Academics
A Hall Spring High School student is intellectually curious and competent. In our classrooms and throughout Independence, students explore concepts, ideas and lessons under the guidance of exceptional teachers.
“This is a place full of people who are passionate about education. It makes me proud to know that our students are surrounded by dedicated professionals who love what they do.”
Emily White, Assistant Principal for Academics
At the heart of our mission is an intellectually rigorous course of study that challenges students to think critically in the classroom, around Independence and in all aspects of life.
​
Exceptional teachers encourage and inspire students to strive for excellence in their studies to become thoughtful citizens of the world.
​
Our commitment to comprehensive education means our students develop into more than just excellent scholars. They become individuals strong in mind, body and character who are prepared to answer the question, "How can I contribute positively to society?"
​
​
What Makes School Here Different? Our Comprehensive Educational Approach
Our Educational Approach is a framework and a mindset for teaching and learning. It prioritizes three movements within effective education: Experience, Reflection, Action. We are constantly asking ourselves the question: "How we can design more learning experiences for students that prepare them for meaningful lives beyond the classroom?"
​
In practice, this approach manifests itself in all subjects and every aspect of our mission. Here are a few examples of what this looks like:
​
Sophomore Community Service
This required course introduces students firsthand to community service by sending students to non-profits and social service agencies around Independence. There, they experience social challenges by observing them firsthand, building relationships with people facing those issues, and learning how to help. Back in the classroom, they reflect on how they felt and discuss why these challenges exist in the first place; they consider how they might respond to their experience. Then, they act, by pursuing deeper exploration of social issues, participating in community service programming, or even working to address the root causes of these challenges. They learn that this cycle of experience, reflection, and action compels them to be compassionate members of society, concerned for the welfare of others.
​
Environmental Science
This course unites science, English and Social Studies as students learn what it means to be responsible stewards of the environment. After some introduction and context setting, students experience a day at a local nature preserve learning about the various ecological features of this important area. Afterward, they reflect on the complex ecosystems they observe, the interdependence of living things, and their own impact on nature. Following that, they are invited to act on this knowledge by participating in various ecological initiatives around campus and the community, as well as being more responsible stewards of the resources they consume.
Academic Excellence
​The purpose of our education is to give young individuals the tools to answer the question, "How can I make a positive impact in the world?" The classes and extracurricular opportunities across our curriculum help students use those tools.