Reviewed by: Cindy Hatcher
3 things you might not know about Indian Springs School
Reading time: 6 minutes
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I’m always eager to explore Birmingham-area schools and often cover education here on Bham Now. Recently, Indian Springs School invited me out to learn more about what makes their school special, and they connected me with Josie, a senior who told me all about her favorite classes, memories and the lessons she’s taking with her after high school.
During our conversation, I thought back to my own high school experience and how I wished I had half the opportunities she has.
Keep reading for Josie’s story, everything Alabama’s #1 private school has to offer and how you can see it for yourself at the open house on September 21.
One student’s experience at Indian Springs
Local to Homewood, Josie came to Indian Springs in the eighth grade.
I think we could all agree that the growth from eighth grade to senior year in high school is staggering. If you could look back on your life in those years, what do you wish you had known?
As I sat down with Josie, I found myself amazed at 1. How well the school and its teachers had prepared her for future success. And 2. The sheer amount of opportunities given to Indian Springs students, leaving me feeling almost jealous when I looked back on my own high school experience
Through our conversation, three things stuck out to me about Josie’s high school experience.
- The teachers
- Extensive course offerings
- The diversity
Let’s take a deeper dive into how each of these assets make Indian Springs what it is.
1. Indian Springs’ faculty are all-in on the student experience
I know everyone is different, but I have always thrived in a smaller school—one where I can really know my teachers.
Indian Springs prides itself on its 8:1 student-teacher ratio, and the combination of small class sizes and knowledgeable teachers creates a unique learning environment and a strong sense of camaraderie within the classroom.
“The teachers at Indian Springs are so easy to talk to. I found myself talking with them about stuff outside of the classroom. They’re almost like one of your friends.”
Josie
While she’s befriended most of her teachers, Josie also told me how much she values learning from people who take such a hands-on approach to their teaching and working with students.
“They’re all really passionate about what they teach. That makes learning from them even better, especially when you can go to office hours and talk beyond what’s covered in class.”
Josie
Fun fact: The average teacher has been at Indian Springs for 17 years. Many teachers hold a PhD and have taught previously at a college level.
2. Students can choose from 130+ classes
We sat in on Josie’s photography and Major Authors class, but she’s also taking International Relations, Spanish and Physics.
At Springs, there’s not one academic specialty. Instead, students are provided with a rigorous and balanced education with unique offerings across every department. There really is everything at Indian Springs School!
“When I first came here, I had the impression that it was more humanities-focused. But it’s full of all types of really skilled people, and every sort of topic you could think of.”
Josie
Indian Springs offers over 130 classes, including unique electives such as:
- BEEST (Biology, Engineering, Environmental Science + Technology)
- Constitutional Law + Civil Rights
- Contemporary Music Ensemble
- Digital + Analog Photography
- Moral Philosophy
- Sports Medicine
- Women and the History of Science
- Botany
Plus, students have the opportunity to take part in independent studies, get involved in 50+ student-run clubs and attend weekly town halls led by a student mayor.
Some examples of the independent studies created by students are:
- Discrete Mathematics
- Forest Fire Reconnaissance
- Interpreting the Deaf World
- Machine Learning with Python
- Relativity + Modern Physics
- Study of Haruki Murakami
Plus, students can design their own Capstone Projects in order to explore their passions beyond a traditional classroom setting.
During junior and senior year, they work with a chosen faculty mentor to research, plan and create a final project that demonstrates what they have learned and its real-world connections.
Previous Capstone Projects have included:
- “Assignment of Gender Domains to Athena through Modern/Ancient Lenses”
- “Constitutional Questions with a Thomas Jefferson AI-Chatbot”
- “Portuguese: Linguistic and Dialectical Geographical Differences”
“If we don’t have a certain club or program, it’s so easy to make it and get support for it.
Indian Springs has connected me with people who have similar interests and we’ve grown together and work together outside of school.”
Josie
Outside of school, you can find Josie volunteering at organizations across Birmingham—with the club that she started at Indian Springs!
“My friend and I have a club where we help the homeless community. We’ve done a few things, like providing and serving meals. And then at the school, we’ve done a few drives for resources and money to donate to a shelter.”
Josie
3. Indian Springs gives unique opportunities for international + day students
By recruiting students from all across the world, Indian Springs’ Admissions Office is dedicated to finding quality students to make their home in the Greater Birmingham Area. On average, Indian Springs has students from 16 countries and 12 states.
This diversity is impactful for both international and day students—Josie touched a little more on what it means to her:
“A good amount of my friends are international students, and it’s been really cool to see different cultures. And here at Indian Springs, we have Diversity Week and a multicultural dinner where international students cook a bunch of traditional foods.”
Josie
8th-12th graders: Make your home at Indian Springs!
With its 130+ classes, performing arts facilities, award-winning sports and more, Indian Springs is a true hidden gem in greater Birmingham.
Not only does it boast 350 acres and a beautiful lake, but it’s also home to state-of-the-art learning centers and curriculum.
Learn about Indian Springs School at the Open House on September 21.
- When: Sunday, September 21 | 2-4PM
- Where: Indian Springs School, 190 Woodward Dr, Pelham, AL 35124
- Register now
Can’t make it? Indian Springs also offers campus tours, virtual tours and Shadow Days.
“Indian Springs did a really great job of just setting me up for success in so many ways.
It’s definitely pushed me to work harder academically, but at the same time, it hasn’t felt like a burden because what I’m learning is so interesting.”
Josie
Ready to visit? Register for Indian Springs’ September Open House now. Keep up with everything this school has to offer on their Facebook and Instagram.
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