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

  • May 27, 2025 · Methow Valley School District

    Notice of School Board Meeting Change

    Please be advised that the upcoming MVSD School Board meeting originally scheduled for May 29th has been rescheduled to:


    New Date: Wednesday, May 28th @ 5:30 PM

    Thank you for your understanding and continued support.


  • MVSD Selects Annelisa Tornberg to Serve as District's School Nurse
    May 21, 2025 · Methow Valley School District

    MVSD Selects Annelisa Tornberg to Serve as District's School Nurse

    The MVSD is pleased to announce that Annelisa Tornberg has been selected to serve as the district's full-time school nurse.

    Annelisa Tornberg is a Registered Nurse with 19 years of nursing experience in family and maternal/child health. She has worked in labor & delivery nursing, as a Public Health Nurse with families and teens doing home visiting and wrap-around case management, as a Board Certified Lactation Consultant, a hospital float nurse (in units from post-anesthesia to the pediatric emergency room), and this school year as your substitute School Nurse. She is thrilled to be your new permanent MVSD School Nurse and has enjoyed working within our district the past four years as Covid Liaison, Health & Wellness Coordinator, and substitute School Nurse.

    Annelisa and her husband Brent (who is also a RN) moved to the Methow Valley with their kids Finnley and Hazel 4 years ago and are grateful to be immersed in soccer, dance, skiing, and biking the local trails with their dog Coco.

    Thank you for your support! Please reach out to Annelisa anytime. She looks forward to building more relationships and growing support for the health and wellbeing of students and families in our valley. ATORNBERG@methow.org


  • IB
    May 17, 2025 · MV Independent Learning Center

    Congratulations Izabel!

    Izabel Bajema, a senior at the Independent Learning Center (ILC), will be recognized Wednesday (May 14) at a statewide arts awards ceremony in Olympia. Check out the Methow Valley News article sharing her accomplishment.


  • LB Drama Company Presentation of Hadestown
    May 12, 2025 · Methow Valley School District

    LB Drama Company's Presentation of Hadestown

    Liberty Bell Drama Company's presentation of the musical Hadestown opens Tuesday and runs through Sunday. This is a must-see theater event. Reserve tickets are almost sold out at mercplayhouse.org. There will be 10 tickets available at the door. Doors open at 6:30 on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. Doors open at 1:30 on Sunday. We can't wait to share this story of love, hope, and resilience in trying times.


  • We Love Our Teachers! MVSD to Celebrate National Teacher Appreciation Week: May 5 - 9
    May 1, 2025 · Methow Valley School District

    We Love Our Teachers! MVSD to Celebrate National Teacher Appreciation Week: May 5 - 9

    Dear MVSD Students, Parents, and Community Members,

    We love our teachers! As such, during the week of May 5 -9, the MVSD will be joining others across the country, recognizing our exceptional teaching staff during National Teacher Appreciation Week.

    MVSD staff continue to serve as a bright spot within our schools and community. Serving as a source of inspiration, hope, and opportunity, their dedication and commitment to service is reflected in the success of our students and the health and wellness of our community. MVSD staff, working in partnership with parents, educational partners, and community members, remain committed to developing students who graduate prepared to pursue the widest range of career, education, and life opportunities possible - dignifying every student.

    Please join us as we display our gratitude and appreciation for our amazing MVSD staff!


  • Spring 2025 MV Pride
    May 1, 2025 · Methow Valley School District

    Spring 2025 MV Pride

    We’re excited to share the Spring edition of the MV Pride Newsletter, celebrating the season with stories, updates, and highlights from across our school community.

    Click HERE for the full version.


  • MA
    Apr 28, 2025 · Methow Valley School District

    Measles Awareness

    Dear MVSD Community,

    As measles cases continue to rise in the US, with a fifth case reported this week in Washington state, we are urging parents and caregivers to make sure their children (and themselves) are protected from the disease by getting two doses of the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine.

    Families can check their immunization records online at MyIRmobile.com, or by speaking with their clinic to make sure they’re fully protected. If exposed to measles, any unimmunized adult or child will need to stay home and isolate for 21 days, from last known exposure. MMR Immunization works and is our opportunity to protect our community's health and limit this potential major disruption to family routines.

    School Nurse Annelisa or our local clinics, Family Health Centers and Confluence, are available for questions or help finding a vaccine.

    More at https://doh.wa.gov/newsroom/doh-urges-measles-mumps-and-rubella-mmr-vaccines-amidst-national-outbreak


  • Liberty Bell Drama Company and The Merc Playhouse Presents Hadestown: Teen Edition
    Apr 17, 2025 · Methow Valley School District

    Liberty Bell Drama Company and The Merc Playhouse Presents Hadestown: Teen Edition


    Dates: May 13, 14, 16, 17, 18 Location: The Merc Playhouse, Twisp, WA

    Liberty Bell Drama Company and The Merc Playhouse are excited to announce their upcoming production of Hadestown: Teen Edition, the critically acclaimed musical by Anais Mitchell. The show will run on May 13, 14, 16, 17 at 7:00 PM and May 18 at 2:00 PM at The Merc Playhouse in Twisp, WA. Doors open 30 minutes before showtime. Don’t miss this opportunity to see the talented Liberty Bell Drama Company cast and crew bring this modern retelling of ancient Greek mythology to life.

