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Needs Improvement

#1239 of 1,288 schools in LA

Independence Leadership Academy

Elementary School · Tangipahoa Parish

221 Tiger Avenue, Independence, LA 70443

Enrollment

582

Student-Teacher

18.2:1

Score

3.5

Grades

Pre-K – 6th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Louisiana schools

#1,239 of 1,288

In Independence

#2 of 2

public schools

In district

#31 of 32

Tangipahoa Parish

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Independence Leadership Academy

3.5/10

Elementary School in Independence · grades Pre-K – 6th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Independence High Magnet

4.3/10

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

Mater Dolorosa Catholic School

6.7/10

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

About Independence Leadership Academy

Independence Leadership Academy is a public elementary school in Independence, LA, part of Tangipahoa Parish. Independence Leadership Academy serves approximately 582 students, and covers grades Pre-K-6th, and has a 18.2:1 student-teacher ratio. Independence Leadership Academy has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.5 out of 10 and ranks #1,239 of 1,288 schools in LA.

Structured state assessment records for Independence Leadership Academy show 38% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 44% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it compares1.8 pts below district
  • This school 3.5 · Needs Improvement
  • District avg 5.3
  • LA avg 6.3

What Parents Should Know

Independence Leadership Academy sits in a rural area, which can mean longer drives for some families. Rural schools are often community anchors with smaller classes, but check transportation, after-school options, and access to specialized services before you commit.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress3.8Needs Improvement50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change-3.06 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics3.4Needs Improvement30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency10.2% (2025 LEAP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency18.8% (2025 LEAP)
Math vs. State Avg-25.8 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-24.1 pts
Overall Proficiency15% (2025 LEAP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)27% (model expectation from 2025 LEAP)
vs. Expected-12.7 pts
Adjusted Percentile15th
Resources & Environment3.1Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio18.2:1
Per-Pupil Spending$12,808
Chronic Absenteeism21.8%

Independence Leadership Academy — Students at Independence Leadership Academy score 14% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 27%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

84.5%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores LA LEAP (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 38.1% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
35.4% (2025 LEAP)
ELA Proficiency 43.8% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
42.5% (2025 LEAP)

Based on 44 test records from LA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2009
Math
52%
ELA
47%
2010
Math
62%
ELA
62%
2011
Math
67%
ELA
62%
2012
Math
57%
ELA
67%
2013
Math
52%
ELA
52%
2014
Math
57%
ELA
67%
2015
Math
77%
ELA
67%
2016
Math
42%
ELA
63%
2017
Math
44%
ELA
61%
2018
Math
47%
ELA
52%
2019
Math
47%
ELA
52%
2020*
Math
12%
ELA
17%
2021*
Math
12%
ELA
17%
2022
Math
17%
ELA
27%
2025
Math
10.3%
ELA
18.8%

* 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: 3.8/10.

How Independence Leadership Academy Compares

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

Overall Score
3.5/10
4th percentile in LA
Academic
3.4/10
Needs Improvement
Growth
3.8/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
3.1/10
Needs Improvement

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
85%
Teaching Staff
18:1 student-teacher ratio
32 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
21.8%

Location

221 Tiger Avenue, Independence, LA 70443

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Independence Leadership Academy may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Hammond Westside Montessori (rated 7.7/10, 10.4 miles away, in nearby Hammond), which scores notably higher. Another option is Roseland Montessori (rated 7.4/10, 9.1 miles away, in nearby Roseland), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Southeastern LA University Lab School (rated 7.0/10, 8.3 miles away, in nearby Hammond), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Independence, see our Independence schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 10.4 mi
School Distance Rating
Independence High Magnet Independence 0.1 mi 4.3
MATER DOLOROSA CATHOLIC SCHOOL Independence 0.5 mi 6.7
Lucille Nesom Memorial Tickfaw 4.0 mi 5.6
Midway Elementary School Tickfaw 5.4 mi 3.6
Amite High Magnet Amite 6.0 mi 5.4
Amite Elementary Magnet School Amite 6.1 mi 5.1
Natalbany Middle Tickfaw 6.4 mi 5.1
Amite Westside Middle Magnet Amite 6.4 mi 5.7
Loranger Middle School Loranger 5.7 mi 4.9
Loranger High School Loranger 5.7 mi 3.9
Loranger Elementary School Loranger 5.8 mi 4.5
TRAFTON ACADEMY AT HAMMOND Hammond 6.6 mi 6.6
OAK FOREST ACADEMY Amite 7.0 mi 5.2
ST THOMAS AQUINAS REGIONAL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL Hammond 7.3 mi 6.1
Southeastern LA University Lab School Hammond 8.3 mi 7.0
HOLY GHOST SCHOOL Hammond 9.0 mi 5.7
Roseland Montessori Roseland 9.1 mi 7.4
Greenville Park Leadership Academy Hammond 9.6 mi 3.9
Woodland Park Magnet Hammond 10.0 mi 3.5
Hammond Westside Montessori Hammond 10.4 mi 7.7

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 70443 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$59,333

Median Home Value

$145,700

Median Rent

$953/mo

Population

8,359

College Educated

17.7%

Homeownership

77.4%

Poverty Rate

21.7%

Median Age

37

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
J. S. Clark Elementary School Shreveport, LA 3.5
Winnsboro Elementary School Winnsboro, LA 3.5
Woodland Park Magnet Hammond, LA 3.5
Arlene Meraux Elementary School Chalmette, LA 3.6
Delta Elementary School Mer Rouge, LA 3.4
Fannie C. Williams Charter School New Orleans, LA 3.4

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Independence Leadership Academy

What grades does Independence Leadership Academy serve?

Independence Leadership Academy serves students in grades Pre-K through 6th.

How many students attend Independence Leadership Academy?

Independence Leadership Academy has an enrollment of approximately 582 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Independence Leadership Academy?

The student-teacher ratio at Independence Leadership Academy is 18.2:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Independence Leadership Academy rank in LA?

Independence Leadership Academy ranks #1,239 of 1,288 schools in LA.

What is Independence Leadership Academy's MySchoolScout rating?

Independence Leadership Academy has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.5 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 Leadership Academy?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Independence Leadership Academy has 38% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 44% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

Is Independence Leadership Academy a charter school?

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

Is Independence Leadership Academy a Title I school?

No, Independence Leadership Academy is not currently a Title I school.

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

84.5% of students at Independence Leadership Academy 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
47 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
49 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Pre-K – 6th
Enrollment
582
Student-Teacher Ratio
18.2:1
Teachers (FTE)
32
Free/Reduced Lunch
84.5%
Type
regular
Setting
Fringe Rural
County
Tangipahoa Parish
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
21.8%

District

Tangipahoa Parish
District Enrollment
20,513
Schools in District
33
Per-Pupil Spending
$12,808
District Rank
#31 of 32

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