Independent Learning Center

REDEFINING HOW WE MEASURE SUCCESS… ONE STUDENT AT A TIME

The Independent Learning Center is an innovative district choice high school designed around Big Picture Learning distinguishers of interest-driven and personalized learning supported in real world contexts. A core objective of this design is to develop self-directed learners highly capable of navigating systems, defining their work in complex contexts, thinking critically, and collaborating. The ILC is authorized by the Washington State Board of Education (SBE) to graduate students based on mastery of competencies rather than credits, and the competencies herein are aligned with Common Core State Standards and admissions expectations of selective baccalaureate colleges in Washington and nationally. The competencies are clustered within six interdisciplinary Learning Goals representing the skills, core knowledge, and attributes of effective learners prepared for college and career.

Referred to as a “trampoline that provides a launchpad for every student”, the ILC is a school that:

  • Transitioned from a traditional approach associated with content-driven classrooms to a human-centered approach.
  • Encourages students to “leave to learn”.
  • Blurs the lines between education and the real world.
  • Empowers every student to act with purpose and passion.

Learning Center News

  • Reminder from your School Nurse
    Mar 26, 2025 · Methow Valley School District

    Reminder from your School Nurse

    > It's been a long flu & cold season for many of us.  Please remember to: > > > > 1\. Keep your child home from school if they are sick, until symptoms are improving and they have not had a fever *or* vomiting *or* diarrhea for 24 hours.   > > > > 2\. Check to be sure you and your student are protected against measles.  Be aware that measles cases are happening in our state.  If you are traveling for spring break you are at higher risk of exposure.  Measles begins with a high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. After three to five days, a rash starts at the face and spreads to other parts of the body. In some cases, measles can cause hospitalization, brain swelling, pneumonia, and death.  **Vaccines are our best protection against measles**- if your student is not immunized, call Family Health Centers in Twisp [(509) 997-2011](https://www.google.com/search?q=fhc+twisp+medical+clinic\&oq=fhc+twisp+medical+clinic\&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyCQgAEEUYORigATIHCAEQIRigATIHCAIQIRigATIHCAMQIRigATIHCAQQIRiPAtIBCTgyMTc3ajBqN6gCALACAA\&sourceid=chrome\&ie=UTF-8\&safe=active\&ssui=on#) or Confluence Winthrop Clinic [(509) 996-8180](https://www.google.com/search?q=confluence+winthrop+clinic\&sca_esv=214c5f27b0d18acb\&sxsrf=AHTn8zqcUdeUd1wExUWns3fWM-fmy86CPg%3A1742939855328\&ei=zybjZ6nRE5bz0PEP_PDoyQQ\&ved=0ahUKEwjp9MP3nKaMAxWWOTQIHXw4OkkQ4dUDCBA\&uact=5\&oq=confluence+winthrop+clinic\&gs_lp=Egxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAiGmNvbmZsdWVuY2Ugd2ludGhyb3AgY2xpbmljMgYQABgWGB4yBRAAGO8FMggQABiABBiiBDIIEAAYogQYiQUyCBAAGIAEGKIESIYSUABYqBFwAHgBkAEAmAFvoAGBEqoBBDIwLjW4AQPIAQD4AQGYAhmgAvYSwgIEECMYJ8ICChAjGIAEGCcYigXCAgsQABiABBiRAhiKBcICChAAGIAEGEMYigXCAg0QABiABBixAxhDGIoFwgIQEC4YgAQY0QMYQxjHARiKBcICDhAuGIAEGLEDGNEDGMcBwgIOEC4YgAQYsQMYgwEYigXCAhAQLhiABBhDGMcBGIoFGK8BwgILEAAYgAQYsQMYgwHCAgUQABiABMICCBAAGIAEGLEDwgIIEC4YgAQYsQPCAgsQLhiABBjHARivAcICFhAuGIAEGLEDGNEDGEMYgwEYxwEYigXCAhQQLhiABBiSAxjHARiKBRiOBRivAcICDRAAGIAEGEMYyQMYigXCAhAQABiABBixAxhDGIMBGIoFwgIREC4YgAQYkQIYxwEYigUYrwHCAhAQLhiABBgUGIcCGMcBGK8BwgIKEAAYgAQYFBiHAsICDhAuGIAEGMcBGI4FGK8BwgICECbCAgsQABiABBiGAxiKBZgDAJIHBTE0LjExoAfuwgKyBwUxNC4xMbgH9hI\&sclient=gws-wiz-serp\&safe=active\&ssui=on#)) to schedule a vaccination appointment. > > > > **If your child has been exposed or has measles symptoms, stay home and contact their medical provider and the Nurse Annelisa before coming to school.  **Unvaccinated students who are exposed will need to isolate for 21 days. > > > > Questions?  School Nurse Annelisa Tornberg is happy to help.  Email  or ​call school (509) 996-2186 and press option 3

  • Mountain Lions! It's time to pre-order your 2025 Yearbook
    Mar 21, 2025 · Methow Valley School District

    Mountain Lions! It's time to pre-order your 2025 Yearbook

    You can preorder a hardcopy Yearbook from the highschool front desk with cash or check for $50. You can also order your yearbook online for a slight discount. Softcovers start at $36.51.

