Independence Charter Middle School 

Principal Jami West 

I am honored and humbled to be entrusted to lead as principal of Independence Charter Middle School. Having been a part of the ICMS family for the past four years, I am committed to the success of our school and the students who attend it. This is a special place, and I want everyone—students, teachers, families, community members—to know and feel it when they are in our building.  

I have been in education for 23 years, serving as a middle school teacher for 12 years, a reading specialist for seven years and an administrator for four years. I earned my bachelor's degree in education from Oklahoma Baptist University and my master's degrees from Wichita State University and the University of Central Oklahoma. Middle school students have a special place in my heart. I love the quirkiness and uniqueness of this age when they are between childhood and young adulthood. It is such a blessing to have the opportunity to see them mature, grow, and thrive. 

My core focus in leading ICMS is to fulfill our mission statement. We are preparing our students for a college preparatory high school and ultimately for a post-secondary college education. We are excited to offer an open access gifted and talented curriculum for all students and believe students can and will rise to the challenge with proper support and guidance along the way. Therefore, all our core classes are either honors or advanced level. Bringing in 5th grade students provides us a dynamic opportunity to grow our program even further. I am elated to be chosen to lead our school in this new direction.  

My door is always open, and I am just an email or phone call away. My hope is students, staff and families know I am here to serve them. The only way to achieve our goal—to educate the students in a challenging, nurturing, and safe environment—is to work together as a team. 

I look forward to working with both our school community and the community at large to mold and shape ICMS into the shining jewel of Oklahoma City. 

Warm Regards, 

Jami West 
Independence Charter Middle School 
Principal