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

  • 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.


  • SN
    Apr 7, 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. 
    1. 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 or Confluence Winthrop Clinic (509) 996-8180) 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 ATornberg@methow.org 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.


Events

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Gallery

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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!

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Izabel Bajema Class of 2025

After high school Izabel will be practicing art at Fairhaven College/Western Washington University in Bellingham. In 7 years you'll find Izabel in the wilderness living in an earthen cob house, gardening, making art, and talking to her chickens.Izabel’s advice to younger students: “It's okay not to know who you are or where you belong at this point in your life. Uncertainty is nothing to be afraid of.”

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!