Our latest student video featured on KQED-TV
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Independence High School is a Community School
What is a community school? A community school is a way of thinking about school that puts students and families at the center. Check out the our community school plan to learn how this strategy is working at Independence High School!
IHS Media Arts on KQED-TV
IHS students discussing the topic of museums
We're in the news!


School Tours
School Tours happen bi-monthly starting mid-September. Call the main office to schedule your tour 415-242-5000
Independence Events
Independence Calendar
IHS student wins Superintendent Scholarship!
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Learn more about IHS student Mirae Kreutzer Joo...
More about this school
School Type
- High School
Grades
Estimated Enrollment
Principal
- Anastasia Klafter
Assistant Principal(s)
- Ashley Seaphan
Hours
School Tour
Tours by appointment.
Sign up for a school tour at sfusd.edu/tours.
Neighborhood
School Code
Overview
Truly Individualized Education
At Independence High School we offer individualized learning structure and menu of support create the conditions for students to become self- determined learners who find success in school, career and beyond. We offer a wide range of options for programming, school schedule and curriculum to meet the unique individual needs of students and their families. In our small and supportive environment students are on campus 5-15 hours per week. 9th through 12th Graders in SFUSD are eligible to transfer to Independence through the voluntary transfer process.
Project-Based Learning
We believe that students will get excited about learning when we make the learning relevant and meaningful to them. We try and embed elements of project-based learning in all of our classes: authenticity, collaboration, inquiry, student voice and choice.
Embedded Supports
Every Independence student has an Advisor or Supervising Teacher who serves as their "go-to adult" in the building. Every student has time scheduled in the Learning Lab, where they can receive academic or organizational support. Our Counselor provides College Counseling and post-secondary support. Our Wellness Center is open every day for drop-in services as well as referrals to therapy, medical services, support groups and connections to community-based organizations.
Unique Programming
Independence students have access to concurrent enrollment at City College of San Francisco, where they can earn both high school and college credit. Students also have access to job training and internship placement. Our new Career Technical program focuses on Media Arts, Video and Digital Art. Art Electives include Ceramics, Drawing, Painting, and Mural painting. Other electives include Surfing, Computer Programming, Outdoor Education, Journalism, LGBTQIA Studies, Film Studies and more. Each quarter we offer clubs and groups based on student interest.
Flexible Schedules
We create each student schedule individually when a student enters Independence. Many of our students have obligations outside of school: family, employment or a special talent. We support students to continue doing what they need while they go to school by creating schedules that fit their needs. Students can choose what days they attend or what time of day works best for them. We also offer online learning opportunities for students who can do more independently.
Programs
After School
Language
- Spanish World Language
Special Education
- Resource Specialist Program Services
Special Education Description
School Day Academic Enrichment
- College classes at CCSF or SFSU
- Individual learning plans
- Interdisciplinary studies
- Internships available
- Journalism
- Leadership class
- Outdoor education program
- Project-based learning
- STEAM (science; technology; engineering; arts; mathematics)
- Tutoring in school
- Work experience education
Arts Enrichment
- Ceramics
- Media arts
- Visual arts
Arts Enrichment Description
Student Support
- Advisory
- Counselor
- Health and wellness center
- On-site nurse
- Social worker
Career Technical Education Academies
- Arts, Media and Entertainment
College Counseling
- Academic counseling
- Cash for College or Financial Aid Night
- College and/or career counseling
- College application workshops
- College tours and visits
- Job readiness programs
- Personal statement workshops
- UCSF Early Academic Outreach Program (EAOP)
School Data
School Accountability Report Card (SARC)
School Accountability Report Cards (SARCs) are required by state law and are intended to provide families with important information.
School Accountability Highlights
Published annually by SFUSD to provide access to key data points and three-year trends related to student achievement and school culture-climate. The highlights are available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Arabic, Filipino, and Vietnamese.
Social-Emotional and Culture Climate Report
SFUSD annually surveys families and school staff on a range of school climate indicators that have been found to predict positive student academic achievement. The social-emotional learning of students in grades 4-12 is also assessed.
School Plan for Student Achievement (SPSA)
School communities gather twice a year to review data and previous actions in order to intentionally plan for the coming months. The School Plan for Student Achievement is the template on which this review and stakeholder engagement process is codified.