Indian Springs School

Indian Springs
Alabama
United States

Overview

Guided by our motto, Learning through Living, Indian Springs School has been educating ambitious and independent-thinking students since 1952. Our boarding and day program brings together a dynamic and vibrant cohort of 295 students in grades 8-12 from Birmingham, Alabama, across the United States, and around the world. Campus is located fifteen miles south of Birmingham and combines access to the best of metropolitan living with the beauty and security of a small-town setting. With over 350 acres at the foot of the Appalachian Mountains, our campus includes state-of-the-art learning and performing arts facilities, residential halls, athletic fields, a lake, an organic garden, and endless opportunities for learning and growing. Our Core Values of Innovative Thinking, Intellectual Curiosity, Integrity, Inclusion, Infinite Respect, and Involvement are the foundation of an Indian Springs education. We aim to connect, value, and include young people whose origins, identities, beliefs, and experiences reflect the rich and instructive diversity of our global society. Our graduates leave Indian Springs to attend some of the finest colleges and universities in the country and in the world, including Yale University, Princeton University, and Stanford University. Our Core Values of Innovative Thinking, Intellectual Curiosity, Integrity, Inclusion, Infinite Respect, and Involvement are the foundation of an Indian Springs education. We aim to connect, value, and include young people whose origins, identities, beliefs, and experiences reflect the rich and instructive diversity of our global society. Our graduates leave Indian Springs to attend some of the finest colleges and universities in the country and in the world, including Yale University, Princeton University, and Stanford University.

Academics

Summary: Indian Springs School is nationally and internationally known for its academic excellence. Based on our motto “Learning Through Living,” our unique school environment fosters academic excellence, participatory citizenship, independent thinking and self-advocacy in our students. Our graduates possess the skills, knowledge and personal strengths that enable them to gain acceptance and excel at the finest colleges and universities. Our unique community design enables students to be active participants in all aspects of the school’s operations and provides them the opportunity to make a substantive difference in the school and in the world.

Department Director Jonathan Gray

Student/Teacher Ratio: 8:1

Average Class Size: 16

Summer Programs: Not Offered

Full Time Teachers: 38

Number of AP Courses Offered: 16

Teachers Holding Advanced Degrees: 84%

Number of IB Courses Offered: 0

Noteworthy Information:
Winner of the 2009 Siemens Award for Math and Science AP. A 2009 Presidential Scholar award winner.

Learning Support

  • Peer Tutoring
  • Subject Tutoring
  • Technology Center
  • Writing Center

English

  • Classics
  • Creative Writing
  • Honors
  • Literature
  • Playwriting
  • Poetry

History

  • European History
  • United States History
  • World History

Foreign Languages

  • Chinese-Mandarin
  • French
  • Greek
  • Latin
  • Spanish

Sciences

  • Anatomy
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Earth Science
  • Ecology
  • Epidemiology
  • Environmental Science
  • Genetics
  • Health
  • Oceanography
  • Physical Science
  • Physics
  • Physiology
  • Sports Medicine

Math

    Computer Studies

    • Computer Applications
    • Multimedia
    • Computer Programming
    • Computer Science
    • Web Design
    • Robotics

    Music

    • Choral Music
    • Electronic Music
    • Individual Instructions
    • Music History
    • Music Theory
    • Orchestra

    Performing / Visual Arts

    • Acting
    • Art History
    • Ceramics
    • Debate
    • Directing
    • Drama
    • Drawing
    • Graphic Design
    • Painting
    • Photography
    • Portfolio
    • Pottery
    • Printmaking
    • Publications
    • Sculpture
    • Stagecraft
    • Studio Art
    • Theater Arts
    • 3-D Art

    Special Programs

    • Community Service
    • Independent Study
    • Leadership

    Campus Life

    Dorm Life

    Number of Dorms: 2

    Average Students Per Dorm: 45

    Number of Girls Dorms: 0

    Number of Boys Dorms: 0

    Dorm Amenities

    • Laundry Facilities
    • Lounge
    • Wireless Internet

    Other Dorm Amenities

    Student Life

    There is a clear structure to each day at Indian Springs School, but students don't feel "programmed." Students work with an advisor to select courses that are right for them. There are tons of extra-curricular activities, and students are welcome to try any or all of them … or to start a new one. Students work hard, but also know that it is okay to take a break and simply relax. In such an environment students get to know others -- and themselves -- better. At Indian Springs School, students will also meet peers from around the corner and around the world. Diversity is celebrated, and cliques are uncool. The school is always open, and you'll find day students coming to campus on the weekends to be with boarders, participate in activities and just hang out. The friendships that are formed here are the ones that last.

    Facilities

    • Baseball Field
    • Basketball Court
    • Fitness Center
    • Indoor Basketball Court
    • Sand Volleyball Court
    • Technology Center
    • Volleyball Court

    Other Facilities

    • Lake

    Clubs & Organizations

    • Amnesty International
    • Asian Club
    • Astronomy Club
    • Chess Club
    • Community Service
    • Computer Club
    • Debate Club
    • Diversity Club
    • Dorm Proctors
    • Environmental Club
    • Foreign Language Clubs
    • Gardening Club
    • Habitat for Humanity
    • International Club
    • Literary Magazine
    • Mock Trial
    • Peer Tutoring
    • Photography Club
    • Quiz Bowl
    • Student Activities
    • Student Government
    • Student Publications
    • Theater Club
    • Yearbook
    • Yoga Club
    • Young Democrats
    • Young Republicans

    Arts & Athletics

    Summary: While the athletics program at Springs has won state championships in sports including tennis and soccer, the school is most proud of the way in which athletics helps students develop as people and citizens of the school community. In addition to Alabama High School Athletic Association-sanctioned sports, the school offers opportunities for students to take part in non-traditional sports such as fencing and ultimate frisbee. Another important of the school community is the arts, with offerings in music, theater and the visual arts. About 40% of the student body takes part in the school's choir, and the school's chamber choir tours internationally. The theater program takes on three productions per year, and strong visual arts and instrumental music programs round out arts offerings.

