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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

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 metrics
Student Progress8.1Excellent25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change0 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2024
TrendStable
Academics6.2Above Average25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency14.6%
Reading/ELA Proficiency51.9%
Math vs. State Avg-17.1 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+5.8 pts
Overall Proficiency33%
Expected (poverty-adj.)35%
vs. Expected-1.3 pts
Adjusted Percentile46th
College Readiness2.0Needs Improvement30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
AP Participation2.4%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment6.9Above Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio21.1:1
Per-Pupil Spending$15,234

Independence — Students at Independence score 33% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 35%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

70.8%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 14.7%
School
State
31.8%
ELA Proficiency 50.6%
School
State
49.7%

Based on 10 test records from CA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

→ Stable

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2019
Math
12%
ELA
52%
2021*
Math
24.5%
ELA
44.5%
2024
Math
12.3%
ELA
52.1%

* 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.

Overall Score
5.6/10
33th percentile in CA
Academic
6.2/10
6.2/10
Growth
8.1/10
Above average
Environment
6.9/10
Above average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
71%
Teaching Staff
21:1 student-teacher ratio
12 teachers

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.

11 schools nearby View map →

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
Data Year
2023–2024

District

Lodi Unified
District Enrollment
27,172
Schools in District
49
Per-Pupil Spending
$16,533
District Rank
#26 of 46

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 methodology

Related reading

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