Our Innovative Approach
A student's challenge is much greater when they are under the social and academic pressure of spending every day in an uncomfortable educational environment. Our personalized curriculum and supportive school environment help students feel understood and included, so they can focus on the task of learning and becoming productive, confident individuals. We’re not just educators; we're passionate advocates for your child's long-range development. We go beyond the traditional classroom focus, emphasizing vital behavioral, emotional, vocational, and academic skills. The Independence Academy values:
A place to belong (small sensory-friendly classrooms, structured days with sensory breaks, individualized goals)
A learning pace that is manageable (5 to 1 student to teacher class ratio, daily exercise, independence sensory lab)
Teaching the whole student (daily social, emotional and life skill building, self-awareness, & self-advocacy)
Understanding our unique students (qualified faculty that accepts and affirms students)
Ideal student experience (peaceful setting, inclusion in school community, latitude to reach individual potential)
We're focused on inspiring student success. Trusted by physicians, referring educational school systems, and parents!
The Independence Academy was founded by parents of students on the autism spectrum. We recognize the importance of having children strive to meet personal goals in an atmosphere of acceptance and understanding, and concentrate on the critical skills students needed to be successful and develop into lifelong learners & achievers. Large-motor movement and sensory activities are incorporated into each day to help students feel calm, centered and focused on learning.
Established in 2008, we are Indiana’s accredited autism school. Our licensed teachers are passionate about working in person with students. Our faculty are trained and educated in a number of best practices for students with autism including IU HANDS in Autism, UCLA’s PEERS, TEACCH, the Visualization and Verbalization comprehension program, the writing process, student assertiveness training, and positive behavior reinforcement. Our Faculty is dedicated to collaborating with all the members of every student’s team to create an effective educational experience and ensure successful outcomes.
100% of Independence Academy students graduate from Independence Academy and are successfully enrolled in college, or pursuing specialized training, or employed in a career of their choice within 3 - 9 months of graduation.
