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

  • map
    Jun 6, 2024

    We're almost there!!! Can't wait to celebrate you, Class of 2024.


  • ILC
    May 31, 2024

    Were' so excited to celebrate MVSD graduates!


  • Ride the Cyclone Image
    May 13, 2024

    Ride the Cyclone Premieres May 14th!

    Come see the Liberty Bell Drama Company present the musical Ride the Cyclone: High School Edition at The Merc Playhouse. The show runs May 14, 15, 17, 18 at 7:00 and May 19 at 2:00. Reserve tickets at mercplayhouse.org. They are selling out fast. There will be 40 tickets available at the door, first come, first serve. Doors open 30 minutes before showtime. Students, MVSD staff, and families of the cast and crew can get tickets at the door for free. Don't miss out on this memorable performance from a very talented cast and crew. The show is rated PG-13.


  • yb
    Mar 28, 2024

    Buy a yearbook early to save!

    Yearbook Price: $50 at school with a hardcover. You can purchase from Debbie at the LBHS front desk with cash or check.

    Or you can purchase online from Treering.com and save now! 

    Soft Cover Price Before Tax $36.51

    Hard Cover Price Before Tax $43.36

    Click on this link:

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


  • sv
    Mar 27, 2024

    Screenagers Viewing

    MVSD, in partnership with Room One invites you to a special movie screening of Screenagers, Growing Up In The Digital Age on Wednesday, April 17th at 5:30pm in the LBHS Library. This is a free event open to families, students, teachers and community members.  For more information, please see the Screenagers Press Release. Attached is a flier with more info.  Questions can be directed to lcarlton@methow.org


  • ilc
    Feb 28, 2024

    Congratulations ILC Wrestlers Mariah and Damien!

    We admire the strong work of all the Mountain Lion athletes, and are bursting with pride in Mariah and Damien representing ILC!

    Three Mountain Lion wrestlers earned podium spots at the 2024 Mat Classic state championships last weekend in Tacoma. Read about it Here.

    [](https://www.facebook.com/MethowValleyNews?\__cft\_\_\[0]=AZXFBSnPz3aH8oY3rnwBEmyaNdR6IsDpOOkV6Od0SOflUcgSM-lFUj8hdyxgTMmWkRmpEMzCQTLTDCdSMbALP8iYiCC9a8hoc91V7SVVtHs22daZkaGXJYwekyWeS5K6KqEetFx_M73S1NdG53eiTEuw0Q3pqgQN40xWEVpFFYa0aLs4SOzqsNc9ovQ510T0iDtGjeObhIHtguC_Fc8L6Z4c&\__tn\_\_=%3C%2CP-y-R)



  • ilc
    Feb 8, 2024

    Poetry Out Loud

    MVSD Students Leki Albright and Amelia Evans Shine at the 2024 National Poetry Out Loud Regional Finals with Leki Advancing to the State Finals

    Methow Valley Poetry Out Loud regional finalists Leki Albright (LBHS) and Amelia Evans (ILC) participated in the regional finals of the National Poetry Out Loud competition in Spokane with Leki advancing to the state finals.

    LBHS Humanities and Drama Teacher, Kelly Grayum reported, "Both Leki and Amelia did the Methow Valley proud with strong performances. In the end, only two performers were selected to advance. Leki and Sydney Frost from Mt. Spokane High School will compete in the state finals in Tacoma"

    Leki and Amelia join an impressive list of school, regional, and state finalists from the Methow Valley School District to be recognized for their stellar performances in the Poetry Out Loud competition.

    Please join us as we recognize LBHS Student, Leki Albright and ILC Student, Amelia Evans for their outstanding accomplishments and acknowledge LBHS Humanities and Drama Teacher, Kelly Grayum, Poetry Out Loud Coach, Thome George, Methow Arts, Blue Star Coffee Roasters, and the Public School Funding Alliance for their continued advocacy in support of the arts and our students.


  • Photo courtesy of ILC ILC students learned advanced drawing skills from a community mentor during a fall seminar series supported by the Public School Funding Alliance.
    Jan 26, 2024

    State grant to help ILC with its assessment processes

    JANUARY 25, 2024 BY MARCY STAMPER

    Methow Valley News

    ILC students learned advanced drawing skills from a community mentor during a fall seminar series supported by the Public School Funding Alliance.

    Many of us remember getting a letter grade — a label from A through F to evaluate our schoolwork, but there are approaches to assessment that can provide more helpful information to students, their families, and to teachers.

    For years, the Independent Learning Center (ILC) has been using a mastery-based program instead of traditional letter grades. With this approach, students make progress toward graduation based on evidence of their competency in different areas, ILC Principal Sara Mounsey said.

    What’s unique about the ILC’s approach to assessment is that it captures learning both in and out of school. It also takes into account the many ways students grow academically and personally, Mounsey said. (It’s also called a competency-based program.)

    ILC students often combine traditional academic offerings in the classroom with learning experiences outside the school (such as internships and projects led by community members), so it’s critical to have a different way of analyzing students’ progress and learning.

    Now, the ILC has received a $30,000 grant from the Washington State Board of Education to work with a specialized coach from the state’s Mastery-based Learning Collaborative (MBLC).

    Please Read full article HERE.


Events

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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 luck 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.

Shine 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 luck on your adventures!