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Principal's Message
Principal's Message
School Profile
Mission Statement:
In partnership with the community, Independent Elementary School educates students in a safe, supportive, positive, and welcoming learning environment where they are immersed in a well-rounded and rigorous curriculum with an emphasis on the whole child and their social/emotional learning.
Vision Statement:
Independent Elementary School fosters the development of all students, encouraging them to grow into their unique and inspirational selves. Students transition to middle schools as emotionally literate, intellectually curious, academically capable, and socially conscious problem-solvers who have an appreciation and curiosity for difference and the skills necessary to achieve their goals.
Grades*: Transitional Kindergarten through 5th
Grades: Enrollment: 830 students
Principal: Principal Name
Assistant Principal: Assistant Principal Name
School Hours: 8:00 AM – 3:45 PM
*Pre-school for students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). Reach out to the CVUSD Special Education Department for more information.
Welcome to the 2025–26 school year! 
It’s hard to believe this is my ninth year as principal of Independent Elementary. Over nearly two decades in public education—and in leadership roles spanning California, Chicago, Hawai‘i, and Washington, D.C.—I’ve been guided by one core belief: that every child deserves to feel known, challenged, and inspired at school. That belief is at the heart of everything we do here at Independent.
Independent is a vibrant, diverse community. Our students speak more than 30 languages and come from families representing a wide range of cultural, religious, and socioeconomic backgrounds—some with deep roots in Castro Valley, others newly arrived from around the world. Our staff meets this diversity with intention and care, working to create a school where every child feels safe, celebrated, and supported.
Our approach to teaching and learning is grounded in collaboration and high expectations. Grade-level teams work closely to deliver rigorous, standards-based instruction while honoring the unique strengths of each classroom. Our Instructional Leadership Team plays a key role in shaping schoolwide priorities, reviewing data, and leading professional learning. Together, we’ve built a shared foundation around strong curriculum, evidence-based reading practices, restorative behavior supports, and social-emotional learning.
Beyond the school day, we partner with PlayCV and Adventure Time to provide a range of after-school opportunities—from academic support and language classes to arts, recreation, and enrichment. These programs extend learning, build connections, and help us serve the whole child.
Whether you’re new to Independent or returning for another great year, thank you for being part of our school community. Your partnership is essential to our work, and I look forward to all we’ll accomplish together this year.
Best,
Patrick Hansen-Schmitt
Principal, Independent Elementary School