Middle School

Grades 5 - 8

Dedicated to providing an academic environment that encourages educational excellence and emphasizes experiences that assist a student’s social and emotional growth.

Academic Approach

Our Middle School spans grades five through eight, a structure that gives our students a four-year period in which to develop organization, independence, and autonomy. With a learning environment designed to nurture academic, social, and physical growth, our Middle School students are continually engaged in hands-on learning and research-based projects. Service opportunities, activities, and athletics strengthen the sense of community, develop teamwork skills, and promote friendships.

World Language

Fine Arts

Clubs & Activities

Athletics

Athletics are available at each grade level at The Independent School. 5th grade and 6th grade sports are part of our Panther Cub Athletics Program while 7th and 8th graders compete for Independent in a variety of leagues including the Central Plains Middle School League (CPMSL). With our “no-cut” athletics policy, students can participate in any sport they choose.

MS Athletics (7th/8th Grade):

Football
Cross Country
Volleyball
Basketball
Track & Field

6th through 8th Grade Athletics:

Tennis
Cheerleading
Bowling

Panther Cub Athletics (5th/6th Grade):

Cheerleading
Football
Volleyball
Basketball
Track & Field
Softball
Baseball

Advisory Classes

Students are supported through an advisory program that bolsters their social and emotional development while also focusing on organizational and executive functioning skills. During this end-of-day class, students meet with their advisor to review current goals and grades, connect with teachers for additional academic support, and participate in small group or grade-level sessions that focus on key skills needed for success. Students may also use this time to work on assignments or prepare for upcoming assessments.

Curriculum

Students take 4 core classes: English Language Arts, Math, Social Studies, and Science. They have the opportunity to take 3 electives, including Spanish, Band, Choir, Drama, Digital Art, Visual Arts, Physical Education, Health, and STEM.

Garvey Excellence Series

In the fall of 2023, The Independent School is introducing the Garvey Excellence Series (GES) of courses for motivated middle and upper school students. GES offers rigorous foundational courses to prepare students for Advanced Placement (AP) and dual credit courses later on.

Our middle school students are may participate in GES English Language Arts while in 6th, 7th, or 8th grade with a teacher recommendation.

What Courses Are Offered?

Why Now?

With the implementation of programs like the new Medical Track, there is an opportunity to expand course offerings to allow students to better tailor their time at The Independent School to fit their academic goals. GES courses are designed to provide students with the skills necessary to excel in their current grade level but to also prepare them for the rigors of Advanced Placement (AP) and dual credit courses as juniors and seniors.

Who Can Take GES Courses?

Why Take GES Courses?

How Do GES Courses Differ From Grade-Level Courses?

GES courses will offer students the opportunity to delve more deeply into the subject area they are studying. They will be asked to identify, discuss, and do further research on areas of personal interest. GES courses can take student learning a step further due to student aptitude and their willingness to participate fully in the key elements of these classes. These classes are not merely more work, they are more application, understanding, and analysis with a focus on student-motivated research and learning.

Community Engagement

Parent and family involvement is appreciated at Independent. We have an active Parent Association and hold several events throughout the year, including assisting with homecoming, grandparent's day, and many middle school celebrations and activities.

Hours - 8:15 AM - 3:25 PM

Students may be dropped off as early as 7:45 AM

2025-2026 School Supply List

2025-2026 TIS School Calendar

A Letter from Jodi Todd, Head of The Independent Middle School

Dear Families,

Welcome to The Independent School! As Head of the Middle School and someone who has been a part of this community for the past 15 years—I can genuinely say that TIS is a place where students are not only challenged academically but truly seen and supported in every part of their growth.

What I love most about The Independent School is the opportunity each student has to explore who they are. Middle School is a time of transformation—a time to try, to fail, and to get back up and try again. It’s where students learn not just from books and classroom lectures, but from experiences. It’s where they begin to understand themselves, develop resilience, and discover what they’re truly capable of.

Our mission is at the heart of everything we do: We are dedicated to providing an academic environment that encourages educational excellence and emphasizes experiences that support students’ social and emotional growth.

In the Middle School, that mission becomes a daily reality. Our teachers build strong relationships with students, challenge them to think deeply and outside of the box, and guide them through both their successes and setbacks. We celebrate curiosity, value individuality, and foster a culture where students feel safe to be themselves.

At TIS, excellence means more than achievement—it means becoming a kind, confident, and courageous human being. If you’re looking for a school where your child will be known, respected, supported, and inspired to grow in every way, you’ve found it.

I can’t wait to welcome you into our community.

Warmly,
Jodi Todd

Meet Mrs. Todd

Jodi Todd | Head of Middle School | jodi.todd@theindependentschool.com

Mrs. Jodi Todd became the Head of the Independent Middle School in 2021. Mrs. Schmitz has been invested in education for over 18 years. Prior to her current position, she taught in the Lower School, spending 8 years in the third grade classroom and 2 years as the school’s library media specialist. During her time at the Lower School, she served as the division’s lead teacher for six years.

Mrs. Todd was born and raised on a small family farm in northeast Kansas. She graduated from Kansas State University in 2007 with a degree in elementary education, emphasis in special education. She started her teaching career on the base of Fort Riley, where she taught 2nd grade for three years. In 2011, she accepted a job with The Independent School. When touring the school, shortly after her interview with TIS, she noticed how similar this large city private school was to her small 1A upbringing. From the family feel on campus to the numerous activities and ways to get involved, she knew that this was the perfect place for her.

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