Lisa Gonsalves, Independence Academy Charter School Executive Director: “As a leader, I encourage teachers and staff to bring forward ideas that connect their strengths with students’ interests, and I work to give them the support to turn those ideas into meaningful opportunities.”

The Silicon Review is pleased to recognize Independence Academy Charter School as one of the distinguished organizations featured in its Best Leaders to Watch issue, celebrating visionary leaders and institutions making a meaningful impact across industries. Founded in 2004 and based in Grand Junction, Colorado, Independence Academy Charter School has built its educational philosophy around a fundamental belief: how children learn is just as important as what they learn. Under the leadership of Lisa Gonsalves, Executive Director, the tuition-free public charter school continues to provide families in Mesa County with an educational choice that combines academic excellence, creativity, hands-on exploration, and personalized attention. Serving elementary and middle school students, the school is committed to nurturing curious, compassionate, and independent learners who can apply their knowledge beyond the classroom and contribute positively to their communities. Its recognition in this issue reflects the importance of educational leadership that places students at the heart of every decision while creating opportunities for diverse learning experiences and individual growth.

What distinguishes Independence Academy Charter School is its commitment to delivering a well-rounded education that extends beyond conventional classroom instruction. Through a comprehensive approach incorporating academics, the arts, STEM, athletics, and extracurricular activities, the school encourages students to discover their strengths, develop practical skills, and build confidence in their abilities. Its special education services and individualized learning opportunities through the RISE, SOAR, and CREATE programs further demonstrate its focus on addressing different learning needs and helping students reach their potential. Smaller class sizes and strong partnerships with families reinforce a supportive environment where educators can respond to individual needs while fostering creativity, independence, and lifelong learning. By supporting teachers, strengthening educational programs, and expanding opportunities for students, Lisa Gonsalves continues to advance the vision that inspired the school’s founding. Through its inclusion in Best Leaders to Watch, The Silicon Review acknowledges Independence Academy Charter School’s contribution to education and its dedication to preparing the next generation with the knowledge, adaptability, and confidence needed to thrive in an evolving world.

In conversation with Lisa Gonsalves, Executive Director of Independence Academy Charter School

Your mission emphasizes that “how children learn is as important as what they learn.” How does this philosophy shape your leadership approach and the culture you have built at Independence Academy?

That philosophy shapes both the learning experiences we create for students and the way I lead our staff. Children need a strong academic foundation, and the process of learning should also build curiosity, confidence, creativity, and independence. At IACS, we give students opportunities to ask questions, explore ideas, collaborate, and apply their knowledge through hands-on learning and the arts. We hold high expectations while recognizing that students may need different paths and support to reach them.

As a leader, I believe adults need those same opportunities to learn and grow. I work to give teachers a voice, encourage collaboration, and support thoughtful approaches to instruction. I also expect us to reflect on our decisions and take responsibility for improving them. The culture I have worked to build is one where students and staff feel known, supported, and comfortable taking on challenges. Our academic results matter, and so does whether students leave us willing to ask questions, persevere, and keep learning.

You nurture compassionate, lifelong learners who exhibit integrity and are reflective citizens. How do you lead your team to ensure these values are instilled in every student, every day?

I lead with the expectation that these values must be visible in how we treat people and make decisions every day. Students learn compassion, integrity, and reflection by watching the adults around them. That means holding ourselves accountable, listening respectfully, acknowledging mistakes, and showing students how to work through disagreements with honesty and care.

With my team, I emphasize pairing clear expectations with strong relationships. Classroom discussions, collaborative projects, and everyday interactions give students opportunities to consider another perspective, take responsibility, and understand how their choices affect others. When a student struggles, our response should help them reflect, repair harm, and practice a better approach.

I also want our staff to model lifelong learning by asking questions, sharing ideas, and reflecting on their own practice. My responsibility is to keep these values central to our conversations and decisions so that students experience them consistently across the school.

As Executive Director, you oversee a school that serves students from Pre-K through higher grades. What is the most important leadership lesson you have learned in building and growing this institution?

The most important leadership lesson I have learned is that supporting students begins with supporting the teachers who work with them every day. As a school grows, it is essential that teachers have the resources, planning time, professional development, and leadership support they need to remain effective. My responsibility is to listen, address barriers, and create the conditions that allow them to focus on teaching and building relationships with students.

That support also means trusting teachers’ expertise, giving them a voice in decisions, and investing in their well-being. Our 98% teacher retention helps preserve the relationships, experience, and consistency that students need.

