The Independence Academy of Indiana is a private not-for-profit school serving the needs of students in grades 5-12 with high-functioning autism. Their mission is "to create an educational environment that inspires and enables students to achieve their highest level of independence and academic success."

"Autism affects every area of a person's life: communication, perception and learning. Each person with high-functioning autism or Asperger's syndrome, has unique strengths and struggles. Yet all tend to share a number of traits: developing intense interests; thinking in pictures; struggling with social situations; misinterpreting figurative language; and experiencing sensory issues that can affect their overall quality of life," explained Independence Academy Director Susan Le Vay. "These traits leave many adolescents with high-functioning autism feeling incredibly anxious when trying to meet academic and social demands in a typical school, which is why it's important to have an option, such as the Academy," she added.

Located at 612 West 42nd Street in the Butler-Tarkington area, the Independence Academy was founded by Susan Le Vay and Ruth Padgett, who each have sons with high-functioning autism. Recognizing a specialized teaching need for middle and high school students, they partnered with a staff of qualified, dedicated educators utilizing effective special education practices. "We started planning in 2006, co-founded the school in 2007 and recently completed our first year with 17 students," Le Vay said.

She earned her bachelor's degree in English Education from Michigan State University with a license in Secondary Education and a master's degree in English from Colorado State University.

Describing students that attend the Academy, Le Vay mentioned, "The important thing is to know that each student is unique with their own individual personality, strengths and gifts. When kids reach middle school age, academic and social demands can become much greater. In a large school setting, they often experience ostracism or bullying. At the Independence Academy, we focus on their potential by nurturing their strengths while teaching them to overcome challenges. This includes teaching important social and life skills. With the right support and intervention, kids can become successful," she emphasized. "I've been teaching for 20 years and I wouldn't trade this for anything. I learn as much as I teach," she noted.

Padgett, the school's administrator, worked in the healthcare industry as a senior clinical research associate with Abbott Laboratories and Boehringer Mannheim. She has held a variety of roles within her church and her children's schools that include being a parent advocate for her son, William. When she met Le Vay, they found that each shared a vision for educating students like their sons.

Daniel Moosbrugger (fondly referred to as "Mr. Moose"), is the middle school math and science teacher. He said, "Teaching at the academy has taught me a great deal about how to work with students with such special needs. This is a special group of young minds with exceptional abilities and I am thankful to have the opportunity to work with them each and every day."

In addition to his teaching, Moosebrugger is also a commercial artist; he shares his art with students as they have created a painting titled, "Statement of Independence." Moosbrugger and the staff know that art is a vital part of the school's curriculum, allowing for individual and group expression. His biography and art can be seen at MoosbruggerArt.Blogspot.com

The school's faculty includes Karen Perkins, Jennifer Moore and Sally Janson, who also enjoy working with students with special needs.

As their first academic year has completed, the Independence Academy is working to expand their community of students who learn daily life and social skills. They are seeking funding sources to assist with purchasing additional equipment, supplies and books. More information on the school (whose fall term begins on Wednesday, August 19), is available at www.theindependenceacademy.org