Independence Middle School (IMS) is one of the top three middle schools in Palm Beach County for academic achievement.  IMS offers an array of programs that provide students with a pathway to post-secondary education and careers, including Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, Choice, and In–House Academies. At IMS, students are empowered to discover their talents and explore their interests while focusing on academic rigor. Our Choice and in-house programs include Pre-Business/Information Technology, Pre-Law, Pre-Medical Sciences, Pre-Teacher Education, and SciQuest. Learn more about our programs, below. For more information, please contact Heather Lukasik, Academies Coordinator, (561) 799-7569.

Pre-Business/Information Technology

The Pre–Business IT Academy provides an educational setting dedicated to the development of academic, social, and creative skills with the goal of creating responsible citizens. Students are introduced to the field of business and related careers through the use of information technology. Students participate in the co– curricular student organization, Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), where they may earn certificates and awards for their student portfolios as well as earn an Internet Business Associate Certificate in their final year at the Pre–Business IT Academy.

Pre-Law

The Pre–Law Academy provides middle school students with a fundamental understanding of the American legal system from a variety of perspectives, both civil and criminal. Students participating in this program will develop an appreciation of essential historical information concerning the developments of the United States legal system and the working structure of the government. Moreover, students will gain an understanding of procedural issues in the courts, specific concepts of law, the distinctive characteristics of criminal law and procedures, the roles of various legal professionals and the effect of legal ethics on the practice of law. This program also provides a functional appreciation for students with regard to the impact of the legal system on their lives and chosen future career endeavors.

Pre-Medical Sciences

The Pre–Medical Sciences program is a three–year preparatory honors program for middle school students that emphasizes science, math, and language skills while preparing students to be highly competitive in the medical field. The courses offered include Orientation to Health Occupations, Exploration of Health Science Professions & Career Planning, and Medical Skills and Services. In the School District of Palm Beach County, all medical courses provide local honors credit.

Pre-Teacher Education

The Pre–Teacher Academy is a three-year preparatory program beginning in 6th grade for middle school students interested in any career that deals with children. Career possibilities such as child psychologist, social worker, pediatrician, pediatric nurse, teacher, children’s author, child nutritionist, pediatric dentist are discussed. Topics of study include child development, early childhood education, childhood nutrition, health and safety, communication, interpersonal skills, leadership, career development, child abuse and neglect, fetal alcohol syndrome and pre–natal/infant brain development. Opportunities to receive certifications in infant/child CPR, First Aid, AED, and baby–sitting are offered.

SciQuest  

The SciQuest Academy is a challenging, project–based curriculum that explores the world of science with hands–on activities and stimulating technologies. Students investigate real world science using inquiry-based activities to build a deeper understanding of scientific concepts such as physics, chemistry, biology, Earth science, space, and computer technology. This three-year program is intended to develop and prepare science enriched students for the future. Students can expect to research, design, model and complete projects that are applicable to the real world as they take their ideas through the complete inquiry or engineering process.