Average
#791 of 1,280 schools in IA
West Elementary School
Elementary School · Independence Comm School District
1301 1st St W, Independence, IA 50644
Enrollment
371
Student-Teacher
10.9:1
Score
6.0
Grades
3rd – 6th
Enrollment
371
Student-Teacher
10.9:1
Score
6.0
Grades
3rd – 6th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Independence
#3 of 4
public schools
Iowa elementary schools
#438 of 662
In district
#3 of 4
Independence Comm School District
School environment
8.7 / 10
Exceptional
About West Elementary School
West Elementary School is a regular public school located in Independence, Iowa, nestled in the town of Buchanan County. With an enrollment of 371 students and a student-to-teacher ratio of 10.9:1, West Elementary offers a supportive learning environment with dedicated teachers. The school covers grades three through six, providing continuity for young learners as they transition from primary to middle-level education.
West Elementary’s academic performance places it in the 43rd percentile among Iowa schools, reflecting areas where there is room for growth and development. Students perform at around 71% proficiency or above in both ELA/Reading and Math, while Science scores sit slightly lower at 65%. The school focuses on nurturing each student’s unique learning needs and fostering a love of education.
West Elementary School sits on the west side of Independence at 1301 1st St W. It is situated within a tight-knit community where families often know one another, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for students and parents alike.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
Data not available for this school
View breakdown
West Elementary School — Students at West Elementary School score 68% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 66%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
43.7%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores IA ISASP (2024-25)
Based on 15 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: 4.6/10.
How West Elementary School Compares
See how West Elementary School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 76% (2019) to 68% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has remained stable from 70% (2019) to 69% (2022).
Location
1301 1st St W, Independence, IA 50644
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering West Elementary School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. East Buchanan Elementary School (rated 8.0/10, 8.8 miles away, in nearby Winthrop), which scores notably higher. Another option is Jesup Elementary School (rated 7.8/10, 8.0 miles away, in nearby Jesup), which scores notably higher. Additionally, East Elementary School (rated 7.1/10, 0.1 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Independence, see our Independence schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 14.2 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| East Elementary School Independence | 0.1 mi | 7.1 |
| Early Childhood Center Independence | 0.2 mi | 5.4 |
| Independence Junior Senior High School Independence | 0.5 mi | 6.4 |
| ST JOHNS SCHOOL Independence | 1.0 mi | 6.2 |
| INDEPENDENCE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Independence | 1.6 mi | — |
| Perry #1 Elementary School Jesup | 6.0 mi | — |
| Prairie Grove Elementary School Jesup | 8.1 mi | — |
| Triumph Elementary School Jesup | 9.3 mi | 2.0 |
| ST ATHANASIUS SCHOOL Jesup | 7.8 mi | 6.0 |
| Jesup Elementary School Jesup | 8.0 mi | 7.8 |
| Jesup High School Jesup | 8.0 mi | 5.0 |
| Jesup Middle School Jesup | 8.0 mi | 6.3 |
| Rural Elementary School #2 Fairbank | 10.8 mi | — |
| East Buchanan Elementary School Winthrop | 8.8 mi | 8.0 |
| East Buchanan High School Winthrop | 8.8 mi | 6.1 |
| East Buchanan Middle School Winthrop | 8.8 mi | 6.3 |
| Rural Elementary School #1 Fairbank | 11.8 mi | — |
| Rural Elementary School #4 Fairbank | 11.9 mi | — |
| Little Husky Learning Center Oelwein | 14.2 mi | 4.3 |
| Oelwein High School Oelwein | 14.2 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 West Elementary 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 |
|---|---|
| Carrie Lee Elementary Decorah, IA | 6.0 |
| Cowles Elementary School Des Moines, IA | 6.0 |
| Davis County Elementary Bloomfield, IA | 6.0 |
| East Elementary School Ankeny, IA | 6.0 |
| Four Mile Elementary Pleasant Hill, IA | 6.0 |
| Irving Elementary School Dubuque, IA | 6.0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about West Elementary School
What grades does West Elementary School serve?
West Elementary School serves students in grades 3rd through 6th.
How many students attend West Elementary School?
West Elementary School has an enrollment of approximately 371 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at West Elementary School?
The student-teacher ratio at West Elementary School is 10.9:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does West Elementary School rank in IA?
West Elementary School is ranked #791 out of 1,280 schools in IA.
What is West Elementary School's MySchoolScout rating?
West Elementary School has a composite rating of 6.0 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 West Elementary School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, West Elementary School has 71.4% math proficiency and 71.1% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is West Elementary School a charter school?
No, West Elementary School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is West Elementary School a Title I school?
No, West Elementary School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for West Elementary School?
43.7% of students at West Elementary 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
- 3rd – 6th
- Enrollment
- 371
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 10.9:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 34
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 43.7%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Town
- County
- Buchanan County
- Phone
- (319) 334-7430
- 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
- #3 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
Get school insights in your inbox
New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.