Independence Academy

675 29 Road

School District

Mesa County Valley 51
Grade

PK, K-8
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:17
Type

charter

School Map for Mesa County Valley 51 School District

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 January 31, 2025

If I could give zero stars, I would. Did you know that they have 3 padded rooms for children at this school: elementary, middle, and high school? IEPs are not followed. Documentation is not kept well. This school treats children like inmates, proving the school-to-prison pipeline. The school district does not have children's well-being as a priority. The staff is abusive both verbally and physically. There are no accommodations put in for children with diagnosed disabilities such as autism and ADHD. They ignore these diagnoses to implement their own absurd beliefs. Blaming children for their inadequacy. The support system for children at this school is subpar, and they prefer to force the parent into a situation where they claim this is the best option without revealing that there are better options. I believe this school should be shut down, and a thorough investigation should occur upon the staff.
Submitted by student on July 04, 2021

This school just wasn’t for me. The teacher would target the kids and be very rude.
Submitted by other on November 15, 2018

This school has some wonderful qualities, mainly the work the teachers do. Overall the administration and Board of Directors has made the environment so toxic and hostile it should be avoided.
Submitted by parent on October 26, 2018

Elementary years for our children were great. Middle school has been much different. We are not impressed with the way the middle school program is ran and the indifference of some teachers to work with parents for a child's needs.
Submitted by parent on June 22, 2017

My experience with this school is excellent. The principal and teachers are great to work with. Communication is excellent
Submitted by parent on September 13, 2015

Both my kids have gone here since kindergarten and absolutely love it. The principal is a great and has worked hard to get the school to where it is now. It honestly can't be that bad if we have a waiting list of people who want their children to attend!
Submitted by parent on May 10, 2015

This school and its staff are horrible. I have had my kids in school district 51 for over seven years and I have never been so glad a school year is over.... This was supposed to be a positive change- this school is awful.
Submitted by parent on February 21, 2015

The principle is rude and downright condescending. My son was having trouble reading and after multiple meetings with his teacher, I asked for a meeting. He told me he would not offer additional help to my son unless the teacher began the "process" and didn't care that we had met multiple times without any help. I told him I wasn't going to take no for an answer, so he then told me that "I am the type of person who blames my problems on everyone else. " and I should "stop feeling sorry for myself" before he hung up on me. The district wasn't helpful and told me since it is a charter school, they have their own board to file conplaints with. They only had an email address to contact such "board" and after writing 3 separate emails and without a response, I am pretty sure that this "principal" is a board member. This school is definitely NOT a place to bring your children.
Submitted by parent on April 24, 2014

Started out great but has a major bulling problem. Current principle has shown no desire to change. Will not be amending again.
Submitted by other on April 10, 2013

I absolutely love this school! The teachers who taught me in 7th grade were amazing! I'm very disappointed that this school doesn't continue into high school, because I for sure would attend it! The classrooms are structured and are a perfect learning enviroment than any school I have ever been too! GO IACS!
Submitted by parent on February 27, 2013

I am very happy that my daughter is going to this school. She has been going since K.
Submitted by parent on February 05, 2013

We moved to Grand Junction this year and chose IACS because it was a one of the few K-8's in town and it was recommended by a friend. We have nothing but praise for the school, it's leadership and teachers. My child's difficulties with math were identified within a few weeks of school starting, before I even had a chance to go to the teacher with my concerns she had him identified and was giving him the extra help he needed to catch up. I thought I would dislike the four day week schedule, but it turned out to be great for my child. He's doing so much better in school this year. The only reason I don't give IACS five stars is because they don't have band, orchestra or organized sports. I hope these will be available to the kids in future years.