Founded in 1952, Indian Springs School is located in Indian Springs, Alabama, only sixteen miles from downtown Birmingham.
Although it began as a boys school, it has grown into a co-educational institution with both day students and boarders for grades 8-12.
The school prides itself on academic achievement. The small class size and excellent student to teacher ratio ensures that every student receives the individual attention he or she needs to excel.
Indian Springs boasts 100% of its graduating students as entering college.
Believing that a well-rounded education includes subjects other than pure academics, the school requires participation in extra-curricular activities and classes that revolve around the arts and sports. The school’s choir is particularly well known, performing concerts all over the globe.
Early History of ISS
The history of Indian Spring School’s creation is an interesting one. Harvey G. Woodward, an industrialist from Birmingham, had attended M.I.T. and wanted to see a school that would similarly train young men in his home state. In 1930, he passed away and in his will he left a sizable estate and a vision for such a school. It took more than 20 years and many legal challenges, but in 1952 Indian Springs School opened and 60 boys attended.
“Shared Governance”
Indian Spring School was created some what like a town, with students having a real say in the day-to-day operations of their school. Regular “town meetings” give students a strong voice in the direction of their education, and this organizational structure further reinforces Mr. Woodward’s vision of Learning Through Living.
Recent History
The school became coeducational in the 1970s and added an 8th grade. In 2006, new dorms were constructed for residential students. Other recent additions include: a state-of-the-art Science Center, the Fertile Minds Learning Garden which produces organic produce for the dining hall, and an Outdoor Classroom to connect with the environment.
Mission Statement
“The mission of Indian Springs School is to develop in students a love of learning, a sense of integrity and moral courage, and an ethic of participatory citizenship. Inspired by the motto Learning Through Living, the school is a community of talented boarding and day students and dedicated faculty committed to the belief that in learning to balance individual achievement with the values and principles of democracy, the student can develop to his or her full stature.”
Learn more on the school website here: https://www.indiansprings.org/
