Dear TIS Families and Community,

As I begin my service as Head of School, I want you to know how deeply honored I am to lead The Independent School and how excited I am for what we will build together.

My connection to TIS began as a parent, and that perspective will always shape the way I lead. I know how much trust families place in a school each day, and I do not take that responsibility lightly. I care deeply about the experience of every student and every family who walks through our doors.

More than anything, I want you to know that I am here for you. I hope you will introduce yourself when you see me on campus, stop by my office, call, or send me a message. I would love to hear your story, learn what brought your family to TIS, and understand what you hope your child will experience here.

Strong schools are built through relationships, honest conversations, shared purpose, and a genuine partnership between families and educators.

I believe education is about far more than preparing students for a test, a diploma, or even college. Education is about helping young people discover who they are, what they are capable of, and how they can use their gifts to contribute to the world around them.

I want our students to be curious and courageous. I want them to think deeply, ask thoughtful questions, solve difficult problems, and remain open to ideas that challenge them. I want them to experience the joy of learning, not simply the pressure to perform.

I want every student to be known. Truly known.

To me, belonging is much more than being welcomed through our doors. It is knowing that you are seen, understood, valued, and that your presence matters. It is recognizing that every child learns differently, thinks differently, and brings unique strengths to our community. It is creating a school where students never feel they have to become someone else to succeed, but instead are encouraged to discover who they are and grow into the very best version of themselves.

Our students should know there are adults at TIS who recognize their strengths, notice when they are struggling, celebrate their progress, and believe in them, sometimes before they fully believe in themselves. Belonging does not mean everything will always be easy. It means students know they are valued even as they are challenged to grow.

I want our students to become people of character. Academic excellence matters tremendously, but so do kindness, integrity, empathy, resilience, responsibility, and the courage to do what is right. We are preparing students not only to succeed, but also to lead, serve, create, and care for others.

I also want school to be filled with joy. Childhood is not merely preparation for adulthood. It is a meaningful and important part of life. Our students deserve opportunities to play, perform, compete, create, explore, laugh, build friendships, make mistakes, and try again.

My commitment is to build a school where excellence and belonging are inseparable. I believe students do their very best learning when they know they are deeply known, genuinely supported, and challenged to become the fullest version of themselves. We will hold high expectations while providing the encouragement, care, and support every child needs to meet them.

I will listen carefully. I will communicate honestly. I will celebrate what is wonderful about TIS, and I will not be afraid to address the places where we need to grow. Most importantly, I will always make decisions based on what is best for our students and the long-term strength of our school.

This work belongs to all of us. Families, faculty, staff, alumni, trustees, supporters, and friends each play an important role in the life of TIS. I am grateful to be doing this work alongside you, and I am genuinely excited about what lies ahead.

Please know that my door is open. I look forward to meeting you, learning from you, and building the future of The Independent School together.

With gratitude,

Jessica Stong
Head of School
The Independent School