    Use this link yearbook from Treering:

     https://www.​treering.com/purchase?​PassCode=1014248920924101

    Order by May 5th to receive free shipping!


  • MVSD Artists Shine at Regional Art Show with Multiple Awards and Students Advancing to State Show 
    Mar 10, 2025 · Methow Valley School District

    MVSD Artists Shine at Regional Art Show with Multiple Awards and Students Advancing to State Show

    On Thursday, February 13, the Wenatchee Valley Cultural Museum received artwork from nine talented artists from the Methow Valley School District (MVSD), representing both Liberty Bell High School (LBHS) and the Methow Valley Independent Learning Center (ILC). The pieces were displayed in the Regional Art Show, which officially opened on Friday afternoon. The exhibition features an impressive collection of works by MVSD students, including pieces by Chicane Ashford, Kaden Borowski, Lucy Riggs, and Tristan Hover, whose participation has been met with enthusiastic praise. MVSD is proud to recognize the outstanding achievements of these young artists.

    State High School Art Show Advancements

    The show marked a major milestone for three MVSD students, whose artwork was selected for the prestigious Best of Show category. These pieces are among the 15 works from the region that will advance to the State High School Art Show in Olympia this April. The MVSD honorees are:

    • Lily Arntsen (Methow Valley ILC) for A Blood-Stained Dress (Acrylic Painting)
    • Izabel Bajema (Methow Valley ILC) for Plums (Colored Pencil Drawing)
    • Elliot Pixie-Plott (Liberty Bell HS) for A Morning’s Cup of Reali-tea (Gouache Painting)

    Category Awards and Honorable Mentions

    In addition to the Best of Show recognitions, MVSD students earned awards in several categories:

    • Mixed Media – 3rd Place: Audrey Roman (Liberty Bell HS) for Anatomy of Thought
    • 3-Dimensional – Honorable Mention: Izabel Bajema (Methow Valley ILC) for Mystic
    • Digital Media – 3rd Place: Ghost Miranda (Liberty Bell HS) for Assorted Stickers

    These awards reflect the depth of talent and creativity nurtured in the MVSD art programs. Additional categories included Drawing, Painting, and Photography, with several other student works being showcased.

    CWU Scholarship Recognition

    Last but not least, the MVSD is also proud to announce that Izabel Bajema (Methow Valley ILC), who won a category award for Plums, was selected as one of only eight students to receive the Central Washington University (CWU) Art Scholarship. This scholarship, awarded by Gregg Schlanger, Dean of Art+Design at CWU, includes tuition waivers for the recipient, offering a significant opportunity for Izabel as she pursues further education in the arts.

    Please join us as we congratulate our participating artists and their teacher, Erik Brooks for creative expression and dedication in support of the Arts.


  • LBHS Students Shine at the 2025 National History Day (NHD) Regional Competition, Advancing to the State Finals
    Mar 2, 2025 · Methow Valley School District

    LBHS Students Shine at the 2025 National History Day (NHD) Regional Competition, Advancing to the State Finals

    undefinedOn the court, in the classroom, and in the community... What can't these amazing Methow Valley youth accomplish?

    The MVSD is pleased to announce that 17 LBHS students, accompanied by LBHS History Teacher/NHD Coach, Scott Barber, traveled to Cheney, WA this past weekend, where they presented their National History Day projects at the regional competition.

    Serving as an opportunity to showcase their learning and compete for a spot at the 2025 NHD State Competition, we're pleased to announce that multiple students (names and projects to follow) will be advancing to the 2025 NHD State Competition.

    Scheduled to take place on April 26th, NHD participants competing in the State competition will have an opportunity to compete for a chance to compete in the National Finals scheduled to take place at the University of Maryland in June, joining a growing list of LBHS scholars.

    What is the National History Day (NHD) Contest?

    As described on the NHD website, "...students around the world discover history through National History Day® (NHD) by creating historical research projects. Through the process, students develop skills in communication, project management, and historical thinking."