    The Tony Award-winning musical Hadestown is a modern retelling of the myths of Orpheus and Eurydice, as well as Hades and Persephone, set in a world where the boundaries between life and death are blurred. The musical follows Orpheus, a gifted young musician, whose love for Eurydice leads him to embark on a perilous journey to the underworld in an attempt to rescue her. Eurydice, a poor girl in desperate need, finds herself caught in the clutches of the powerful Hades, the god of the underworld, who offers her a bleak and tempting deal. Meanwhile, the story of Hades and Persephone is woven throughout, exploring the complex relationship between the king and queen of the underworld. In a world where Hades’ fossil fuel factories are churning climate chaos above ground, can Orpheus sing a song that can rekindle Hades’ love for Persephone and bring the seasons back in tune? With a mesmerizing score blending folk, jazz, and blues, Hadestown explores themes of love, sacrifice, fate, and the eternal tug-of-war between hope and despair.

    “The story of Hadestown is both timeless and deeply relevant,” said Kelly Grayum, Director of Liberty Bell Drama Company. “The characters’ journey through hardship and love speaks to all generations, and we are so proud of the students who are taking on these roles with such passion and commitment.”

    The production is made possible thanks to the generous support of our sponsors, The Merc Playhouse, Methow Arts and the Public School Funding Alliance. Their contributions have been essential in bringing this production to the stage, and we are incredibly thankful for their dedication to the arts and local education.

    Reserve tickets will be available on April 18 at mercplayhouse.org. General community member tickets will cost $15. MVSD students, staff and the families of cast/crew members get in for free, but it’s best to reserve your ticket in advance on the Merc website. Limited tickets will be available at the door.


Events

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Gallery

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Ghost Miranda Class of 2025

Ghost says, “If I had to choose a superpower it'd be shapeshifting, that'd be sick.”

Ghost is planning on going to Shoreline Community College for their Game Art & Design Associate's degree. In 7 years? “Hopefully have a house, somewhere more fun than here.”

Ghost’s advice to younger students: “If you are a chronic procrastinator you need to fix that asap.”

Congratulations, Ghost! We’re excited for you!

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Georgie Brisbois Class of 2025

Asked what super power she’d love to have, Georgie wrote, “I would have the power of super strength, so I could lift a car over my head.”

Georgie plans on attending Whatcom Community College for the first two years in order to explore her interests before transferring to a university. And in 7 years, “I will be helping facilitate the proletariat revolution.”

Georgie’s advice for younger students: “Knowledge is power! Be curious and always seek out new information and perspectives.”

Congratulations, Georgie! Best of luck in all you do!

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Mali Desalvo Class of 2025

After graduation Mali is planning to study visual art at the University of British Columbia. And in 7 years Mali imagines being “somewhere more populated and less beautiful.”

Advice for younger students? “People like you more the less you want to be liked.”

Congratulations, Mali! We wish you the absolute best!

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Darra Kelly Class of 2025

Darra says, “The title of my autobiography would be ‘Buying a Subaru with a turbo is the worst financial investment of all time.’”

Darra will be attending Eastern Washington University to study Mechanical Engineering, and in 7 years he imagines either building an engine in his garage or becoming a K-1 Kickboxing Champion.

Advice for younger students? “Be optimistic and make the best of the time you have in high-school, having a negative outlook won't get you far.”

Congratulations, Darra! Best wishes in all your future plans!

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Taylor Lyons Class of 2025

Taylor writes, “If I could have a super power, I’d want to be able to fly.”This fall Taylor is planning on going to Bellingham Technical College, and taking the automotive technology degree.

In 7 years he pictures himself having his own auto body shop “living lavish.”

Taylor’s advice to younger students? “ENJOY YOUR YOUTH”

Congratulations, Taylor! Wishing you all the best in your future plans!

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Mason Lappin Class of 2025

Mason says, “If I were a season I think I would be winter because I really enjoy snowboarding, and the scenery when everything is covered in snow is breathtaking.”

Mason’s plan for next year is to go to Eastern Washington University but he’s undecided about what he wants to study. “I’m looking forward to having new experiences, making new friends, and learning a bunch of new things.” In 7 years Mason hopes to have graduated from college and found a stable and reliable job that he enjoys working at and that's able to support him.

“If I could give younger students a piece of advice, I would tell them to enjoy the little moments of high school because before you know it your free trial of life is over.”

We wish you all the best! Congratulations, Mason!

The Spring Arts Showcast
The Spring Arts Showcast

Liberty Bell Visual & Performing Arts Presents:

The Spring Arts Showcase

Wednesday, May 21st, 2025

Liberty Bell High School Gym

Doors open at 5:30 PM

Bands at 6:00 PM

Choirs after intermission

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Damien Spears Class of 2025

After graduation Damien (aka “Spears”) will be going to trade school for welding, and he will be wrestling there as well. In 7 years he imagines he’ll be “in a decent house with a stable job in the welding field.”

We can’t wait to see where life takes you, Damien! Congratulations!