Principal's Message

Falcon Parents and Students,

Welcome to Independence High School! I am Guillermo Alvarado, and I am proud to serve as the Principal of Independence High School. Independence has a storied tradition of academic and athletic excellence, and we look forward to your student’s contributions to the history and legacy of our school.

Independence High School is proud to boast of a variety of college prep classes across all content areas that feature rigorous academic opportunities for its diverse student population. Advanced Placement (AP), Honors, and GATE courses are offered in the core content areas along with a variety of electives including several focused around Career and Technical Education (CTE). Students seeking other CTE opportunities not available on our campus are eligible to attend the KHSD Regional Occupation Center (ROC) and Career Technical Education Center (CTEC) adjacent to Independence during their junior and senior years. Additionally, IHS maintains a strong commitment to the AVID program across all four grade levels. Independence High School features a nationally recognized Energy and Utilities Career Academy that is a partnership with PG&E and the University of California.

The vision of the staff and administration at Independence High School includes providing a rigorous academic program that encourages learning as well as getting students involved on campus in leadership activities, athletics, clubs, student government, or fine arts. Academics and extra-curriculars are encompassed within the RISE expectations that oversee all activities and interactions related to the school. RISE (Responsibility-Integrity-Service-Excellence) was the conglomeration of ideas from staff and students that helped to define what it means to be a Falcon.

Whatever opportunities you choose to take part in while being a student, Independence High is committed in helping you shape your future. With the many opportunities that are available to all students, it is critical that you take advantage of them. Get involved! This involvement with the school will add to your experience as a high school student.

I encourage everyone of our parents, guardians and students to become active members of our Falcon community. You can stay connected with us and view updated information by frequently checking our website at http://independence.kernhigh.org. We will send important information updates, and reminders throughout the school year via our all-call reminder system.

As a Falcon community we encourage one another to follow our RISE expectations. These are the qualities that exemplify who we are, FALCONS!

Sincerely,

Guillermo Alvarado