Our Story

“There are two gifts we should give our children: one is roots and the other is wings.”

The Independence Academy was founded by two Indianapolis families who recognized a need for a school that would serve their sons and other children on the autism spectrum. Cofounders Susan Le Vay and Ruth Padgett met in 2005 and soon began sharing their vision for an innovative school where autistic students could thrive while earning an accredited high school diploma.

Susan and Ruth opened IA’s doors in August 2008 at the school’s first location near Butler University—the same site where both The Orchard School and Sycamore School started years before. Welcoming 18 students in its inaugural year, Susan and Ruth served as director and administrator, respectively, along with a team of gifted faculty and wonderful volunteers.

The Independence Academy moved to a larger building in the Meridian-Kessler neighborhood in 2012, where it continued to grow and serve students in fourth through twelfth grade. In 2014, Susan and Ruth confidently passed the reigns to Marisa Gill, IA’s executive director, who embraces the school’s mission and is committed to leading with compassion, skill and professionalism.

The cofounders have maintained their involvement in The Independence Academy as it has evolved, and take delight in seeing the school serve so many students who have needed a place to belong and succeed. Ruth regularly consults with Marisa and the board of directors, while Susan remains active in consulting, mentoring and delivering quality social skills programs to IA students. Susan is certified in UCLA’s PEERS program—the only evidence-based social skills intervention for adolescents and young adults with autism—and offers participation in the program to IA students and their families.