    The NHD website also states that NHD’s core program is its competition in which students in grades 6–12 choose a topic and dive deeply into the past by conducting extensive research in libraries, archives, and museums. They then present their conclusions and evidence through papers, exhibits, performances, documentaries, or websites, moving through a series of contest levels where they are evaluated by professional historians and educators.

    Previous LBHS NHD national finalists include Leki Albright, Ayla Belsby, Keeley Brooks, and most recently, Tesh Karpenko.

    Please join us as we congratulate all our 2025 LBHS NHD students, LBHS History teacher and NHD Advisor, Scott Barber, our NHD parent advisors, thank the PSFA, and cheer on those who will be advancing to the 2025 NHD State competition!


  • Spring Photos
    Feb 25, 2025 · Methow Valley School District

    Spring Photos

    Spring Photos are March 11th

    Offsite LINK to order


  • LBHS Boys and Girls Wrestlers Shine at CWB League Championships, Setting the Stage for D5 Meet
    Feb 9, 2025 · Methow Valley School District

    LBHS Boys and Girls Wrestlers Shine at CWB League Championships, Setting the Stage for D5 Meet


    undefinedLBHS saw outstanding performances from both the boys and girls wrestling teams this past weekend at the CWB Boys and Girls League Wrestling Championships. Looking beyond the league championships, these highly anticipated events also served as a qualifying meet for next week’s District 5 Wrestling Tournament at Highland (Yakima), where LBHS wrestlers will compete for a spot at the WIAA 2B State Wrestling Tournament.

    Although we don't have all of the final results, we are thrilled to share what we know about the standout performances from the weekend:

    • Damien Spears took home the CWB Championship, dominating Okanogan’s Austin Morgan with a pin in the second period.
    • Cassidy Mowen earned the CWB/CTL Championship for the girls' division, securing a first-period pin over Bailey Pio of Brewster.
    • Maeve Belsby took 1st place, winning by a fall over Carly Clark of Tonasket.
    • Kady Hammer takes 3rd place and Mazie Gibb and Nova Gehring each placed 4th in their respective weight classes.
    • Richie Lara, Javier Lopez-Velasco, Yolo Paz, and Lucien Paz all claimed impressive second-place finishes in their respective weight classes.
    • Landon Schmekel, Liam Kiefer, and Alex Ramsay-George secured solid 3rd place finishes.
    • Sam Kaltenbach earned 5th place, while Andy Garcia-Lopez and Jayden Covarrubias were fighting for 5th/6th place.

    A program is on the rise, these results are a testament to the dedication and commitment displayed by the LBHS wrestlers and coaches.

    All eyes will be on the Mountain Lions as they prepare for the upcoming WIAA 2B State Wrestling Tournament, taking place on February 21-22 at the Tacoma Dome.

    We look forward to sharing more updates as our athletes continue to display high levels of success, on the mat, in the classroom, and in the community.

    Go Mountain Lions!


  • Orlo Parkinson and Kyra Hickman take Centerstage at 2025 Poetry Out Loud Regional Finals, Orlo Parkinson Advances to State Finals
    Jan 27, 2025 · Methow Valley School District

    Orlo Parkinson and Kyra Hickman take Centerstage at 2025 Poetry Out Loud Regional Finals, Orlo Parkinson Advances to State Finals

    Orlo Parkinson and Kyra Hickman participated in the 2025 Poetry Out Loud Regional finals this past weekend. Escorted by Poetry Out Loud instructor, Kelly Grayum and ILC Principal, Sara Mounsey, Orlo and Kyra delivered exceptional performances, with each, "reciting two poems with poise and panache."\ Orlo was named one of the two finalists for the state competition in Tacoma, scheduled to take place on March 8. The other finalist is Sydney Frost of Mt. Spokane High School. Sydney was a finalist last year, along with Leki Albright.\ Kyra, representing the ILC, recited Abandoned Farmhouse, by Ted Kooser and Meanwhile, by Richard Siken. Orlo, representing LBHS, recited Weighing In, by Rhina P. Espaillat and Istanbul 1983, by Sheila Black.\ Noteworthy, Orlo, a sophomore, was the only underclassman competing in the event. The other 8 competitors were juniors and seniors hailing from the Spokane, Okanogan and Walla Walla areas.\ Please join us as we congratulate our MVSD students, Orlo Parkinson and Kyra Hickman, Poetry Out Loud advisors, Kelly Grayum and Cam Alford, and thank Methow Arts and the Public School Funding Alliance (PSFA) for their continued support of the arts and our students.


