Average
#696 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
6.3
Grades
3rd – 6th
Enrollment
371
Student-Teacher
10.9:1
Score
6.3
Grades
3rd – 6th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Iowa schools
#696 of 1,280
In Independence
#2 of 4
public schools
In district
#2 of 4
Independence Comm School District
School environment
9.4 / 10
Excellent
Shortlisting around West Elementary School?
Use this profile as one decision point, then compare nearby options, source confidence, and commute fit before picking a neighborhood around it.
Shortlist starter
Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.
West Elementary School
Elementary School in Independence · grades 3rd – 6th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
East Elementary School
0.1 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Early Childhood Center
0.2 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About West Elementary School
West Elementary School is a public elementary school in Independence, IA, part of Independence Comm School District. West Elementary School serves approximately 371 students, and covers grades 3rd-6th, and has a 10.9:1 student-teacher ratio. West Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.3 out of 10 and ranks #696 of 1,280 schools in IA.
Structured state assessment records for West Elementary School show 79% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 75% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
- This school 6.3 · Average
- District avg 6.9
- IA avg 6.5
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
West Elementary School — Students at West Elementary School score 72% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 71%).
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 37 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: 5.3/10.
How West Elementary School Compares
See how West Elementary School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
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. Jesup Elementary School (rated 7.9/10, 8.0 miles away, in nearby Jesup), which scores notably higher. Another option is East Elementary School (rated 7.6/10, 0.1 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, East Buchanan Elementary School (rated 6.3/10, 8.8 miles away, in nearby Winthrop), with a very similar rating. 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 | 7.6 |
| Early Childhood Center Independence | 0.2 mi | 2.9 |
| Independence Junior Senior High School Independence | 0.5 mi | 5.8 |
| 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 | 2.4 |
| ST ATHANASIUS SCHOOL Jesup | 7.8 mi | 6.0 |
| Jesup Elementary School Jesup | 8.0 mi | 7.9 |
| Jesup High School Jesup | 8.0 mi | 5.8 |
| Jesup Middle School Jesup | 8.0 mi | 7.3 |
| Rural Elementary School #2 Fairbank | 10.8 mi | — |
| East Buchanan Elementary School Winthrop | 8.8 mi | 6.3 |
| East Buchanan High School Winthrop | 8.8 mi | 6.6 |
| East Buchanan Middle School Winthrop | 8.8 mi | 6.2 |
| Rural Elementary School #1 Fairbank | 11.8 mi | — |
| Rural Elementary School #4 Fairbank | 11.9 mi | — |
| Little Husky Learning Center Oelwein | 14.2 mi | 4.7 |
| Oelwein High School Oelwein | 14.2 mi | 3.2 |
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
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| ALL SAINTS CATHOLIC SCHOOL Davenport, IA | 6.3 |
| East Buchanan Elementary School Winthrop, IA | 6.3 |
| Fellows Elementary School Ames, IA | 6.3 |
| Hartford Upper Elementary Carlisle, IA | 6.3 |
| Hiawatha Elementary School Hiawatha, IA | 6.3 |
| Mitchell Elementary School Ames, IA | 6.3 |
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 ranks #696 of 1,280 schools in IA.
What is West Elementary School's MySchoolScout rating?
West Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.3 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at West Elementary School?
Based on loaded state assessment records, West Elementary School has 79% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 75% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
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
Powered by 
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
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 12.7%
- Phone
- (319) 334-7430
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
A clear 1–10 score built from public data — growth, academics, and learning environment. No hidden criteria, no pay-to-play.
See how we rateRelated 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.