Principal’s Message

Eagles, Welcome back to the 2025-2026 School Year!  I am honored to serve as your Principal.  I would like to extend a special welcome to all of the new families joining our school this year and welcome back all of our returning families as well!  Our goal at Independence is to work together to provide our students with a rich, positive, and safe learning environment that also addresses their social and emotional needs. Our vision aligns with the district's vision that every student graduates prepared and inspired for a thriving future.  
   
At Independence Elementary, student success is attributed to the partnership and the relationships we build within our community.  Education is a joint venture, and we greatly appreciate the support you provide for your children at home and at school to help them be successful.

Independence Elementary School is a wonderful place to learn.  The students' State test scores(FAST) have been some of the highest in OCPS in previous years.  Because of the incredible scores, community involvement, and dedication of our staff, parents, and students, Independence has received an "A" school grade, has become a 5-Star School award recipient, and has been a Golden School Award winner every year that we have been eligible.

       This year’s state assessment scores

• We have earned an “A” school grade for the ten years we have been here and anticipate the same this year. Our students’ FAST scores were some of the highest in OCPS.

• We won the Golden School Award, which is given to schools with exemplary programs that promote parent and community involvement.

• We have been named a Five Star School for the past six years. This award is given to schools with exemplary community involvement.

• We were chosen as the recipient of the John Gardner Award of Excellence (Little Red School House Award) by the Florida Association of Elementary School Principals for our academics and community service.

We are looking forward to another productive partnership with you to ensure our children can achieve their highest potential. Working and learning together, we will reach the collective and individual goals for academic achievement for all children. We encourage your membership in PTO (Parent-Teacher Organization) and SAC (School Advisory Council). Joining will give you a voice in the Volunteer/Academic environment at our school. My staff and I hope to continue our journey in education by remembering each day that we have the most precious thing in a parent’s life, and that is his/her child. 
 

Mr. Jeffrey Peters
Principal