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Average

#1745 of 2,216 schools in MO

Sunshine Center

School · INDEPENDENCE 30

18400 EAST SALISBURY ROAD, Independence, MO 64056

Estimated Score

Estimated academic score. This school does not have standardized test data. Based on 33 schools in INDEPENDENCE. Learn more

Enrollment

96

Score

5.1

Grades

Pre-K – Pre-K

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Independence

#19 of 35

public schools

In district

#13 of 28

INDEPENDENCE 30

About Sunshine Center

Sunshine Center is a regular public school located in Independence, Missouri, in Jackson County. Situated at 18400 East Salisbury Road, the school serves preschool-aged children exclusively from PK through PK. With an enrollment of 96 students, Sunshine Center offers a close-knit community feel where each child receives individual attention.

While specific teacher numbers and student-teacher ratios are not available, the school's small size suggests a personalized learning environment focused on early childhood development. Sunshine Center does not report test scores or academic ratings, indicating that its focus may be more on foundational skills and social-emotional growth during these critical early years rather than standardized testing. The setting of Sunshine Center is in a large suburban area with easy access to local amenities and parks.

This location provides a safe and nurturing environment for young learners to explore and develop their first educational experiences.

What Parents Should Know

With an enrollment of 96 students, Sunshine Center 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.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student ProgressNot Available

Requires 2+ years of test data

Academics5.9Average29%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.·Area estimate · Based on 33 schools in INDEPENDENCE
College Readiness7.2Very Good43%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment1.3Significantly Below Average29%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Per-Pupil Spending$11,956

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

46.9%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Component weights adjusted due to data availability.

Test Scores

Test score data not yet available for this school.

How Sunshine Center Compares

See how Sunshine Center performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
5.1/10
21th percentile in MO
Academic
5.9/10
5.9/10
Environment
1.3/10
Below average

Location

18400 EAST SALISBURY ROAD, Independence, MO 64056

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Sunshine Center may also want to explore other schools in the area. WILLIAM YATES ELEM. (rated 8.4/10, 3.8 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is CLER-MONT ELEM. (rated 7.6/10, 0.8 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, EARLY CHILDHOOD CTR. (rated 7.0/10, 1.5 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Independence, see our Independence schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 3.5 mi
School Distance Rating
RANDALL ELEM. Independence 0.7 mi 5.8
CLER-MONT ELEM. Independence 0.8 mi 7.6
PIONEER RIDGE MIDDLE Independence 1.4 mi 3.8
ELM GROVE ELEM. Independence 1.5 mi 2.9
EARLY CHILDHOOD CTR. Independence 1.5 mi 7.0
BINGHAM MIDDLE Independence 1.6 mi 4.1
BRIDGER MIDDLE Independence 1.9 mi 6.5
SPRING BRANCH ELEM. Independence 1.7 mi 4.3
BLACKBURN ELEM. Independence 2.4 mi 4.6
LITTLE BLUE ELEMENTARY Independence 2.2 mi 6.8
BLUE HILLS ELEM. Independence 2.4 mi 5.3
GLENDALE ELEM. Independence 2.8 mi 6.7
THOMAS HART BENTON ELEM. Independence 2.7 mi 5.4
OTT ELEM. Independence 2.6 mi 5.4
HANTHORN EARLY EDUCATION Independence 3.0 mi
WILLIAM CHRISMAN HIGH Independence 2.7 mi 4.0
MILL CREEK ELEM. Independence 3.1 mi 6.8
WILLIAM YATES ELEM. Independence 3.8 mi 8.4
BRYANT ELEM. Independence 3.5 mi 3.9
CENTER PLACE RESTORATION SCHOOL Independence 3.5 mi 6.8

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 64056 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$68,696

Median Home Value

$176,400

Median Rent

$1,290/mo

Population

17,608

College Educated

19.6%

Homeownership

62.2%

Avg Commute

26.5 min

Poverty Rate

18.8%

Median Age

32.2

Community Profile

The community surrounding Sunshine Center has a median household income of $68,696. It is a community where 20% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $176,400, with a median rent of $1,290/month. The area has a poverty rate of 18.8%. The average commute for residents is 27 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Sunshine Center

What grades does Sunshine Center serve?

Sunshine Center serves students in grades Pre-K through Pre-K.

How many students attend Sunshine Center?

Sunshine Center has an enrollment of approximately 96 students.

How does Sunshine Center rank in MO?

Sunshine Center is ranked #1745 out of 2,216 schools in MO.

What is Sunshine Center's MySchoolScout rating?

Sunshine Center has a composite rating of 5.1 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 Sunshine Center a charter school?

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

Is Sunshine Center a Title I school?

No, Sunshine Center is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Sunshine Center?

46.9% of students at Sunshine Center 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

City Safety
High (4,110/100K)

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

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Pre-K – Pre-K
Enrollment
96
0
Free/Reduced Lunch
46.9%
Type
regular
Setting
Large Suburb
County
Jackson County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

INDEPENDENCE 30
District Enrollment
14,168
Schools in District
31
Per-Pupil Spending
$12,302
District Rank
#13 of 28

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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