Inspiring academic success for autistic learners.

 
 
 

Our multidimensional approach prepares students for life beyond graduation.

 
 

By cultivating a supportive school environment and tailoring learning experiences, IA champions its students to thrive academically and become productive, confident individuals.

 
 

We’re more than educators; we are passionate advocates.

The Independence Academy was founded by parents of students on the autism spectrum. We recognize the importance of children striving to meet personal goals in an atmosphere of acceptance and understanding. Sensory and large motor activities are incorporated daily to help students feel calm, centered and focused.

 

Welcome to IA.

Take a virtual journey around our innovative autism school, where you’ll peek into classrooms, meet our friendly community, and hear from faculty, parents and students about our culture of learning, belonging and success.

 
 
 

Help us meet our mission.

Contributions to The Independence Academy are essential to ensuring children with autism continue to receive the educational, social and emotional support they need to live productive, fulfilling lives.

 
 

What people are saying.

  • “Two of my cousins attended The Independence Academy. I watched them flourish from year one. They've since graduated and gone on to college, moving into their own apartments. This achievement wouldn't have been possible had it not been for IA and their staff. I once attended the school's year-end talent show, and will never forget the feeling of love and kindness I witnessed upon entering the building.”

    Jill W

  • “The Independence Academy is so much more than a school—they set students up for success in life. My son graduated from IA, and I cannot thank the staff enough for the kindness and patience shown to him throughout his middle and high school years.”

    Tracy D

  • “I could not have gone to a better high school. Not only did I earn my diploma, but I made many friends whom I still keep in touch with to this day. The teachers were nice and worked hard to help students achieve success and go down the right path as members of the larger community. If I had a child of my own, I would send him or her to The Independence Academy.”

    James L

  • “Prior to enrolling at The Independence Academy, we were lost and in need of guidance. I am so glad we made the choice to move to a new city, giving my son an opportunity to attend a real school. We are thankful every day to have a safe, caring, accountable, loving, forward-thinking place for my son to call a home away from home. I recommend IA a thousand times over.”

    Anna D

  • “IA felt like the right place for us to be. So much so that we moved townships and purchased a new home, and hoped and prayed we would be admitted.”

    Tracy V

  • “Wise and loving adults, supportive atmosphere, and academically challenging all while committed to sensory needs and the development of life skills. We love how IA serves students as well as parents.”

    Craig C

  • “We've been lucky enough for our son to attend The Independence Academy for the past few years. I have been amazed at how much he has grown and matured during his time at IA. The staff is amazing. They create an accepting culture for all students.”

    Margaret R

Why choose IA?

 

Fully
Accredited

IA is accredited by the Indiana State Board of Education and is a member of the Independent Schools Association of the Central States.

Evidence-Based
Curriculum

IA’s educational program is appropriately rigorous and enriched in a manner specifically differentiated for learners on the autism spectrum.

Highly
recommended

Acclaimed by physicians, families and referring educational systems alike, our school is uniquely designed to empower autistic learners.

Academic
Excellence

100% of IA graduates are enrolled in college, pursuing specialized training or employed in a career of their choice within 3 to 9 months.

 

Beyond a traditional classroom.

Aside from offering a quality education, we focus on a better life future for our students. IA’s academic curriculum and social development program reach the benchmarks of what colleges and employers seek in young adults.