Independence High
School Website

1776 Declaration Way
Thompson's Station, TN 37179
Phone: 615-472-4600
Fax:  615-472-4621
Teachers’ Voice Mail: 472-4601 

School Colors
Navy, Forest Green, Vegas Gold 

School Mascot
Eagle 

Principal
Dr. Marilyn Webb 

Assistant Principals
Mr. Rod Crockett
Mr. Brian Ferguson 
Mr. Preston Brooks
Mrs. Juli Oyer Johnson

Administrative Assistant
Ms. Kim Montrose 

Enrollment
Our school enrollment is approximately 1600 students.  IHS opened as a new school in fall of 2004 with grades 9-10.  The current school year, 2007-08, includes grades 9-12. 

School History
Independence High School is located on Columbia Highway on property previously owned by the descendants of Howell Patton. Prior to the opening of Independence High school, students in the area attended Page High School, Franklin High School, and Centennial High School.   In the early part of the 20th century students rode the train into Franklin to attend Franklin High or BGA High School.

Independence Community
The town of Franklin is a residential/business community of approximately 30,000 located in suburban-rural Williamson County, one of the fastest growing counties in the South.  Franklin has been ranked as the number one small town in Tennessee.  Residents are from diverse geographic and cultural backgrounds.  Independence High School borders the community of Thompson’s Station that is eight miles south of Franklin and three miles north of Spring Hill.  Thompson’s Station became incorporated in 1990 as a result of the influx of population in the Spring Hill area due to the Saturn plant built in Spring Hill in 1988.  Residents hoped to retain the individuality and history elements of Thompson’s Station. Thompson’s Station is named for Dr. Elijah Thompson, a civil war surgeon, who donated land for the community in 1856.  Thompson’s Station is rapidly becoming a culturally diverse community while retaining the charm of a small rural area.  Franklin is a neighbor of Nashville to the north.  Historical information courtesy of Hold Us Not Boastful by Sue Oden and “A Look Into the Past of Thompson’s Station, Tennessee” by Kathryn A. Cotton. 

School Mission and Focus
Independence High School is a community focused on learning and leadership.

Our focus for the 2007-08 school year is on collaborative evaluation of student work.  Collaborative teams of faculty meet on focus days to examine student work and use established protocols to suggest ways to improve teacher instruction with the overall goal to improve student achievement. In addition, emphasis is placed on making students aware of what they should know and be able to do (essential learning) for each course. 

Parent Support Organization
Independence High School has three important organizations that help the school.  The Independence Parent Teacher Student Organization supports academics and improvements in the school.  The Independence Athletic Boosters works with all of the sports programs, and the Independence High Band Boosters supports the band program.  Visit our PTSO web site.
http://www.wcs.edu/ihs/PTSO/ptso_home.htm

Library Media Center
The Library Media Center has approximately 15,300 print volumes and approximately 100 eBooks accessible from school and home.  In addition there are currently 40 student computers with online public access catalog and Internet access.  Digital equipment is available for student checkout within the building and for off campus checkout with prior written permission.  The library is open to students both before and after school.  The Library Media center strives to be an extension of the classroom and provide resources and support for all students and staff.  The Library Media Center plays an important role in project based learning as well as academic research.  Visit our web site http://www.wcs.edu/ihs/media_center/media_center_home.htm

Academics
Independence High School’s daily schedule allows students to take six (6) classes and a study hall or seven (7) classes and no study hall.  Honors courses as well as AP courses are part of the academic rigor.  All students are required to have a plan that will prepare them for post-secondary acceptance in either a four-year college or university or a technical school.  Check our program of studies online http://www.wcs.edu/ihs/school_counseling/counseling.htm

STARS
Students Taking a Right Stand is a student assistance program dedicated to helping students make healthy life style choices and refrain from the use of alcohol, other drugs, and violence.  The STARS specialist is on campus to offer support to students and their families who are dealing with a variety of personal problems, including those related to alcohol and other drugs.  Students may be seen individually or may participate in a small support group. 

All IHS students are given the opportunity to join the STARS Club by making a personal commitment to abstain from the use of alcohol, other drugs, and violence.  STARS Club members may participate in educational and fun activities as well as community service learning projects.  The Student Executive Council is a group of student leaders within the club.  

Athletics
Interscholastic sports programs are available in basketball, baseball, football, cross country, golf, soccer, tennis, bowling, track and field and wrestling, volleyball and softball (girls only).  The Athletic Director, Mr. Darren Henrie, can be reached at darrenh@wcs.edu Independence High School Athletics Homepage is available at http://www.wcs.edu/ihs/athletics/athletics.htm

Extracurricular Activities
Students at Independence High School can participate in a variety of clubs and activities. Students also can join the yearbook and newspaper staff.  For a complete listing of clubs, extracurricular activities and Honor Societies visit our web site: http://www.wcs.edu/ihs/students/clubs_extra.htm