Average
#637 of 1,280 schools in IA
Top 50% in state
Independence Junior Senior High School
High School · Independence Comm School District
700 20th Ave SW, Independence, IA 50644
Enrollment
724
Student-Teacher
16.5:1
Score
6.4
Grades
7th – 12th
Enrollment
724
Student-Teacher
16.5:1
Score
6.4
Grades
7th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Independence
#2 of 4
public schools
Iowa high schools
#125 of 334
In district
#2 of 4
Independence Comm School District
Academic performance
7.3 / 10
Strong
About Independence Junior Senior High School
Independence Junior Senior High School in Independence, Iowa, is a regular public school serving students from seventh through twelfth grade. With an enrollment of 724 students and a student-to-teacher ratio of 16.5:1, the school offers personalized attention and support. The dedicated teaching staff comprises 44 full-time equivalent teachers who are committed to their students' academic and personal growth.
Independence Junior Senior High School has earned a MySchoolScout rating of 4.8 out of 10, ranking it in the 36th percentile among Iowa’s schools at number 829 out of 1,288 institutions. Academically, students perform well with 73% proficient or above in ELA/Reading and 71% proficient or above in Math. Science proficiency is also strong at 66%.
Despite these solid scores, there is room for continued academic improvement to help more students reach their full potential. The school’s setting in a small town fosters a close-knit community atmosphere where teachers know each student by name and parents are actively involved in the school's activities. Independence Junior Senior High School provides a supportive environment that encourages growth and development beyond just academics, making it an inviting place for learning and personal discovery.
Score Breakdown
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Independence Junior Senior High School — Students at Independence Junior Senior High School score 74% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 71%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
34.7%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores IA ISASP (2024-25)
Based on 18 test records from IA 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: 3.6/10.
How Independence Junior Senior High School Compares
See how Independence Junior Senior High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2020-21 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 77% (2019) to 71% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has improved from 71% (2019) to 76% (2022).
Location
700 20th Ave SW, Independence, IA 50644
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Independence Junior Senior High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. East Buchanan High School (rated 6.1/10, 9.2 miles away, in nearby Winthrop), with a comparable rating. Another option is Jesup High School (rated 5.0/10, 7.6 miles away, in nearby Jesup), a more accessible option. Additionally, Oelwein High School (rated 4.8/10, 14.5 miles away, in nearby Oelwein), a more accessible option. For more schools in Independence, see our Independence schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 14.5 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| West Elementary School Independence | 0.5 mi | 6.0 |
| East Elementary School Independence | 0.6 mi | 7.1 |
| Early Childhood Center Independence | 0.6 mi | 5.4 |
| ST JOHNS SCHOOL Independence | 1.4 mi | 6.2 |
| INDEPENDENCE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Independence | 2.0 mi | — |
| Perry #1 Elementary School Jesup | 6.0 mi | — |
| Prairie Grove Elementary School Jesup | 8.1 mi | — |
| ST ATHANASIUS SCHOOL Jesup | 7.5 mi | 6.0 |
| Jesup Elementary School Jesup | 7.6 mi | 7.8 |
| Jesup High School Jesup | 7.6 mi | 5.0 |
| Jesup Middle School Jesup | 7.6 mi | 6.3 |
| Triumph Elementary School Jesup | 9.2 mi | 2.0 |
| Rural Elementary School #2 Fairbank | 10.9 mi | — |
| Rural Elementary School #1 Fairbank | 11.9 mi | — |
| East Buchanan Elementary School Winthrop | 9.2 mi | 8.0 |
| East Buchanan High School Winthrop | 9.2 mi | 6.1 |
| East Buchanan Middle School Winthrop | 9.2 mi | 6.3 |
| Rural Elementary School #4 Fairbank | 12.0 mi | — |
| Little Husky Learning Center Oelwein | 14.5 mi | 4.3 |
| Oelwein High School Oelwein | 14.5 mi | 4.8 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 50644 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$79,861
Median Home Value
$174,000
Median Rent
$770/mo
Population
8,475
College Educated
23.7%
Homeownership
77.6%
Avg Commute
22.7 min
Poverty Rate
7.2%
Median Age
42.9
Community Profile
The community surrounding Independence Junior Senior High School has a median household income of $79,861. It is a community where 24% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $174,000, with a median rent of $770/month. The local poverty rate of 7.2% 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 |
|---|---|
| BISHOP HEELAN CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL Sioux City, IA | 6.4 |
| Crestwood High School Cresco, IA | 6.3 |
| Marion High School Marion, IA | 6.3 |
| Sioux Center High School Sioux Center, IA | 6.6 |
| Williamsburg Jr-Sr High School Williamsburg, IA | 6.6 |
| Central DeWitt High School De Witt, IA | 6.2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Independence Junior Senior High School
What grades does Independence Junior Senior High School serve?
Independence Junior Senior High School serves students in grades 7th through 12th.
How many students attend Independence Junior Senior High School?
Independence Junior Senior High School has an enrollment of approximately 724 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Independence Junior Senior High School?
The student-teacher ratio at Independence Junior Senior High School is 16.5:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Independence Junior Senior High School rank in IA?
Independence Junior Senior High School is ranked #637 out of 1,280 schools in IA.
What is Independence Junior Senior High School's MySchoolScout rating?
Independence Junior Senior High School has a composite rating of 6.4 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 Junior Senior High School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Independence Junior Senior High School has 70.9% math proficiency and 72.8% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Independence Junior Senior High School a charter school?
No, Independence Junior Senior High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Independence Junior Senior High School a Title I school?
No, Independence Junior Senior High School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Independence Junior Senior High School?
34.7% of students at Independence Junior Senior High School qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Neighborhood Context
- City Safety
- Elevated (820/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Independence). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 7th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 724
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 16.5:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 44
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 34.7%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Town
- County
- Buchanan County
- Phone
- (319) 334-7405
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Independence Comm School District- District Enrollment
- 1,480
- Schools in District
- 4
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $12,940
- District Rank
- #2 of 4
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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