Every child learns differently.
At The Independent School, we believe understanding how a student learns is one of the greatest gifts we can give them. Learning differences do not define a student's potential. They help us understand how that student learns best.
As a rigorous college-preparatory school, we hold high academic expectations for every student. Academic excellence is central to our mission. We also recognize that students arrive with different strengths, experiences, and learning profiles.
Supporting students does not mean lowering expectations. It means helping students access the same rigorous curriculum through thoughtful instruction, appropriate accommodations, and strong partnerships with families.
Our vision calls us to know, celebrate, support, and challenge every student. When we are at our best, students with learning differences are not simply accommodated, they are empowered to thrive.
The Right Fit Matters
Because TIS is a rigorous college-preparatory school, every applicant participates in a comprehensive admissions process that includes academic records, recommendations, assessments, and conversations with families.
This process helps us determine whether a student is academically prepared for the expectations of their grade level and whether TIS is the right educational fit.
We believe honesty serves families well. Our goal is to enroll students who will thrive in our program while ensuring we have the resources and expertise to support their success.
What We Believe
- Students can be both deeply supported and deeply challenged.
- High expectations and meaningful support belong together.
- Accommodations provide equitable access to learning without changing academic standards.
- Executive functioning, organization, resilience, and self-advocacy are essential life skills.
- Every child deserves teachers who see both their potential and the path to reaching it.
Our Approach
Students with documented learning differences or medical conditions may receive reasonable accommodations based on individual needs and school recommendations.
Accommodations may include:
- Extended time on assessments
- Reduced-distraction testing
- Preferential seating
- Organizational and executive functioning support
- Assistive technology when appropriate
- Teacher collaboration with families and outside specialists
- Ongoing communication regarding student progress
Support at TIS is classroom-based. Our faculty work together to help students build increasing independence, confidence, and self-advocacy throughout their years at TIS.
How Accommodations Work
Formal accommodations are documented through an accommodation plan developed by the school counselor.
Teachers implement accommodations consistently across classrooms. If a student's needs change, families should contact the school counselor so the plan can be reviewed and updated.
Outside evaluations and recommendations are welcomed and carefully considered. While they inform our decisions, TIS determines accommodations based on the student's needs within our educational program.
Outside Tutors & Specialists
Families are welcome to work with outside tutors, educational therapists, or specialists. When appropriate, coordination between outside providers and the school is facilitated through the division head and/or school counselor.
College Preparation Begins Early
Preparing students for college starts long before the college application process.
From Lower School through Upper School, we intentionally help students develop the executive functioning skills, organization, resilience, communication, and self-advocacy that colleges consistently identify as essential for long-term success.
Our goal is not simply college admission. Our goal is college success.
What TIS Provides
✓ Rigorous college-preparatory curriculum
✓ Comprehensive admissions process to ensure student-school fit
✓ Reasonable accommodations based on documented need
✓ Executive functioning and self-advocacy support
✓ Collaboration with families and outside specialists
✓ Classroom-based academic support
What TIS Does Not Provide
✗ Modified curriculum or altered learning outcomes
✗ One-on-one instructional aides
✗ Intensive remediation or therapeutic educational services
✗ Placement for students whose needs exceed the scope of our program
Our Commitment
We are proud to be a school where academic rigor and belonging strengthen one another.
We challenge students to think deeply, ask thoughtful questions, work hard, and pursue excellence.
We know our students well enough to support them, encourage them, and help them discover what they are capable of becoming.
Because excellence isn't about every student learning in the same way.
It's about every student reaching their highest potential.
Accommodations change how a student accesses learning, not what they are expected to learn.