Average
#6433 of 9,533 schools in CA
Independence
School · Lodi Unified
13451 North Extension Rd., Lodi, CA 95242
Enrollment
253
Student-Teacher
21.1:1
Score
5.6
Grades
Kindergarten – 12th
Enrollment
253
Student-Teacher
21.1:1
Score
5.6
Grades
Kindergarten – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Lodi
#13 of 21
public schools
California schools
#274 of 475
In district
#26 of 46
Lodi Unified
Academic growth
8.1 / 10
Very strong
About Independence
Independence is an alternative school located in a rural area near the town of Lodi, California. Serving students from kindergarten through twelfth grade, the school has a total enrollment of 253 students and maintains a student-teacher ratio of 21.1:1 with 12 full-time equivalent teachers. Despite its small size, Independence offers a unique educational environment that caters to diverse learning needs.
According to MySchoolScout’s rating system, the school scores a 5.9 out of 10 overall and ranks at 4006 out of 9566 schools in California, placing it around the 58th percentile. Academically, students perform better in ELA/Reading with 51% reaching proficiency or above compared to just 15% in Math. While these scores indicate room for improvement, they also reflect a focus on student development and support.
Independence is situated in an area that benefits from its rural setting, offering a calm and serene environment conducive to learning.
What Parents Should Know
The student-teacher ratio at Independence is 21.1:1, which is higher than the national average. This may mean larger class sizes, so parents should ask about classroom support, teaching assistants, and how the school differentiates instruction for students who need extra help.
Located in a rural area, Independence may involve longer commutes for some families. Rural schools often serve as community anchors and may have smaller class sizes, but parents should consider transportation logistics, after-school program availability, and access to specialized services.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 4/4 metricsView breakdown
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Independence — Students at Independence score 33% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 35%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
70.8%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)
Based on 10 test records from CA state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
→ StableAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 8.1/10.
How Independence Compares
See how Independence performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has improved from 12% (2019) to 14.63% (2024). Reading/ELA proficiency has remained stable from 52% (2019) to 51.9% (2024).
Location
13451 North Extension Rd., Lodi, CA 95242
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Independence may also want to explore other schools in the area. Vista Oaks Charter (rated 6.1/10, 2.0 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Another option is Valley Robotics Academy (rated 5.8/10), with a very similar rating. Additionally, Rio Valley Charter (rated 5.0/10, 1.6 miles away, in nearby Sacramento), with a comparable rating. For more schools in Lodi, see our Lodi schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 2.6 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Valley Robotics Academy Lodi | 0.0 mi | 5.8 |
| Ellerth E. Larson Elementary Lodi | 0.6 mi | 6.8 |
| LODI CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Acampo | 1.7 mi | 4.8 |
| Jim Elliot Christian High School Lodi | 1.7 mi | — |
| Rio Valley Charter Sacramento | 1.6 mi | 5.0 |
| Tokay High Lodi | 1.6 mi | 4.2 |
| Vista Oaks Charter Lodi | 2.0 mi | 6.1 |
| Beckman Elementary Lodi | 1.6 mi | 5.4 |
| Lodi Middle Lodi | 1.9 mi | 5.8 |
| Vinewood Elementary Lodi | 2.0 mi | 8.1 |
| VCMS Lodi | 2.1 mi | 3.2 |
| Leroy Nichols Elementary Lodi | 1.9 mi | 4.5 |
| Liberty Christian Academy of Lodi, inc. Lodi | 1.8 mi | — |
| Life Training Academy Lodi | 2.2 mi | — |
| ST PETER LUTHERAN SCHOOL Lodi | 2.3 mi | 4.9 |
| LODI DAY NURSERY SCHOOL/KINDERGARTEN Lodi | 2.1 mi | — |
| St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Lodi | 2.4 mi | — |
| Erma B. Reese Elementary Lodi | 2.6 mi | 4.7 |
| Lodi High Lodi | 2.5 mi | 5.9 |
| Millswood Middle Lodi | 2.6 mi | 5.8 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 95242 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$99,709
Median Home Value
$549,700
Median Rent
$1,925/mo
Population
27,860
College Educated
31.6%
Homeownership
68.9%
Avg Commute
23 min
Poverty Rate
7.6%
Median Age
39.6
Community Profile
The community surrounding Independence has a median household income of $99,709. It is an area where 32% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $549,700, with a median rent of $1,925/month. The local poverty rate of 7.6% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 23 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Hearthstone Oroville, CA | 5.6 |
| PACKINGHOUSE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Redlands, CA | 5.6 |
| Greater San Diego Academy Jamul, CA | 5.5 |
| Delta Home Charter Tracy, CA | 5.7 |
| Mojave River Academy - Rockview Park Oro Grande, CA | 5.7 |
| Opportunities for Learning - Duarte Covina, CA | 5.7 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Independence
What grades does Independence serve?
Independence serves students in grades Kindergarten through 12th.
How many students attend Independence?
Independence has an enrollment of approximately 253 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Independence?
The student-teacher ratio at Independence is 21.1:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Independence rank in CA?
Independence is ranked #6433 out of 9,533 schools in CA.
What is Independence's MySchoolScout rating?
Independence has a composite rating of 5.6 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Independence?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Independence has 14.7% math proficiency and 50.6% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Independence a charter school?
No, Independence is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Independence a Title I school?
No, Independence is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Independence?
70.8% of students at Independence qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
- County Safety
- Average (339/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. County-level only. Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Kindergarten – 12th
- Enrollment
- 253
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 21.1:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 12
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 70.8%
- Type
- alternative
- Setting
- Fringe Rural
- County
- San Joaquin County
- Phone
- (209) 331-8275
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Lodi Unified- District Enrollment
- 27,172
- Schools in District
- 49
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $16,533
- District Rank
- #26 of 46
Other Schools in This District
How We Rate Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.
Read our full methodologyRelated reading
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