Skip To Main Content

Upper School

Grades 9 - 12

Our students are passionate about learning and motivated to excel. We value community and support an environment where students are celebrated for who they are. 

Academic Approach

In the Upper School our pursuit of academic excellence guides us in challenging each student to achieve their personal best while valuing their individual skills and unique interests. We actively encourage our students to participate in service, leadership, athletics, and the creative and performing arts. We believe that learning happens best when a student is engaged with the course content, develops their own sense of inquiry, and desires to interact with and impact the wider world. 
 
Graduation requirements include 25+ credits and 50+ hours of community service. The academic year is divided into two semesters, and students take a minimum of six courses for credit per semester. Independent offers a wide variety of core and elective classes as well as Advanced Placement (AP) courses and Dual Credit classes through local universities. 

Signature Programs

Hours - 8:15 AM - 3:25 PM

Students may be dropped off as early as 7:30 AM

2024-2025 TIS School Calendar

2025-2026 TIS School Calendar

Meet Ms. Patiño

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

  • Families
  • Why TIS

I spent years trying to make school “work” for my child in an environment that wasn’t the right fit. I tweaked routines, attended every conference, and offered endless encouragement. But despite our best efforts, something always felt… off. It was like trying to squeeze into a shoe that just didn’t fit.

Then we found The Independent School—and everything changed.

Suddenly, school felt like belonging. Teachers didn’t just teach—they saw my child. The curriculum inspired curiosity and confidence. The community wrapped around us with support and warmth. We had found our place.

Now, as both a TIS parent and team member, I hear from so many families navigating the same big decision: How do I know if a school is the right fit for my child?

There’s no perfect formula, but asking the right questions can reveal so much more than a brochure ever could. Here are some questions to consider as you explore school options:

Academic Program & Learning Philosophy

  • What is your educational philosophy, and how is it reflected in the classroom?

  • How do you support different learning styles and needs?

  • How is success measured beyond test scores and report cards?

  • What opportunities exist for enrichment or extra support?

Student Support & Wellbeing

  • How do you support students’ social and emotional development?

  • What resources are available for learning differences?

  • How are peer relationships and conflicts navigated and supported?

Teachers & Learning Environment

  • What is the student-to-teacher ratio?

  • What professional development do teachers receive?

  • How are strong teacher-student relationships fostered?

Community & Culture

  • How would you describe your school’s culture?

  • How do you foster inclusion, belonging, and community engagement?

  • How are families involved in school life?

Whole-Child Development

  • What extracurriculars, arts, and athletics are offered?

  • How do you nurture leadership, creativity, and character?

  • How are students encouraged to explore their interests?

Readiness & Outcomes

  • How do you prepare students for middle school, high school, and beyond?

  • What do alumni say about their experience?

  • How do you assess student growth over time?

Daily Life & Logistics

  • What does a typical school day look like?

  • What are your policies on homework, screen time, and outdoor play?

  • What safety procedures are in place?

  • What is the cost of attendance, and is financial aid available?

Final Fit Questions

  • What kind of student thrives here?

  • What makes your school different from others in the area?

  • Can I speak with a current parent or visit during the school day?

Choosing a school isn’t about finding the most prestigious name or longest list of programs—it’s about finding the place where your child can be fully themselves and flourish.

For our family, that place was The Independent School. And for so many other families I’ve met here, it’s been the same.

If you're considering Independent, we’d love to welcome you. Sometimes all it takes is a single conversation—or one walk through the halls—to know you’re exactly where you’re meant to be.