Middle School at The Independent School
Known, challenged, and empowered to grow.
Middle School is a time of tremendous growth. At TIS, students in grades 5 through 8 are challenged academically, supported personally, and given increasing responsibility for their own learning. Small classes and strong teacher relationships help students build confidence, independence, and the skills they will need for Upper School, college, and life.
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Grades 5–8
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Four Core Classes
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Three Electives
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No-Cut Athletics
A Four-Year Bridge to Upper School
Middle School at TIS spans grades 5 through 8, giving students four important years to develop academically, socially, and personally. Students are expected to think deeply, contribute to class discussions, complete meaningful projects, and become increasingly responsible for their work.
At the same time, teachers remain closely involved. They know when a student is ready for greater challenge, when additional support is needed, and how to help each student move forward. Hands-on learning, research-based projects, service, arts, athletics, and activities create an experience that is both rigorous and engaging.
What Students Study
Students take four core classes:
- English Language Arts
- Mathematics
- Science
- Social Studies
Students may also take three electives, with offerings that include Spanish, Band, Choir, Drama, Digital Art, Visual Arts, Physical Education, Health, and STEM.
Explore the Middle School Experience
Families Stay Connected
As students grow more independent, families remain an important part of the TIS community. Parent Association events, athletic competitions, performances, school traditions, volunteer opportunities, and Middle School celebrations give families meaningful ways to stay connected to the school and to one another.
See Middle School in Action
Middle School is best understood by experiencing it. Visit classes, meet our teachers, and see how TIS helps students become confident, capable learners who are ready for what comes next.
Hours - 8:00 AM - 3:15 PM
Students may be dropped off as early as 7:30 AM
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. Todd 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.
