Strong Minds. Loving Hearts.
IMS is a nonprofit network of 13 independent Catholic schools serving 4,000 students in grades Pre-K to 8 from families of all faiths in and near Philadelphia.PARENTS & GUARDIANS
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A private education is within reach and even though the school year has started, we’re still accepting applications! Explore our 13 schools and find the one that’s right for you!
SUPPORTERS
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The Independence Mission Schools Difference
See what sets our schools apart.
Academics, Values, Support, Achievement
With a rigorous curriculum and high expectations, our schools challenge students to develop strong minds.
Guided by our Catholic values, we nurture the development of moral character, respectful behavior, and loving hearts.
With support from generous donors, IMS provides financial aid to every family, making our schools affordable for all.
Over 85% of graduates enroll at an Archdiocesan Catholic high school, an Independent Catholic or Non-Catholic School, or a PHL Special Admit/Magnet school.
Our graduates go on to attend some of the top high schools in the region — often on generous merit-based scholarships.
Data-driven instruction fuels academic excellence and development.
Over $8,000,000 spent to upgrade and maintain school facilities.
Research-based Math and English Language Arts curriculums.
Nearly $90,000,000 raised to reduce tuition for families across all 13 schools.
The Future is Bright
IMS Class of 2025 High School Selections
Archdiocesan Schools
Catholic Independent Schools
PHL/DE/NJ Charter Schools
District Schools in PHL/DE/NJ
PHL Special Admit / Magnet Schools
Non-Catholic Independent Schools
Boarding Schools
PHL/PA/DE/NJ Cyber-Home Schools
🎧💙 Tune In! ❤️🎧
The Strong Minds Loving Hearts podcast features fresh and engaging stories showcasing students, teachers, staff, alumni and everyone else that makes this community so special.
Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.
News from Our Network
Celebrating the Impact of Tax Credit Giving at IMS
A tax credit contribution can help make a Catholic school education possible for a student. On October 1, Independence Mission Schools brought together current tax credit participants and guests...
Howley Scholar and St. Barnabas Alumna, Deborah Oduwole, Reflects on 9 Wonderful Years
Today, Deborah Oduwole is heading into her junior year at Saints Neumann Goretti High School in south Philadelphia. She's taking a few AP courses this year. She's on student council. This summer she...
Recapping the 2026 IMS Heart of the School Awards
At the end of each school year, we invite school leaders and Central Office team members to nominate colleagues for our annual IMS Heart of the School Awards. The recipients are announced at the...
396 Graduates, 84 High Schools, $18.7 Million in Four-Year Scholarships & Financial Aid
This article was last updated in July 9, 2026. The Independence Mission Schools graduating class of 2026 saw 396 eighth graders cross the stage and toss their caps in the air. Across our network of...
Reflections on the Formation of Independence Mission Schools
"They're good children. They're God's children. So if we can teach them Catholic values — which are good human values to have — I think the kids have a chance to realize that they are somebody; that...
“The thing that makes my IMS school so special for my family is that everyone – from the principal to the teachers and staff – truly cares about each and every student.
They stop at nothing to make sure your child succeeds.”