William Chrisman High School opened in 1918 at the southeast corner of Union and Maple. The land was sold to the school district in 1917 by Margaret Chrisman Swope for $1 in exchange for naming the school after her father. William Chrisman had served as a member of the first school board and was a prominent lawyer and banker in Independence. 

The school moved to its current site in 1956 when a major addition was added to Ott Elementary School and the building was converted into the high school. The main wing of the building was opened in 1956 with the remainder of the building was built in stages. Since that time the building has undergone numerous renovations and additions.

Today, William Chrisman is home to approximately 1450 students over 100 faculty and staff members.

We are committed to creating and maintaining a positive learning and teaching environment for all our students and staff. With a positive environment, we can help all students be successful in their learning activities. In order to provide the best educational experience possible, distractions must be kept to a minimum. The Independence School District believes in promoting professional and positive use of personal technology such as cell phones, tablets, laptops, etc. Students, teachers and administrators have researched and discussed the impact of cell phone usage during the school day. In order to create the best learning environment for all students, the following guidelines have been established:

• Students will be required to keep their cell phones/electronic devices/listening devices including headphones, ear pods and ear buds put away during class time.
• Cell phones/electronic devices/listening devices including headphones, ear pods and ear buds may be used by students at the following times:
  • Prior to the start of the school day
  • During a student's assigned lunch shift and only in the cafeteria
  • After school

If a student has their device out during the school day during class or during passing time without permission, the student will be directed by staff to the front office. There, the office will put the device in a secure Yondr pouch and return it to the student. When the final bell rings, the student may have the office UnYondr it. After the fifth Yondr, and after each continued violation of the policy, a parent and/or guardian will need to pick up the device(s) from the office. Students who are in detention and/or ISS will have their device(s) placed in a Yondr when they enter the class room. The school is not responsible for lost or stolen cell phones, tablets, laptops, or other personal technology devices. If a student needs to make an emergency call during the day, they should receive permission from their classroom teacher and come to the office to make the call.

According to Board Policy 2310, a student shall be allowed no more than eight (8) absences per semester, excused or unexcused. When a student reaches nine (9) absences in any one class, the student may be denied credit for that class. The student will continue to have the opportunity to work proactively with their assigned administrator to make up missed time prior to the end of each semester. Absences that could lead to denial of credit if totaling nine would include: oversleeping, family vacation, missing the bus, no ride to school, needed at home, personal business, car trouble, other absences excused by a parent and illness without medical documentation. Absences that would not lead to denial of credit would include hospitalization with documentation, doctor appointment with documentation, counselor and office visits, religious observances, and if a student is sent home by the school nurse. Students will have numerous opportunities to make up their time, as well as frequent notifications of their status before facing denial of credit.

Thank you for partnering with us to ensure your student is in class and ready to learn! If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact your school counseling team.