School Overview
Independence Charter School (ICS), located in the Graduate Hospital neighborhood of Philadelphia, is a K-8 public charter school that emphasizes a global perspective and a rigorous academic environment. The school is known for its commitment to foreign language instruction, specifically Spanish, which is integrated into the daily curriculum for all students starting in kindergarten. By fostering a diverse and inclusive community, ICS seeks to prepare students to be informed, responsible, and empathetic global citizens who are equipped to navigate a multicultural world.

The school’s pedagogical approach is often characterized by a strong focus on project-based learning and the arts, encouraging students to think critically and express themselves creatively. As a community-centric institution, Independence Charter School places significant value on active parent involvement and maintaining strong relationships with the surrounding neighborhood. By balancing academic achievement with social-emotional development, the school aims to cultivate a supportive atmosphere that challenges students to reach their full potential while respecting the unique contributions of every learner.
796
Total Students
67.5
Full-Time Teachers
11.8
Student/Teacher Ratio
N/A
Free/Reduced Lunch
Student Demographics

Student Demographics Data Table

Student Demographics for Independence CS
Demographic Student Count
White234
Hispanic156
Black361
Asian24
Two or More19
American Indian1
Pacific Islander1
  • Black
    361 (45.4%)
  • White
    234 (29.4%)
  • Hispanic
    156 (19.6%)
  • Asian
    24 (3.0%)
  • Two or More
    19 (2.4%)
  • American Indian
    1 (0.1%)
  • Pacific Islander
    1 (0.1%)
School Location
School Details
Status: Open
School Level: Elementary School
School Type: Regular School
Charter Status:* Charter School
Virtual Instruction: Supplemental Virtual
Shared Time Status: No
District: Independence CS
Phone: (215)238-8000
Website: http://independencecharter.org/
Grade Range: K - 8th
Total Students: 796
Full-Time Teachers (FTE): 67.5
Pupil/Teacher Ratio: 11.8
NSLP Participation:1 Yes under Community Eligibility Option (CEO)
Qualified Free Lunch: 0
Qualified Reduced Lunch: 0
Grades Taught
Kindergarten 97
Grade 1 101
Grade 2 92
Grade 3 88
Grade 4 93
Grade 5 86
Grade 6 81
Grade 7 75
Grade 8 83

Grades Taught Data Table

Grades Taught and Student Counts for Independence CS
Grade Student Count
Kindergarten97
Grade 1101
Grade 292
Grade 388
Grade 493
Grade 586
Grade 681
Grade 775
Grade 883
Gender Ratio

Student Gender Ratio Data Table

Student Gender Ratio for Independence CS
Gender Student Count Percentage
Female41151.6%
Male38548.4%
Nearby Elementary Schools (Within 10 Miles)