The Independence School fosters a lifelong love of learning in children from age 3 through 8th grade, all within our expansive 90-acre campus.
We provide exceptionally strong academic foundations, unparalleled educational experiences, leadership opportunities, and a welcoming community for every family.
Our unique curriculum goes beyond traditional subjects to include effective study skills, confident decision-making, and time management strategies. Discover the incredible value of an Independence education.
Quick Facts (2025-26)
- Top Ranked DE School
- Grades: Nursery/Preschool-8
- Enrollment: 470 students
- Yearly Tuition: $24,900
- Average class size: 19 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
The Independence School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Delaware for:
Category
Attribute
Advanced Degrees
Student Body
School Overview
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Nursery/Preschool-8
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Year Founded
1978
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details
School Calendar
Last Day of School
Fri. Jun 5, 2026
Campus Size
90 acres
Student Body
Total Students
470 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
26%
State avg.: 27%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
55 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
9:1
National avg.:
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
80%
Average Class Size
19 students
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$24,900
Tuition Notes
Preschool tuition ranges from $7,325 to $17,925 depending on number of days and full vs half days.
Summer Program Cost Notes
Summer camp costs vary based on selections.
% on Financial Aid
41%
Admissions Director
Michele Harra
Admissions Associate
Ashley Palandrani
Application URL
Sports
Total Sports Offered
11 sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
13 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Arts and Music Programs:
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Chess ClubGirls Can STEM
Lego LeagueLego Robotics
Math LeagueOdyssey of the Mind
Quiz Bowl
Arts and Music Programs:
After-School ArtBand
ChoirDrama
Orchestra
Recreational Athletic Programs:
intramural sports
School Notes
- School Motto: 'Inspiring confidence, encouraging big dreams'
- Independence's setting offers children age 3 through 8th grade a nurturing and welcoming school environment in which they are able to learn to learn and learn to lead. Our mission is to inspire students to become intellectually curious individuals who possess an expectional spirit for learning, leadership, and citizenship, and we work toward that every day. Independence's sequential curriculum spirals upward through the grades to allow for distinct academic unity while also providing opportunities for personalization through blended learning, collaboration, project-based learning,and varying paces. Independence is situated on 90 acres in the Pike Creek Valley, with easy access to Wilmington, Newark and Hockessin, as well as nearby Maryland and Pennsylvania communities.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does The Independence School cost?
The Independence School's tuition is approximately $24,900 for private students.
Does The Independence School offer a summer program?
Yes, The Independence School offers a summer program. Visit their for more information.
What sports does The Independence School offer?
The Independence School offers 11 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Field Hockey, Lacrosse, Soccer, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball, Winter Track and Wrestling.
What is The Independence School's ranking?
The Independence School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Delaware for: Highest percentage of faculty with advanced degrees and Largest student body.
When is the application deadline for The Independence School?
The application deadline for The Independence School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
Related Schools
Show me:
People that viewed The Independence School also viewed these schools: Caravel Academy, Sanford School, Wilmington Christian School, Holy Angels School and The College School.
The nearest high school to The Independence School is Towle Institute (1.6 miles away)
The nearest elementary school is Edu-care Preschool & Daycare (1.6 miles away)
The nearest preschool is Tutor Time Learning Centers (0.8 miles away)
Show me:
Show me:
School
Location
Miles
Quick Facts
2801 Del Laws Rd
Bear, DE 19701
(302) 834-8938
Bear, DE 19701
(302) 834-8938
10.3 miles
Gr: PK-12 | 1,117 student Avg. class size: 15 students Tuition & acceptance rate listed
6900 Lancaster Pike
Hockessin, DE 19707
(302) 235-6503
Hockessin, DE 19707
(302) 235-6503
3 miles
Gr: NS-12 | 703 students Avg. class size: 13 students Sports: 16 Tuition listed
825 Loveville Rd
Hockessin, DE 19707
(302) 239-2121
Hockessin, DE 19707
(302) 239-2121
3.4 miles
Gr: PK-12 | 413 students Avg. class size: 20 students Sports: 10 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
Holy Angels School
(Catholic)
82 Possum Park Rd
Newark, DE 19711
(302) 731-2210
Newark, DE 19711
(302) 731-2210
3.2 miles
Gr: PK-8 | 419 students
459 Wyoming Road
Newark, DE 19716
(302) 831-1097
Newark, DE 19716
(302) 831-1097
4.9 miles
Gr: 2-8 | 31 students Tuition listed
School Reviews
5 6/3/2022
Absolutely amazing. Mrs. Copeland deserves a million dollars.
5 3/10/2018
Our family is delighted with the academic journey at The Independence School. Our three girls are delighted each day to come home and share how much they learn at Indy. As parents, we appreciate seeing the engagement and enthusiasm. The school focuses on a solid foundation of balance in academics, mindfulness, sport and community service. It is said that it takes a village to raise children. The independence school is our village. It is a small school with a powerful community that is engaged in the children and their families as a whole.
Endorse The Independence School. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
- Academic or athletic awards
Recent Articles
Student Success Predictors at Community Colleges
A practical guide to student success predictors at community colleges for private school advisors helping graduates navigate two-year pathways.
Career Pathways with Community College for ²ÝÁñÉçÇø School Grads
Explore top career pathways with community college for private school graduates, including high-demand jobs, transfer options, and 2025 workforce trends.
Navigating the FAFSA & Financial Aid Timeline for Community College
Learn how to navigate FAFSA and financial aid timelines when starting at community college — from application to disbursement in 2025.
