Independence Elementary School

701 Minnesota Avenue

School District

Big Lake Schools
Grade

3-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:15
Type

public

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by parent on September 29, 2023

I feel I was treated unfairly as a father with 50/50 physical legal custody. I don't live in town, called this morning to confirm picking daughter up an hour early for an appointment. Got here and my daughter was called to the office. Only for them to tell her to go back to class and tell me to leave the school grounds untill 2:20 and they called a "resource officer" while I was waiting for papers to print. I never had an issue with my daughter's previous school, this is her first year here and I'm not impressed with how they treated me as a father with equal custody rights.
Submitted by parent on June 01, 2018

As a product of Big Lake schools myself, I can say that a lot has changed for the better, but overall, improvement is still an outstanding issue across the board. I believe curriculum is becoming an increased focus (especially math) and my son has seen an improvement with test scores. However, I feel there is a large lack thereof in supporting student sports (unless your child only wants to play football/basketball/baseball because those are the only largely funded sports). There is a division when it comes to the conversation of improving sport facilities or even building sport facilities. If we move, it is because we want a better school system which is focused on the better of students, sports, and extracurricular activities - not the administrators' paychecks. You'll also notice the high turn-over of teachers (makes you raise an eyebrow)... Communication at a glance from teachers to administrators could also be an opportunity for improvement. If you are looking to make a home in a city where your child is not limited to their interests, but rather can build upon them and explore based on their strengths or likes/dislikes - I recommend you really take a hard look at Big Lake AND tour/interview the staff.
Submitted by parent on May 14, 2018

Very satisfied with the teachers and how they encourage my daughter to grow and learn.
Submitted by parent on April 30, 2018

Love this school! The staff and teachers are amazing!
Submitted by parent on April 25, 2018

Awesome!!! I am very happy with Independence Elementary!
Submitted by parent on April 25, 2018

Staff is very welcoming and willing to work with you on any problems or questions as they arise. You always have the option to email or call if you have questions directly to the teacher. Excellent communication and good environment.
Submitted by parent on April 25, 2018

Staff show a welcoming respect to both parents and students. The teachers embrace the uniqueness of each child while helping them achieve the expectations of life. The teachers are excellent at communicating with parents, not just for the negative but to share the exciting moments as well. These kids are truly cared by their teachers, and prepared for future school and life success.
Submitted by parent on April 25, 2018

Before Indy my son went to Liberty then they switched it over to Indy for 3-5 grade and we have had a great experience with Indy and he has been happy there. His teachers are wonderful..
Submitted by parent on April 25, 2018

So far, we have had a great experience with Indy. This is our first year with a child in this school, and he has been happy there. His teachers are wonderful, and he is excelling on standardized tests. He especially loves PLTW Launch and the Gifted and Talented program. Both of these programs keep him engaged and free from boredom. My only complaint about this school would be the large class sizes.
Submitted by parent on April 24, 2018

I have been very pleased with the teachers and support staff .
Submitted by parent on April 24, 2018

This is a great school. I have had two children attend and they have great teachers and score well on the MCA tests.
Submitted by parent on April 24, 2018

Overall bad experience. Looking forward to moving and getting out of this school district.
Submitted by parent on April 21, 2013

We have 2 children that attend Independence Elementary. I am a former teacher so I feel like I can be too critical at times, but I only have good things to say about this school. The kindergarten teachers are excellent! The principal, Mr. S., has been a great addition to the school. He is really involved with the kids and in a positive way too!! My only complaint is that the class sizes are large. 24 kids in a first grade class is too many. Our children often make comments about how loud the classroom is and how crowded it can be (chairs backed up to one another, little room to roam with about bumping into each other, etc.) As far as parent involvement, I do feel welcomed by the staff most times, but there have been times when I have been walking to a classroom and have been questioned about what I am doing there and if I have a visitors badge. I realize that schools are on edge with security in this day and age, but it does make you feel like you shouldn't be there at all.
Submitted by parent on April 12, 2013

We have a 1st grader and a second grader at this school. With my father being a teacher, I am hyper-critical of teachers and schools. The staff at this school has blown me away with how fantastic they are. Our expectations have been exceeded at almost every turn. The principal, Mr. S., is in touch with the students' and the families' needs and the teachers go out of their way to work with us. We have been thrilled with our experience.
Submitted by parent on April 10, 2008

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