Hello Families! 

My name is Monica Patiño, and I am the Head of the TIS Upper School. This is my 24th year at The Independent School. Before taking the position as Head of the Upper School, I was English Department Chair and taught Upper School English classes. I was the keynote speaker for TIS graduation ceremonies in 2022 and 2023, and was also awarded the KAIRS Distinguished Teacher of the Year in 2022. I hold a Masters Degree, and as a former teacher at the college level, I’m familiar with college-level academic expectations.

In addition to my professional life as an Independent Panther, my son, Sebastien, attended The Independent School from Pre-K until graduating his senior year (2019). He then attended The University of Michigan, graduating in 2023 and was recognized as Entrepreneur of the Year at the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business that same year. He has started his own business and still attributes his success so far to the rigorous and rewarding classes he took at TIS. What The Independent School did for my son, the way it positively changed the trajectory of his life – is why I have remained loyal to TIS for nearly 25 years. I deeply believe in the school and what it can do for students.

My heart is in The Independent School. Having experienced TIS as both faculty and parent over my many years here, I am looking forward to this coming year more than ever. The TIS Upper School is a place where students experience both the demands and the rewards of attending a rigorous college preparatory school. TIS is a place for students to explore who they are and who they want to be, all while being encouraged and emboldened by their stellar teachers. We offer 17 AP courses and 19 courses for dual credit. When students leave the Upper School, they are prepared for their next steps. We prepare them for college, and many students save valuable hours and dollars due to having already earned credit for college courses.

What I love most about the Upper School is its sense of community. It feels like home. So many of our students are TIS “lifers,” students who have been here since Pre-K, students who know each other well and support one another every step of the way. I’ve also always been extremely proud of how our students welcome and take new students under their wing. So many new students have stopped by my office to tell me how grateful they are that they have been treated as if they belong here from their very first day. 

I hope you visit The Independent School. I hope you enroll your children, so you too can experience what I have through all these years – a place I knew had my child’s best interests at heart, supported him, emboldened him, and taught him to reach for a life that challenges him and fulfills him. A place I’m proud to come to every day and do my best to give back. A place with caring and exceptionally qualified teachers – and a place with a curriculum that creates interest and a thirst for learning. A place where TIS alumni come home to, come visit their former teachers – return to say “thank you.” It’s a special place, an inspiring place, a place that makes those who attend better for it. You’re always welcome to see for yourself – to visit and come to understand why families, like mine, are proud to call it home.

All my Best,

Monica 

Monica Patiño  |  Head of Upper School  |   monica.patino@theindependentschool.com