    Arts Department Director: Clay Colvin

    Athletics Department Director: Greg Van Horn

    Notable Achievements: 2008 2014 & 2017 Boys Soccer State Champions 2008 Girls Soccer State Runner Up 2006 Tennis State Champions

    Arts

    • Acting
    • Art History
    • Ceramics
    • Debate
    • Directing
    • Drama
    • Drawing
    • Graphic Design
    • Painting
    • Photography
    • Portfolio
    • Pottery
    • Printmaking
    • Publications
    • Sculpture
    • Stagecraft
    • Studio Art
    • Theater Arts
    • 3-D Art

    Interscholastic Sports

    • Baseball
    • Basketball
    • Bowling
    • Cross Country Running
    • Golf
    • Soccer
    • Softball
    • Tennis
    • Volleyball

    Recreational Sports

    • Camping
    • Canoeing
    • Fencing
    • Hiking
    • Kayaking
    • Mountain Biking
    • Rock Climbing
    • Swimming
    • Ultimate Frisbee
    • Weight Lifting

    Graduates

    Summary: Indian Springs has a long history of helping our students find, evaluate, and successfully apply to great colleges and universities. Take a look at our college placement results, and you will discover what our graduates fully understand: Indian Springs strives to help each student find the match that best suits his or her needs. The formal College Advising process begins in the Junior year. This is a time of self-exploration. We encourage students to approach this discovery phase as young adults, to discover their passions, interests and talents, and to build upon their strengths and develop new ones. Parents are also actively engaged in the process. The Senior year distills a student’s abilities and college desires into a manageable list. Applications are completed, essays are written, teachers are asked for letters of recommendation, and final visitations are made. All along the way, our College Advising Office is actively supporting (and prodding) our students, even past the point where they sign the letter of intent. It marks the end of one journey, and the beginning of another.

    College Information

    Percentage of graduates who attend college: 100%

    Middle Percentile of SAT Scores Reading Math Writing
    25th percentile 600 590 620
    75th percentile 710 700 710

    College attended in the past 5 years by our graduates:

    The University of Alabama: 29
    Emory University: 11
    Georgia Institute of Techonology: 8
    Washington University in St. Louis: 6
    George Washington University: 5
    Harvard University: 4
    Northwestern University: 4
    Vanderbilt University: 4
    Dartmouth College: 3
    Wellesley College: 3

    Notable Alumni

    C. Robert Henrikson

    Class of 1955

    Chairman of the Board President and Chief Executive Officer MetLife Inc.

    Preston Haskell

    Class of 1956

    Part-owner Jacksonville Jaguars NFL franchise

    John Badham

    Class of 1957

    Director “Saturday Night Fever ” “Blue Thunder ” “War Games” and other feature films

    Russell Williams

    Class of 1973

    Architect Adobe’s Photoshop

    Sally Nemeth

    Class of 1977

    Playwright screenwriter and novelist

    Stuart Whitehurst

    Class of 1979

    Appraiser “Antiques Roadshow”

    Michael McCullers

    Class of 1989

    Writer and director Baby Mama" and other feature films"

    Daniel Alarcón

    Class of 1995

    Author War by Candlelight: Stories and Lost City Radio

    John Green

    Class of 1995

    Author Looking for Alaska An Abundance of Katherines Paper Towns The Fault in Our Stars and Turtles All the Way Down

    Quotes From Alumni

    “I went to Indian Springs School a small boarding school outside Birmingham Alabama and all at once I became a learner. And I became a learner because I found myself in a community of learners.”
    -, Class of 1995, Author
    “Array”
    -, Class of 2008, Student Stanford University
    “I went to Indian Springs School a small boarding school outside Birmingham Alabama and all at once I became a learner. And I became a learner because I found myself in a community of learners.”
    -John Green, Class of 1995, Author
    “Indian Springs is much more than a school; it is a community a place where people will not only welcome you into their conversations but also their lives.”
    -Claire Abraham, Class of 2008, Student Stanford University

    Interested in Indian Springs School?

    Vital Information

    Student Body Type: Coed

    Total Boarding: 84

    Total Day: 208

    Total Enrollment: 292

    Boys: 146

    Girls: 146

    Boarding Grades Offered: 8-12

    Day Grades Offered: 8-12

    School Type: Middle, High School

    Dress Code: Casual

    Applications Accepted: SAO

    Application Deadline: February 15th

    Tuition & Financial Aid

    7-Day Boarding: $53,600

    5-Day Boarding: N/A

    Day Tuition Fee: $25,800

    Need-Based Aid: Offered

    Payment Plans: Offered

    Students Receiving Aid: 28%

    Average Awarded: $29,700

    School Finances

    Merit Scholarships: Not Offered

    Students Receiving Merit Scholarships: %

    Average Merit Scholarship: $

    Current Endowment Amount: $12,000,000

    Contact

    190 Woodward Drive

    Indian Springs, Alabama United States

    205 332 0561

    Director of Admissions: Gareth Vaughan

    Admissions Phone: 205 332 0561

    Fax: 205 988 3797

    Email: admission@indiansprings.org

    Website: https://www.indiansprings.org

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