies. Comprehensive training is extended to students, teachers, staff, parents, and visitors, emphasizing preventative measures.
Our dedication reflects in concrete measures: 24/7 video camera monitoring, a regulated central point of entrance for visitors, and secured access points exclusively for authorized Independence Academy personnel. Choose Independence Academy for a school where safety isn't just a policy; it's our steadfast commitment to your child's well-being.
Our History
The Independence Academy was founded by two Indianapolis families who recognized a need for a school that would serve their sons and other adolescents on the autism spectrum. Co-founders Susan Le Vay and Ruth Padgett met in 2005 and soon began sharing their vision for an innovative school with specially-developed academic curriculum support, social, and emotional skills building courses where autistic students could thrive while earning an accredited high school diploma.
Susan and Ruth opened IA’s doors in August 2008 at their first location near Butler University. This was the same site where both The Orchard School and Sycamore School started years before. Welcoming 18 students in its inaugural year, Susan and Ruth served as director and administrator, respectively, along with a team of gifted faculty and wonderful volunteers.
Independence Academy moved to a larger building in the Meridian-Kessler section in Indianapolis in 2012 where it continued to grow and serve students in fourth through twelfth grade. In 2014, Susan and Ruth confidently handed the reigns to IA's executive director, Marisa Gill, who embraces the school's mission and is committed to leading with compassion, skill and professionalism.
The co-founders have maintained their involvement in The Independence Academy as it has evolved, and take delight in seeing the school serve so many students who have needed a place to belong and succeed. Ruth regularly consults with Marisa and the Board of Directors, while Susan remains active in consulting, mentoring and delivering quality social skills programs to IA. In November 2014, Susan became certified in UCLA’s PEERS, the only evidence-based social skills program for teens with autism, and offers participation in the program to students and their families.
Susan and Ruth, whose sons graduated from Independence Academy, are now working with parents of other young adults to create opportunities for more successful transition into the larger community.