  • MVSD Students Kyra Hickman (ILC) and Orlo Parkinson (LBHS) Shine at the 2025 National Poetry Out Loud District Finals, Advancing to Regional Finals
    Jan 11, 2025 · Methow Valley School District

    MVSD Students Kyra Hickman (ILC) and Orlo Parkinson (LBHS) Shine at the 2025 National Poetry Out Loud District Finals, Advancing to Regional Finals


    Last night, 14 incredibly talented Methow Valley School District students took center stage at the Poetry Out Loud District Finals, competing for a chance to represent the district at the regional level. Among them, Kyra Hickman (ILC) and Orlo Parkinson (LBHS) emerged as the top two finalists, earning spots in the 2025 National undefinedPoetry Out Loud Regional Finals in Spokane.

    Elliot Pixie-Plott (LBHS), Anja Merkens (LBHS), and Lily Arntsen (ILC) were also recognized as runner-ups and alternates, showcasing exceptional performances throughout the competition.

    We also wish to recognize LBHS student Liam Kiefer for his soothing musical accompaniment throughout the event.

    After the event, LBHS Humanities and Drama Teacher Kelly Grayum remarked, "I do not envy our judges. The performances were outstanding across the board, with only the slightest differences separating the competitors."

    This marks the 13th consecutive year of Methow Valley School District’s participation in the National Poetry Out Loud competition, further cementing the district’s commitment to fostering student creativity and artistic expression. Kyra and Orlo now join an impressive roster of district, regional, and state finalists who have been recognized for their remarkable performances in this prestigious contest.

    We invite the community to join us in celebrating the achievements of all the MVSD Poetry Out Loud participants and to acknowledge the dedicated efforts of LBHS Humanities and Drama Teachers Kelly Grayum and Cam Alford, as well as the district’s Poetry Out Loud Coach, Kira Wood-Cramer, our judges, the Merc, the Public School Funding Alliance, and Methow Arts for their unwavering support of the arts and our students.


Events

|
April 2025
SunMonTueWedThuFriSat

Lunch Menu

Name
Mar. 2025 menu.pdf
Loading...

If contents fail to load, please reload page.

Gallery

jl
Jalen Luvon-Class of 2024

Jalen Luvon\ Congratulations and Good Luck!

Edelweiss Schuttner
Edelweiss Schuttner-Class of 2024

Congratulations and Good Luck!

kc
Kayden Clapp-Class of 2024

What are your plans after the ILC?\ After graduation, I plan on taking a year to focus on myself and work: building a foundation for my next stage in my life. Applying to Evergreen State College for 2025 to study human behavioral science and potentially working towards a teaching certificate.\ Where do you imagine yourself in 7 years?\ In 7 years I hope to have graduated from Evergreen living a slow simple life. I would love to be living in a small community, eating fresh fruit sitting on my balcony with my cat. Following my passions with pure intent.\ Good luck!

in
Ila Newman-Class of 2024

What are your plans after the ILC?\ My plan is to take a gap year and ski patrol at Mt Snoqualmie and do some traveling/backpacking in the southwest. After that I'll decide to go to Fairhaven College at Western Washington University or not!\ Any advice for the younger students?\ Have as much kindness and compassion as you can for yourself and others. We're all on this journey together, let's support each other and make the best of it.\ Shine Bright!

mt
Mia Tomatich- Class of 2024

Mia Tomatich\ What are your plans after the ILC?\ i'm planning on going to wenatchee valley for a welding certificate then moving far away from here to experience life as much as possible.\ Do you have any advice for younger students?\ Being mean to teachers is not cool or funny, make them your friends life will be so much easier if you do.\ Shine bright Mia!

ae
Amelia Evans-Class of 2024

Do you have plans for after the ILC?

My current life plan is to explore life outside the valley for a few years - finding new connections and things to create - and, before it becomes strictly millionaire territory, buy land in the valley to build a series of yurts and gardens upon!

Where do you imagine yourself in 7 years?

Living in a yurt with a cat and my friends, making art, dancing, gardening and working hard on my happiness!

Good undefinedluck Amelia!

mp
Mariah Paz-Class of 2024

Do you have plans for after Liberty Bell?

I plan to continuing raising my son while going to The Evergreen State College and wrestling at a collegiate level.

Any advice for the younger students?

It’s so easy to pick at the negative, take a minute and ask yourself what that is doing for you. There are so many positives in life to be grateful for.

undefinedShine bright Mariah!

kf
Class of 2024-Kip Fritzhaberland

What season would you be and why?

I would be spring, I'm a very colorful person and helps bring life to things I'm apart of just how the colors of spring help everyone feel better and get into a better state of mind.

If you could offer advice to our younger students what would it be?

It gets A LOT better and don't get hung up on small things, its not the end of the world, it's high school.

Good undefinedluck on your adventures!