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Very Good

#18 of 142 private schools in KS

Top 12% of private schools

Zion Lutheran School

Elementary School

301 S 11TH ST, Independence, KS 67301

Private Estimated Score

Estimated academic score. This school does not have standardized test data. Based on KS statewide data. Learn more

Enrollment

45

Student-Teacher

5.6:1

Score

7.7

Grades

Pre-K – 8th

Updated 2021-22

How this school compares

In Independence

#1 of 3

public schools

Kansas elementary schools

#9 of 87

About Zion Lutheran School

Zion Lutheran School is a small, close-knit school located in Independence, Kansas. Serving students from preschool through eighth grade, the school prides itself on a personalized approach to education with an enrollment of just 45 students and a student-to-teacher ratio of 5.6:1. With eight full-time equivalent teachers dedicated to fostering academic growth and personal development, Zion Lutheran School provides a nurturing environment where each child receives individual attention.

Though specific test scores are not available, the school has earned a MySchoolScout rating of 6.1 out of 10 and ranks as the 35th best school in Kansas among 142 schools. This places it solidly within the top third of schools statewide, indicating room for continued academic improvement. Zion Lutheran School is situated in a remote town setting, offering students a quiet, community-focused atmosphere that encourages close relationships between teachers and families.

The small-town charm of Independence provides a unique backdrop for learning and growth, with a strong sense of community supporting the school's mission to nurture each student’s potential.

What Parents Should Know

With an enrollment of 45 students, Zion Lutheran School is a smaller school where families often find a close-knit community atmosphere. Smaller settings can mean more individual attention from teachers and staff, though they may offer fewer extracurricular options than larger schools.

With a student-teacher ratio of 5.6:1, Zion Lutheran School offers a notably low ratio compared to the national average. This typically means smaller class sizes and more opportunities for one-on-one interaction between students and teachers.

As a private school, Zion Lutheran School operates independently from the local public school district. Families considering this school should inquire about tuition costs, financial aid availability, and the admissions process. Private schools are not required to follow the same curriculum standards as public schools, which can be either an advantage or a consideration depending on your priorities.

Compare to Public Schools

Beta

How Zion Lutheran School compares to the 5 public schools in Independence, KS

Student-Teacher Ratio
5.6:1
This School
vs
12.8:1
Public Avg
Avg School Size
45
This School
vs
338
Public Avg
Avg School Scout Rating
7.7
This School
vs
6.3
Public Avg

Student Demographics

White 64.4% vs 0%
Hispanic 11.1% vs 0%
Black 4.4% vs 0%
Zion Lutheran School Independence Public Avg

All Schools in Independence

School Rating
Zion Lutheran School (this school) 7.7
Independence Middle 5.9
Independence Sr High 5.6
BRIDGES Academy 5.3
Eisenhower Elem 7.1
Jefferson School 7.8

Demographics sourced from NCES Private School Survey (PSS) and Common Core of Data (CCD). Comparisons are based on enrollment-weighted averages.

Score Breakdown

What This Rating Measures

This rating reflects classroom size, instructional time, student diversity, community resources, and school characteristics. Private schools are ranked against other private schools in KS.

Classroom Attention
? Student-teacher ratio calibrated against other private schools. Lower ratios mean more individual attention. (30% of overall score)
A+ 9.7 / 10
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio 5.6:1
Instructional Commitment
? Total annual instructional hours based on school day length and days per year. (15% of overall score)
B+ 7.3 / 10
View breakdown
School Day Length 7.3 hours
Annual Instructional Hours 1,262.9
Diversity & Inclusion
? Racial and ethnic diversity of the student body using Simpson's diversity index. (20% of overall score)
A 9.2 / 10
View breakdown
Diversity Index 54%
Community Context

Data Unavailable

School Profile
? Enrollment size and grade span breadth — indicators of program depth and peer community. (15% of overall score)
C- 1.9 / 10
View breakdown
Enrollment 45
View data sources

Score basis: Private school model

Data coverage: 80% of scoring components had data

Components scored: 4 of 5

Ranking pool: Private schools in KS

Test Scores

Test score data not yet available for this school.

