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Be A Player! will host a Free Sports Physicals and ECG Screening event at Jones High School on Saturday, June 20, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. This event is open to students in Kindergarten through 12th grade who need a sports physical and heart screening for participation in school athletics. Families are encouraged to attend early and take advantage of this important, no-cost opportunity to help ensure students are healthy and ready for the upcoming athletic season.

Click here to learn more!
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Discover the advantage of an “A”-rated district! Orange County Public Schools Magnet Programs offer innovative, hands-on learning in specialized fields—and students from any county are encouraged to apply. Give your child exciting opportunities to grow, explore, and succeed with an OCPS Magnet Program!

Click here to learn more!
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Unlock your child’s potential with an OCPS Scholastic Academy! These innovative programs offer enriched, academically focused learning designed to challenge, inspire, and accelerate student achievement. Families from any county are encouraged to apply and take advantage of the opportunities available in our “A”-rated district. Give your child a strong foundation for future success with an OCPS Scholastic Academy!

Click here to learn more!
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What is ParentSquare?

ParentSquare is a unified communication platform that offers a variety of tools that allow the district, school administrators and teachers to more effectively communicate and engage with families and students.

Click here to learn more!
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Need to Locate Resources? You can search for free or reduced cost programs such as food, housing, mental health, education programs, and other social services provided directly by Community Based Organizations.

Click here to learn more!
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OCPS Parent Portal Concerns?

If you are experiencing issues with an OCPS Parent Portal Application (i.e. Skyward Family Access, Canvas Parent) please click below for support.

Parent Portal Concerns Form

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Latest News

Stay up to date on the latest news, events and more with the ParentSquare app!

Upcoming Events

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View the full calendar to see all events happening in the next few weeks and months!

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School Profile

The exterior of Independence Elementary School on a sunny day.

Vision: Every student graduates prepared and inspired for a thriving future.

Mission: Together with our families and the community, we empower students with a superior academic experience, essential life skills, and boundless opportunities.

Address: 6255 New Independence Pkwy, Winter Garden, FL 34787

Phone: 407-217-7727

Principal: Jeffrey Peters

Mascot: Eagle

Colors: Blue, Red

School Hours: 8:45 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (M,  T, TH, F), 8:45 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. (W)

Grades: Kindergarten – 5th

Principal’s Message
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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

State Assessment

Independence ES  2025 Scores

 State Average OCPS District Average
3rd Grade Reading 83 53 66
3rd Grade Math 90 58 61
4th Grade Reading 75 57 57
4th Grade Math 79 61 62
5th Grade Reading 81 55 53
5th Grade Math 82 52 52
5th Grade Science 83 48 68

 

 

  • 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