I have learned that sustainable growth requires building leadership capacity across the school, with clear responsibilities and shared accountability. When teachers feel supported and valued, they are better equipped to help students feel the same way. That connection guides how I approach the school’s growth and how I measure our success.

Charter schools often operate with unique challenges and opportunities. How does your leadership navigate these complexities to ensure students receive an exceptional education?

Leading a charter school requires connecting our educational vision with the practical decisions that make it possible. We have the flexibility to create programs that respond to students’ needs, alongside significant responsibilities for funding, facilities, staffing, and accountability. I approach those responsibilities by asking how each decision will support teaching, learning, and the school’s long-term stability.

Financial planning and resource management are essential to that work. Securing capital and grant funding, building reserves, and planning for growth help us provide opportunities while keeping our commitments sustainable. I also work closely with our board, district, families, and community partners to advocate for IACS and address challenges that affect our students.

Most importantly, I keep teacher support central to those decisions. Teachers need resources, clear expectations, a voice in their work, and leaders who help resolve barriers. My role is to manage the school’s complexities so our educators can focus on delivering engaging, challenging instruction and knowing their students well.

You offer programs like theatre, service clubs, and news crews that enrich students beyond the classroom. How does your leadership foster a culture where creativity and community engagement thrive?

I believe creativity and community engagement thrive when we make room for them in the school’s priorities, schedule, and resources. As a leader, I encourage teachers and staff to bring forward ideas that connect their strengths with students’ interests, and I work to give them the support to turn those ideas into meaningful opportunities.

Programs like theatre, service clubs, and news crews give students real responsibilities and an audience beyond their teacher. They learn to collaborate, meet deadlines, consider different perspectives, and recognize that their contributions matter. A performance, a service project, or a student news story can help a child discover both a talent and a sense of belonging.

My theatre background has shown me how much students can grow when they are trusted to create something together. I bring that belief to my leadership by supporting staff initiative, encouraging community connections, and celebrating the work students share. I want students to see themselves as people who can contribute to their community now.

You are recognized as a leader to watch in 2026. What is your vision for the next chapter of Independence Academy, and how will your leadership continue to inspire students, staff, and the community?

My vision for the next chapter of Independence Academy is to expand what is possible for students while preserving the relationships and culture that have made our school successful. Central to that vision is our expeditionary, arts-integrated high school, opening in fall 2027. Students will explore meaningful questions through hands-on experiences, connect learning across subjects, and use the arts to deepen and express their understanding. Small classes will allow teachers to know students well and provide the support and challenge they need.

That growth must be matched by continued investment in our teachers and staff. I want to develop leaders throughout the school, give educators a voice in shaping our future, and ensure they have the resources and support to help students succeed. Careful financial and facility planning will help us sustain that commitment as we expand.

I want my leadership to give others the confidence and support to take meaningful ownership of our school’s future. That starts with listening, following through on commitments, and remaining open to learning. I want students to recognize their ability to contribute, staff to feel confident bringing forward ideas, and families and community partners to help shape learning experiences that connect our school with the wider world.

What does the future hold for your company and its customers? Are exciting things on the way?

The next chapter for Independence Academy is exciting. In fall 2027, we will open an expeditionary, arts-integrated high school with small class sizes, giving families the opportunity to continue their children’s education with us beyond middle school. Students will connect academic learning with hands-on exploration, creative work, and experiences beyond the classroom.

As we prepare, we are focused on supporting teachers, developing meaningful community partnerships, and planning responsibly for growth. Across IACS, our priority remains giving students challenging learning opportunities in a school where they are known and supported. This expansion will allow us to carry that commitment into the high school years and help students prepare for their futures.

Meet the leader behind the success of Independence Academy Charter School

Lisa Gonsalves is the Executive Director of Independence Academy Charter School in Grand Junction, Colorado. Her leadership centers on supporting teachers so they can help every student thrive. Under her leadership, enrollment has more than doubled since 2019, with 98% teacher retention and 97% student retention. She has secured and managed $13.4 million in capital and grant funding and increased reserves by 35% over three years. An educator and theatre professional, Lisa brings together academic excellence, creativity, and responsible planning as she leads the development of IACS’s expeditionary, arts-integrated high school, opening in fall 2027.

“At IACS, we give students opportunities to ask questions, explore ideas, collaborate, and apply their knowledge through hands-on learning and the arts. We hold high expectations while recognizing that students may need different paths and support to reach them.”