Independent Education has provided a wonderful alternative educational experience for my children. Because both of my children were very bright, I was concerned at first that they may not advance as quickly and gain the broad base of knowledge available in mainstream education. To the contrary, because Independent Education adopts an approach tailored to the individual student they advanced much faster and are prepared equally as well, or better, for the challenges of college and standardized testing. More importantly they discovered their unique talents and interests so that they were highly motivated for the learning experience at both the high school and college level.
---- Sam Beardsley (parent)
As the longtime headmaster of one of America's most prominent
independent boarding schools and the parent of a student whose academic
career was turned around by his experience with Independent Education, I
believe that I can comment on this organization with authority and
conviction. I cannot find enough good things to say about Dan Calleja
and his team of teachers, tutors and guides. Dan is well-educated,
thoughtful and driven by a clear integrity in the delivery of
educational services. I enthusiastically recommend him and his
services.
--- Thomas E Wilcox (parent)
President, Baltimore Community Foundation
Independent Education provides a tranquil, relaxed and positive atmosphere for students to reach their academic goals. With student ages ranging from sixteen to fifty, in addition to academics, students share knowledge of their vast experiences, relating and learning from each other.
The staff provides one on one assistance in all areas of the curriculum. Providing a safe and rewarding atmosphere is the goal of the Independent Education staff.
--- Bettye H. (35 year veteran, Florida public school teacher)
Independent Education has been very beneficial in helping me establish study skills, as well as manage my time with school. The environment in the building is calm and set up for students to get their work finished efficiently. I have been encouraged by other students and the teachers to go further and push myself to achieve a desired grade. You will get what you need! I have used the tools that I was taught there in other areas in my life that only benefit from structured effort. I strongly suggest looking into the help that Independent Education can offer.
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Simien Antonis-Parr (student)
Dan Calleja and Independent Education have been extremely instrumental in the personal and educational growth of our daughter while she has been in Winter Park, Florida. He is in large part responsible for assisting her in completing her senior year in and graduating from a private girls' school in Maryland through online interaction with the Head of the Upper School and each of her individual teachers. One of the courses was so difficult that Dan had to familiarize himself with the subject before he could assist our daughter.
He has now assisted us and her in getting her enrolled in a community college where she is taking online courses and doing well. He has helped instill a desire to do well and honed her study skills in higher education. Without his assistance and support, none of the above "good things" could have been accomplished. We are extremely grateful for his efforts on all our behalves.
--- Ann and Charles Hogg (parents)
What I got the most out of completing high school at Independent Education was taking responsibility for my own education. I had teachers available both over the internet and in the office; but ultimately, I had to want to learn the things I was learning. I was actually asked what my interests were, and encouraged to try to incorporate these things into my school schedule. I got to work with the administrators at Independent Education to plan my curriculum. Because of the freedom I was afforded, the expectations were higher and my academic performance improved. I don't think you can get this at a normal high school.
--- Emily B. (student)
My nephew did not do well in public schools. He felt like he didn't fit
in. The pressure -- from the curriculum and other students -- to perform
to expectations was too much for him. He dropped out after his second
year of high school. At Independent Education, the immense pressure of
having to 'fit the mold' is eliminated. He can grow at his own pace --
nurture his self-esteem. He can meet other students that have had
similar experiences and finally know that he's not alone.
--- Debbie M. (family member)
Independent Education has been a great help to me in graduating high-school and in getting through classes at Valencia and UCF. As a high school student I was disorganized, unfocused and often found myself paralyzed with fear in the face of long assignments or an activity that required going the extra mile in my studying. For instance, interviewing someone for a project, organizing my time correctly to write a research paper or preparing for the SAT might all cause me to become overwhelmed, even though I felt like high school should be easy. Dan and his staff helped me to make lists of what I needed to do and organize my time so that I’d be able to get everything done well and on time. Now, as a college student, Dan’s office is a quiet place to study, and a great place to discuss some of the finer points of applying for graduate school, doing undergraduate research, or getting a summer internship with someone who has experience with it all.
--- Jon Beardsley (student)
My son, David, was a student with Independent Education from 2005-May of 2008. He had special needs in regards to his schooling from an early age. David struggled with learning issues early on, linked to his Leukemia related chemotherapy treatment and a latter additional diagnosis of ADD. David would come home from school and hit his head and say, “I am so stupid!” It broke my heart. I realized that the20conventional school system was unable to provide for David’s needs.
I had heard of Dan’s program, Independent Education, but was a little nervous to surrender my son’s education to an alternative educational experience. What I found was to my delight. David thrived in this program. Independent Education with the help of Dan and other instructors did an amazing job of teaching David to learn, and grow emotionally and spiritually. I slowly saw that David was becoming more mature and respectful in his actions and attitudes. He demonstrated confidence in his learning and I believe it helped him feel good about himself. Dan and his staff demonstrated great patience and mentoring for David. He graduated last year and we are so proud!
He is now enrolled at Valencia and is taking courses and working about 30 hours per week. He recently received an A in Algebra, and has learned to ask for help in the learning math lab. I am confident that what David received at Independent Educations gave him a strong foundation and self confidence he needs to become a good learner and more importantly, a strong and loving young man.
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Diana Truex-Ives ARNP (parent)