Excellent
#572 of 3,813 schools in IL
Top 15% in state
Independence JR High School
Middle School · Palos Heights SD 128
6610 W Highland Dr, Palos Heights, IL 60463
Enrollment
208
Student-Teacher
9.9:1
Score
8.0
Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
208
Student-Teacher
9.9:1
Score
8.0
Grades
6th – 8th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Illinois schools
#572 of 3,813
In Palos Heights
#2 of 6
public schools
In district
#1 of 4
Palos Heights SD 128
School environment
8.8 / 10
Excellent
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Independence JR High School
Middle School in Palos Heights · grades 6th – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Sandbox Learning Center
0.3 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
A B Shepard High Sch (campus)
0.4 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Independence JR High School
Independence JR High School is a public middle school in Palos Heights, IL, part of Palos Heights SD 128. Independence JR High School serves approximately 208 students, and covers grades 6th-8th, and has a 9.9:1 student-teacher ratio. Independence JR High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 8.0 out of 10 and ranks #572 of 3,813 schools in IL.
Structured state assessment records for Independence JR High School show 56% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2021) and 72% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
- This school 8.0 · Excellent
- IL avg 6.1
What Parents Should Know
At 9.9:1 students to teachers, Independence JR High School sits well below the national average. Smaller classes like that usually mean more one-on-one time between students and teachers.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Independence JR High School — Students at Independence JR High School score 46% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 49%).
Test Scores IL EDFACTS (2021-22)
Based on 27 test records from IL state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage 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: 7.6/10.
How Independence JR High School Compares
See how Independence JR High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Location
6610 W Highland Dr, Palos Heights, IL 60463
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Independence JR High School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Palos South Middle School (rated 8.2/10, 2.0 miles away, in nearby Palos Park), with a very similar rating. Another option is Worth Jr High School (rated 5.8/10, 2.1 miles away, in nearby Worth), a more accessible option. Additionally, Nathan Hale Middle School (rated 4.8/10, 1.9 miles away, in nearby Crestwood), a more accessible option. For more schools in Palos Heights, see our Palos Heights schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 2.4 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| SANDBOX LEARNING CENTER Palos Heights | 0.3 mi | — |
| A B Shepard High Sch (Campus) Palos Heights | 0.4 mi | 7.7 |
| Navajo Heights Elem School Palos Heights | 0.6 mi | 7.6 |
| ST ALEXANDER SCHOOL Palos Heights | 0.7 mi | 4.7 |
| Indian Hill Palos Heights | 0.7 mi | 5.9 |
| TRUSTING HEARTS PRESCHOOL & KINDERGARTEN Palos Heights | 0.8 mi | — |
| CHICAGO CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL Palos Heights | 1.0 mi | 6.9 |
| Chippewa Elem School Palos Heights | 0.9 mi | 7.2 |
| ELIM CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Crestwood | 1.2 mi | — |
| Palos East Elementary School Palos Heights | 1.3 mi | 8.1 |
| Worth Elem School Worth | 2.1 mi | 5.9 |
| Worth Jr High School Worth | 2.1 mi | 5.8 |
| Nathan Hale Primary School Crestwood | 1.8 mi | 6.5 |
| Nathan Hale Intermediate Crestwood | 1.8 mi | 4.6 |
| Nathan Hale Middle School Crestwood | 1.9 mi | 4.8 |
| Elden D Finley Jr High School Chicago Ridge | 2.6 mi | 4.8 |
| Ridge Central Elem School Chicago Ridge | 2.6 mi | 5.5 |
| Worthwoods Elem School Worth | 2.5 mi | 5.6 |
| Palos South Middle School Palos Park | 2.0 mi | 8.2 |
| Hazelgreen Elem School Alsip | 2.4 mi | 5.8 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 60463 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$105,389
Median Home Value
$343,700
Median Rent
$2,119/mo
Population
13,359
College Educated
41%
Homeownership
94%
Avg Commute
29.8 min
Poverty Rate
6%
Median Age
49.8
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Roanoke-Benson Jr High School Benson, IL | 8.0 |
| CHICAGO JESUIT ACADEMY Chicago, IL | 8.1 |
| Fred Rodgers Magnet Acad Aurora, IL | 8.1 |
| Pecatonica Comm Middle School Pecatonica, IL | 7.9 |
| Wilmington Middle School Wilmington, IL | 8.1 |
| Erie Middle School Erie, IL | 7.8 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Independence JR High School
What grades does Independence JR High School serve?
Independence JR High School serves students in grades 6th through 8th.
How many students attend Independence JR High School?
Independence JR High School has an enrollment of approximately 208 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Independence JR High School?
The student-teacher ratio at Independence JR High School is 9.9:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Independence JR High School rank in IL?
Independence JR High School ranks #572 of 3,813 schools in IL.
What is Independence JR High School's MySchoolScout rating?
Independence JR High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 8.0 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 Independence JR High School?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Independence JR High School has 56% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2021) and 72% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
Is Independence JR High School a charter school?
No, Independence JR High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Independence JR High School a Title I school?
No, Independence JR High School is not currently a Title I school.
Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 6th – 8th
- Enrollment
- 208
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 9.9:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 21
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large Suburb
- County
- Cook County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 15.9%
- Phone
- (708) 448-0737
Resources & Links
District
Palos Heights SD 128- District Enrollment
- 791
- Schools in District
- 4
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $17,650
- District Rank
- #1 of 4
Other Schools in This District
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