Education

Early Childhood | Schools | Higher Education

Education is at the heart of our community! The people of Independence, Brandon & Rowley take great pride in our schools.  We have wonderful and dedicated teachers and staff which coupled with strong community support ensures that our children are receiving an excellent education that meets and exceeds standards and expectations.

With an abundance of choices of both public and private schools the Independence Community School District, which serves Independence, Brandon and Rowley, has a lot to offer.

NEW Jr./Sr. High School

The Independence Community School District finished construction of the new Jr./Sr. High School facility in the fall of 2013. The facility houses grades 7-12.
The new Jr./Sr. High School facility has the following features:

• Single main entrance
• Administration offices
• Larger classrooms
• Spacious library designed for flexible use
• Wireless technology
• 700 seat auditorium
• 2-bay competition gym

For more information please visit www.independence.k12.ia.us/grades-7-12/new-school/

Early Childhood Schools & Higher Education

Independence offers an excellent early education and K-12 system.  For example, the Independence Community School District offers many benefits, such as:

Exceptional Academic Programs

• Multiple elective offerings in high school, including advanced college prep courses for dual credit
• Remarkable Building Trades Program (includes welding, metals and building trades)
• Strong academic rankings and marks in many grades
• Nationally recognized “Farm to School” Program
• Low Student-to-Teacher Ratio
• Outstanding Consumer Science Programs
• Adaptive Physical Education and Special Olympics

Wide Variety of Extra-Curricular Programs

• District competes in one of the best conferences in the State (WaMac Conference)
• State Winning Fine Arts Programs
• Athletic Boosters Club distributes funds annually to athletic programs
• Band Boosters Club distributes funds annually to the fine arts program

Strong Community Support and Outreach

• Internship Program allowing students to intern at local businesses for real life experience and exposure to specific career fields
• Endowed Student Mentoring Program
• Mustang Foundation endowment to support school related projects

The Independence Area is prepared to move ahead with unparalleled enthusiasm and a passion for growth. Our business climate is strong and so are the bottom line benefits of locating and/or expanding your operations within Independence, Buchanan County and the State of Iowa.

Early Childhood Center

1009 1st Street West, Independence
319-334-4780 www.independence.k12.ia.us

Early Childhood Special Education

1011 1st St W, Independence, IA 50644
319-334-4780 www.independence.k12.ia.us

Kidsville

1009 1st St W, Independence, IA 50644
319-334-4286 www.kidsvilleiowa.com

Immanuel Lutheran “Wee Care” Preschool

512 5th St NE, Independence, IA 50644
319-334-2511 www.immanuelindy.com

Tri County Head Start

1009 1st St W, Independence, IA 50644
319-334-2086

St. John’s Preschool

407 4th Ave, Independence, IA 50644
319-334-7173 www.stjohneagles.com

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Independence Christian Academy (K-12)

700 13th St. NE, Independence, IA 50644
319-334-2743 www.icacad.org

Independence Community School District (PK-12)

1207 1st St. W, Independence, IA 50644
319-334-7400 www.independence.k12.ia.us

St. John’s School (PK-8)

407 4th Ave. Independence, IA 50644
319-334-7173 www.stjohneagles.com

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Independence Public Library

The Independence Public Library is another illustration of education being at the heart of our community.  The new facility opened in the fall of 2008 and became reality because of the generous donations of more than 500 individuals and businesses.  Private donations totaled more than $1.8 million of the $3 million facility.

Starting with the youngest children, the library offers Rhyme Time for Baby and Me and Story Time for preschoolers and children in early elementary.  There are Early Literacy Computer Stations with over 50 programs for reading, writing, and math literacy.  Summer Reading Programs are offered for all age groups, even the adults!  Face to face computer classes, book discussions, presentations, author visits, and artist showcases expand horizons while online opportunities like encyclopedias and databases, free online courses facilitated by teachers, and downloadable audiobooks and ebooks  round out the online experience.  Check out books, use the computers and WiFi, learn with others in the meeting or study rooms while enjoying this welcoming environment…where minds are free to grow!

For more information please visit www.indylibrary.org

Independence is located in the hub of higher education. Within a 60-mile radius of the Independence area, you will find:

Coe College – (40 minutes)

1220 First Ave, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
319-399-8500 www.coe.edu

Hawkeye Community College – (30 minutes)

1501 East Orange Rd, P.O. Box 8015, Waterloo, IA 50704-8015
319-296-2320 www.hawkeye.cc.ia.us

Hawkeye Community College – Independence Campus

2349 Jamestown Ave, Independence, IA 50644
319-334-3131

Kaplan University – Cedar Falls Campus – (40 minutes)

7009 Nordic Drive, Cedar Falls, IA 50613
319-277-0220 www.kaplan.edu

Kaplan University – Cedar Rapids Campus – (40 minutes)

3165 Edgewood Pkwy, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
319-363-0481 www.kaplan.edu

Kirkwood Community College – (40 minutes)

6301 Kirkwood Blvd SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
319-398-5517 www.kirkwood.edu

Mt. Mercy College – (40 minutes)

1330 Elmhurst Dr NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
319-363-8213 www.mtmercy.edu

University of Iowa – (60 minutes)

100 Pomerantz Center RM C210
Iowa City, IA   52242-7700
319-335-3500 www.uiowa.edu

University of Northern Iowa – (40 minutes)

1227 West 27th Street, Cedar Falls, IA 50614
319-273-2311 www.uni.edu

Upper Iowa University – (30 minutes)

605 Washington Street, P.O. Box 1857, Fayette, IA 52142
800-553-4150 www.uiu.edu

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