A Welcome from Mrs. Kubish

Hello, Families!

My name is Alison Kubish, and I am honored to serve as Head of Upper School at The Independent School. I've spent more than 25 years in education, and throughout that time my belief has never wavered: every student deserves to be known, challenged, and supported, not just taught.

I'm originally from the Isle of Man in the British Isles, and my path to Wichita has taken me through classrooms and school communities in the United Kingdom, Kenya, Canada, and the United States. I completed my postgraduate studies in education at the University of Cambridge before serving in a variety of teaching and leadership roles. Those experiences, particularly my work at an International Baccalaureate school in Vancouver, continue to shape my belief in inquiry, academic excellence, and the importance of helping students think deeply about the world around them.

I joined The Independent School in 2016, and this community has truly become home. Over the years, I've had the privilege of serving as Dean of Students, Upper School Department Chair, and now Head of Upper School. Along the way, I've worked closely with students, families, and faculty to strengthen our school culture, guide student leadership, expand academic opportunities, and launch our Honors Program. Every one of those experiences has reinforced what makes TIS such a special place.

I believe the best schools hold high expectations while building meaningful relationships. Students do their best thinking, take their greatest intellectual risks, and discover their strengths when they know someone genuinely believes in them. My hope is that every student leaves our Upper School with confidence, resilience, curiosity, and a strong sense of purpose.

My experiences living, teaching, and traveling throughout Europe, Africa, and the Americas have reinforced the importance of curiosity and global perspective. I want our students to be prepared not only for college, but for thoughtful, engaged lives in an interconnected world.

As Head of Upper School, I am committed to building on the strong foundation already established at The Independent School while continuing to strengthen academic excellence, support every student, and cultivate a community where students are known, valued, and challenged to become who they are meant to be.

I'd love to welcome you to campus and show you what makes our Upper School such a special place to learn and grow.

All my best,

Alison Kubish
Head of Upper School
alison.kubish@theindependentschool.com