Skip to main content

Average

#915 of 1,294 schools in KS

Independence Middle

Middle School · Independence

300 W. Locust St., Independence, KS 67301

Enrollment

389

Student-Teacher

13.9:1

Score

5.4

Grades

6th – 8th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Kansas schools

#915 of 1,294

In Independence

#4 of 5

public schools

In district

#4 of 5

Independence

School shortlistprofile + nearby

Shortlisting around Independence Middle?

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.

Independence Middle

5.4/10

Middle School in Independence · grades 6th – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Zion Lutheran School

7.7/10

0.5 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

St Andrew Catholic School

5.5/10

0.5 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About Independence Middle

Independence Middle is a public middle school in Independence, KS, part of Independence. Independence Middle serves approximately 389 students, and covers grades 6th-8th, and has a 13.9:1 student-teacher ratio. Independence Middle has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.4 out of 10 and ranks #915 of 1,294 schools in KS.

Structured state assessment records for Independence Middle show 43% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 47% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it compares0.3 pts below KS schools
  • This school 5.4 · Average
  • KS avg 5.7

What Parents Should Know

30% of students at Independence Middle were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress4.7Below Average40%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data14
Annual Change-4.43 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics6.5Average35%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency34.9% (2025 KAP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency38.7% (2025 KAP)
Overall Proficiency37% (2025 KAP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)32% (model expectation from 2025 KAP)
vs. Expected+4.3 pts
Adjusted Percentile49th
Resources & Environment5.1Average25%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio13.9:1
Per-Pupil Spending$14,427
Chronic Absenteeism30.1%

Independence Middle — Students at Independence Middle score 37% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 32%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

70.4%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores KS KAP (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 43.1% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 47.1% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
N/A

Based on 36 test records from KS state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2009
Math
82%
ELA
89%
2010
Math
87%
ELA
88%
2011
Math
95%
ELA
91%
2012
Math
80%
ELA
87%
2014
Math
24%
ELA
37%
2015
Math
34%
ELA
36%
2016
Math
33%
ELA
34%
2017
Math
26%
ELA
30%
2018
Math
30%
ELA
31%
2019
Math
30%
ELA
31%
2020*
Math
25%
ELA
33%
2021*
Math
25%
ELA
33%
2022
Math
23%
ELA
27%
2025
Math
34.6%
ELA
38.6%

* 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: 4.7/10.

How Independence Middle Compares

See how Independence Middle performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
5.4/10
29th percentile in KS
Academic
6.5/10
Average
Growth
4.7/10
Below Average
Environment
5.1/10
Average
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
70%
Teaching Staff
14:1 student-teacher ratio
28 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
30.1%

Programs & Offerings

Gifted & Talented Program Available
This school offers a gifted and talented program for qualifying students. · CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

300 W. Locust St., Independence, KS 67301

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Independence Middle may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Jefferson School (rated 8.2/10, 1.3 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Lincoln Central Elem (rated 8.1/10, 9.4 miles away, in nearby Cherryvale), which scores notably higher. Additionally, ZION LUTHERAN SCHOOL (rated 7.7/10, 0.5 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Independence, see our Independence schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 20.7 mi
School Distance Rating
ZION LUTHERAN SCHOOL Independence 0.5 mi 7.7
ST ANDREW CATHOLIC SCHOOL Independence 0.5 mi 5.5
Independence Sr High Independence 0.7 mi 6.0
Eisenhower Elem Independence 1.0 mi 7.2
Jefferson School Independence 1.3 mi 8.2
BRIDGES Academy Independence 1.6 mi 3.1
INDEPENDENCE BIBLE SCHOOL Independence 2.1 mi 7.1
Cherryvale Sr / Middle School Cherryvale 9.3 mi 6.4
Lincoln Central Elem Cherryvale 9.4 mi 8.1
Heller Elem Neodesha 13.4 mi 6.5
Community Elementary Coffeyville 13.3 mi 5.6
Neodesha High Neodesha 13.9 mi 5.4
Field Kindley High Coffeyville 13.9 mi 4.2
Coffeyville Virtual Program Coffeyville 13.9 mi 2.9
North Lawn Elem Neodesha 14.2 mi 6.5
Roosevelt Middle Coffeyville 13.9 mi 3.8
TYRO COMMUNITY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Tyro 14.8 mi 6.3
SOUTH COFFEYVILLE ES South Coffeyville 17.0 mi 5.5
SOUTH COFFEYVILLE HS South Coffeyville 17.0 mi 4.7
Altoona-Midway Elementary Altoona 20.7 mi 7.5

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 67301 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$54,905

Median Home Value

$109,500

Median Rent

$798/mo

Population

12,996

College Educated

25.7%

Homeownership

72.1%

Avg Commute

17.5 min

Poverty Rate

13.6%

Median Age

38.8

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
Bernadine Sitts Intermediate Ctr Garden City, KS 5.4
Baldwin Junior High School Baldwin City, KS 5.5
Smoky Valley Middle School Lindsborg, KS 5.5
Prairie Hills Middle Hutchinson, KS 5.3
Richard Warren Intermediate School Leavenworth, KS 5.3
Rosedale Middle Kansas City, KS 5.3

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Independence Middle

What grades does Independence Middle serve?

Independence Middle serves students in grades 6th through 8th.

How many students attend Independence Middle?

Independence Middle has an enrollment of approximately 389 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Independence Middle?

The student-teacher ratio at Independence Middle is 13.9:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Independence Middle rank in KS?

Independence Middle ranks #915 of 1,294 schools in KS.

What is Independence Middle's MySchoolScout rating?

Independence Middle has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.4 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 Middle?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Independence Middle has 43% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 47% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

Is Independence Middle a charter school?

No, Independence Middle is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Independence Middle a Title I school?

No, Independence Middle is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Independence Middle?

70.4% of students at Independence Middle 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

Walk Score
70 Very Walkable
Bike Score
48 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
389
Student-Teacher Ratio
13.9:1
Teachers (FTE)
28
Free/Reduced Lunch
70.4%
Type
regular
Setting
Remote Town
County
Montgomery County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
30.1%

District

Independence
District Enrollment
1,828
Schools in District
5
Per-Pupil Spending
$14,427
District Rank
#4 of 5

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 rate

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.