Independence CS

1600 Lombard Street

Philadelphia, PA 19146

School District

Independence Charter School
Grade

K-8
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:15
Type

charter

School Map for Independence Charter School

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 June 06, 2021

I had one child start from kindergarten and one start in seventh grade. They both had great experiences there and learned to care about the world around them near and far.
Submitted by other on January 14, 2020

I was working with this school though a job agency for about two months I said something to a student and I got fired for it.
Submitted by parent on February 17, 2019

I love the school. I love the influence: healthy lifestyle, global perspective, tolerance, and self-confidence.
Submitted by parent on October 14, 2018

Terrible can't wait to move on. The school does not really care about teaching they just want more people packed in. I wish I knew before I enrolled my child.
Submitted by other on January 24, 2016

ICS is a public charter school full of diversity-culturally & economically . The teachers & staff are knowledgeable & supportive of students & their families. Both Spanish programs are awesome & the school provides many opportunities that help to reinforce the students new language skills. Since attending this school my children have been exposed to many great personal & academic experiences.
Submitted by parent on September 29, 2015

Our daughter has attended since kindergarten and is now starting the 8th grade. A much better option to a neighborhood school. Great teachers. International focus is preparing her to be a responsible citizen of the world. I wish they continued through the 12th grade, but opening the West Philadelphia branch will give more children the opportunity to receive a great elementary school experience.
Submitted by parent on June 10, 2014

Dedicated teachers, great staff, amazing parents and kids. Since my son won the lottery for a spot in ICS I feel like I never need to win another thing. This school looks and feels like the city of Philadelphia, with a diverse student body made of kids from every neighborhood. We're very lucky to be part of it.
Submitted by parent on June 06, 2014

I am the parent of a 4th grader and 2nd grader at this school. My girls could not be more different when it comes to learning and I could not be happier with how both have thrived at ICS!! Not only are the academic standards high, the community of teachers, parents and support staff are beyond anything we could have hoped for. When my youngest daughter was struggling with reading, I did not have to request help, a reading specialist started taking her out of the classroom to work with her before I knew she needed it and still works with her today, she is now reading at grade level and is confident enough to raise her hand and read aloud in class!! This is a very special place and we are so lucky to be able to send our girls here!
Submitted by other on June 02, 2014

Highly overrated. It's a glorified public school at best. Faculty and staff are out of touch w/ inner city kids of Philadelphia.
Submitted by teacher on April 03, 2014

Independence Charter School (ICS) is a welcoming place where student learning is valued and supported through strong community connections, dynamic educators, committed families and parents. The 800 students in grades K-8 come from all parts of the city Philadelphia and participate in a school of academic excellence. The school is located in Center City Philadelphia and serves a diverse community of learners. ICS provides an intellectually stimulating curriculum with a global focus. Students participate in classes in Spanish language programs as well as classes in art, music, drumming.
Submitted by other on February 13, 2014

I graduated last year from the immersion program fluent in Spanish. I also got into the best public school in Philadelphia. I grew bonds with my classmates and my wonderful teachers. This school deserves better than a 5 on their rating because the relationships with friends and staff plus all the knowledge you get is a 10. A simply amazing school.
Submitted by parent on January 29, 2014

Tremendous! The experiences the kids have at ICS are so valuable. They have a 3-day camping trip, an opportunity to travel to 2 South American countries, and an overnight at Heifer International. They are yearly winners at National History Day! They grow well-rounded independent global thinkers!
Submitted by parent on August 05, 2013

I really enjoy the feeling of unity that is present when you enter the building. It feels as though we are all part of a team because, "We are. "Students are bright, polite, attentive, caring & thoughtful. We are a part of something wonderful! My son is just about fluent after 2 years of spanish immersion, I am proud of how hard he has worked, and of his teachers for challenging him.
Submitted by parent on April 27, 2010

I love ICS, the staff, the teachers, they have a great curriculm and really care about the children, they also have alot of opportunities for the children to grow, they do the National Spelling Bee, the Geographic Bee, Odyssey of the Mind and tons of cultural activities and don't forget about Spanish Immersion, my daughter has already taken Chinese, Japanese, Latin and is bilinigul from Spanish Immersion since Kindergarten and I can barely say Olah!
Submitted by parent on April 19, 2010

If you want your child to learn Spanish, this is the place to go. Spanish immersion from Kindergarten through 5th grade, plus great teachers for whom Spanish is their native language--- really wonderful people. Plus a great commitment to learning and excellence. Independence Charter is certainly one of the top charter schools in Pennsylvania, and my personal favorite.
Submitted by parent on April 29, 2009

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Submitted by parent on December 12, 2008

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Submitted by student on June 09, 2008

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Submitted by parent on April 28, 2008

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Submitted by parent on March 25, 2008

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