Reviewed by: Patience Itson
3 generations went to the same local school—see why they love it
Reading time: 4 minutes
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For more than 40 years, the Hess/Levine family has seen child after child graduate from Indian Springs School, a 350-acre retreat that hosts Alabama’s #1 private school just 20 minutes from downtown Birmingham.
Why has this local family sent three generations (and counting) to this school? We sat down with them to find out. Read on to see what we learned.
Meet Emily + Violet Levine
Emily Levine is a 2001 graduate of Indian Springs, and she’s joined by dozens of family members who are former, current and future students.
This legacy started with Emily’s dad, Donald Hess, a 1966 graduate whose parents fell in love with everything the private school offered.
Now, Emily’s daughter Violet attends the school as a sophomore.
“Because of the family connection, it’s always been the likely trajectory that we’d send our kids to Indian Springs. But we also hope to choose the right thing for each of them. Indian Springs felt right for Violet, and that has proven true in these first couple of years.”
Emily Levine, alumna and board member, Indian Springs School
So, why does every member of Emily’s family attend Indian Springs?
Here are three reasons:
1. An individualized approach to education
“I think Violet is a student who, academically, can be successful anywhere. But Indian Springs has small class sizes and the opportunity to really know your teachers. These things aren’t easy to come by in a large public school environment.”
Emily Levine, alumna and board member, Indian Springs School
Emily is right—Violet thrives in the school’s inclusive atmosphere.
“lt’s a smaller school, which is really nice. At some bigger schools, it’s more difficult to get involved or play a sport, but at Indian Springs, they want you to play softball, join choir, do theater, or whatever you want.”
Violet Levine, student, Indian Springs School
Indian Springs offers over 130 classes, including unique electives such as:
- Biology, Engineering, Environmental Science + Technology (BEEST) Research Methods
- Constitutional Law + Civil Rights
- Contemporary Music Ensemble
- Digital + Analog Photography
- Mock Trial
- Moral Philosophy
- Sports Medicine
This broad swath of courses allows students to tailor their educational experience based on their unique interests.
Plus, Indian Springs offers the chance to apply for educational opportunities like:
- The Abroms Scholarship, which helps fund educational summer opportunities based on interests
- Independent studies starting Junior year
- A Capstone Project in their Senior year
2. A focus on “learning through living”
As I walked the Indian Springs campus, I was amazed. I saw students throwing a football between classes, playing cornhole during lunch and practicing their musical instruments during free periods.
Indian Springs gives their students opportunities to take on greater responsibility than what is afforded at other schools.
How? One example of this is through town hall meetings.
Indian Springs runs its school like it’s a small town. Every week, there’s a mandatory town meeting that the entire school attends, and it’s run by a student mayor!
Learn more about student life at Indian Springs at their Open House on October 6.
3. Strong faculty + staff
A goal of Indian Springs is to provide its students with an individualized and rigorous educational experience.
The best way to do this is by recruiting the best and brightest teachers.
Here are some ways Indian Springs’ faculty is top-notch:
- Faculty at Indian Springs have an average of 18 years of teaching experience
- Many taught at the college level before coming to Indian Springs
- More than 85% of faculty have advanced degrees
“Every year, when we meet our teachers, we learn about all the things they have planned for the months ahead.
I am so excited my daughter has the opportunity to learn from people who want to support and challenge her.”
Emily Levine, alumna and board member, Indian Springs School
Experience Indian Springs School at the Open House, Oct. 6
You can meet the faculty and staff and see the education this school offers at their Open House this October.
- When: Sunday, October 6 | 2-4PM
- Where: 190 Woodward Dr, Pelham, AL 35124
Ready to visit? Register for the October Open House.
Can’t make it? Schedule a tour of Indian Springs or Shadow Day—email admission@indiansprings.org or call 205.332.0563!
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