Student Demographics NCES PSS (SY 2021-22)

White 64.4%
Two or More 17.8%
Hispanic 11.1%
Black 4.4%
Pacific Islander 2.2%

Source: NCES Private School Survey (PSS)

Location

301 S 11TH ST, Independence, KS 67301

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Zion Lutheran School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Lincoln Central Elem (rated 8.9/10, 9.7 miles away, in nearby Cherryvale), which scores notably higher. Another option is Jefferson School (rated 7.8/10, 1.8 miles away), with a very similar rating. Additionally, Eisenhower Elem (rated 7.1/10, 1.5 miles away), with a comparable rating. For more schools in Independence, see our Independence schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 18.3 mi
School Distance Rating
Independence Middle Independence 0.5 mi 5.9
ST ANDREW CATHOLIC SCHOOL Independence 0.7 mi 5.5
Independence Sr High Independence 1.2 mi 5.6
Eisenhower Elem Independence 1.5 mi 7.1
INDEPENDENCE BIBLE SCHOOL Independence 1.6 mi 7.1
Jefferson School Independence 1.8 mi 7.8
BRIDGES Academy Independence 1.5 mi 5.3
Cherryvale Sr / Middle School Cherryvale 9.6 mi 6.1
Lincoln Central Elem Cherryvale 9.7 mi 8.9
Community Elementary Coffeyville 12.8 mi 6.9
Field Kindley High Coffeyville 13.4 mi 3.8
Coffeyville Virtual Program Coffeyville 13.4 mi 5.3
Roosevelt Middle Coffeyville 13.4 mi 5.2
Heller Elem Neodesha 14.0 mi 7.0
Neodesha High Neodesha 14.4 mi 7.0
North Lawn Elem Neodesha 14.7 mi 4.0
TYRO COMMUNITY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Tyro 14.2 mi 6.3
SOUTH COFFEYVILLE ES South Coffeyville 16.6 mi 3.5
SOUTH COFFEYVILLE HS South Coffeyville 16.6 mi 6.6
Caney Valley High Caney 18.3 mi 7.4

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

Community Profile

The community surrounding Zion Lutheran School has a median household income of $54,905. It is an area where 26% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $109,500, with a median rent of $798/month. The area has a poverty rate of 13.6%. Residents enjoy a short average commute of 18 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
SACRED HEART SCHOOL Emporia, KS 7.8
ST PAUL LUTHERAN SCHOOL Leavenworth, KS 7.6
Western Plains South Elem/Jr High Bazine, KS 7.6
Grinnell Grade School Grinnell, KS 7.5
HONEYTREE AND BRANCHES ACADEMY Wichita, KS 7.9
Pawnee Heights Primary School Rozel, KS 8.0

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Zion Lutheran School

What grades does Zion Lutheran School serve?

Zion Lutheran School serves students in grades Pre-K through 8th.

How many students attend Zion Lutheran School?

Zion Lutheran School has an enrollment of approximately 45 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Zion Lutheran School?

The student-teacher ratio at Zion Lutheran School is 5.6:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 11:1 for private schools.

How does Zion Lutheran School rank in KS?

Zion Lutheran School is ranked #18 out of 142 private schools in KS.

What is Zion Lutheran School's MySchoolScout rating?

Zion Lutheran School has a composite rating of 7.7 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.

Is Zion Lutheran School a private school?

Yes, Zion Lutheran School is a private coeducational school with a Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod affiliation. Private schools are not required to participate in state standardized testing, so academic performance data may be limited compared to public schools.

Is Zion Lutheran School a religious school?

Zion Lutheran School has a Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod religious affiliation.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
70 Very Walkable
Bike Score
45 Somewhat Bikeable
City Safety
High (4,128/100K)

Powered by Walk Score

FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Independence). Data >1 year old.

Quick Facts NCES PSS (SY 2021-22)

Grades
Pre-K – 8th
Enrollment
45
Gender Split
82% M / 18% F
Student-Teacher Ratio
5.6:1
Teachers (FTE)
8
Type
private
Coed Status
coed
Affiliation
Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod
School Day
7.3 hours
Days Per Year
173 days
Setting
Remote Town
County
MONTGOMERY
Data Year
2022–2023

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 methodology

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