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#527 of 863 schools in MS

Independence High School

High School · TATE CO SCHOOL DIST

P. O. Box 159, Independence, MS 38638

Enrollment

539

Student-Teacher

16.3:1

Score

6.0

Grades

7th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Mississippi schools

#527 of 863

In district

#3 of 5

TATE CO SCHOOL DIST

Academic performance

7.6 / 10

Very Good

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Independence High School

6.0/10

High School in Independence · grades 7th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

East Tate Elementary School

6.2/10

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

Lewisburg Middle

6.3/10

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

About Independence High School

Independence High School is a public high school in Independence, MS, part of TATE CO SCHOOL DIST. Independence High School serves approximately 539 students, and covers grades 7th-12th, and has a 16.3:1 student-teacher ratio. Independence High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.0 out of 10 and ranks #527 of 863 schools in MS.

Structured state assessment records for Independence High School show 48% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 34% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it compares0.3 pts above district
  • This school 6.0 · Average
  • District avg 5.7
  • MS avg 6.0

What Parents Should Know

Independence High School 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.

33% of students at Independence High School 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 · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress5.2Average25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data16
Annual Change-1.49 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics7.6Very Good25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency71.1% (2025 MAAP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency43.8% (2025 MAAP)
Math vs. State Avg+15.3 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+6.5 pts
Overall Proficiency57% (2025 MAAP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)54% (model expectation from 2025 MAAP)
vs. Expected+3.5 pts
Adjusted Percentile64th
College Readiness7.8Very Good30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate77%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment2.4Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio16.3:1
Per-Pupil Spending$11,208
Chronic Absenteeism33.4%

Independence High School — Students at Independence High School score 57% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 54%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

72.5%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores MS MAAP (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 47.6% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
56.8% (2025 MAAP)
ELA Proficiency 33.5% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
42.8% (2025 MAAP)

Based on 37 test records from MS state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

→ Stable

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

2009
Math
67%
ELA
52%
2010
Math
68%
ELA
43%
2011
Math
59%
ELA
44%
2012
Math
59%
ELA
53%
2013
Math
63%
ELA
53%
2014
Math
14%
ELA
27%
2015
Math
32%
ELA
27%
2016
Math
52%
ELA
27%
2017
Math
42%
ELA
32%
2018
Math
38%
ELA
19%
2019
Math
38%
ELA
19%
2020*
Math
32%
ELA
20%
2021*
Math
32%
ELA
20%
2022
Math
49%
ELA
33%
2025
Math
54.6%
ELA
33.5%

* 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: 5.2/10.

How Independence High School Compares

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

Overall Score
6.0/10
39th percentile in MS
Academic
7.6/10
Very Good
Growth
5.2/10
Average
Environment
2.4/10
Needs Improvement
Sports
11
6 boys' · 5 girls'
Advanced STEM
1/5
Subjects offered

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
73%
Teaching Staff
16:1 student-teacher ratio
33 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
33.4%

Programs & Offerings

Athletics11sports offered
6 boys'·5 girls'·11 teams (incl. JV)·CRDC 2021-22
Advanced STEM Courses1 of 5 advanced subjects offered
Algebra II, Advanced Math, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics·CRDC 2021-22

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

Location

P. O. Box 159, Independence, MS 38638

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Independence High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. BYHALIA HIGH SCHOOL (9-12) (rated 7.0/10, 16.3 miles away, in nearby Byhalia), which scores slightly higher. Another option is HERNANDO HIGH SCHOOL (rated 6.7/10, 14.6 miles away, in nearby Hernando), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, LEWISBURG HIGH SCHOOL (rated 6.3/10, 14.7 miles away, in nearby Olive Branch), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Independence, see our Independence schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 16.3 mi
School Distance Rating
EAST TATE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Coldwater 1.0 mi 6.2
LEWISBURG MIDDLE Hernando 10.8 mi 6.3
SENATOBIA HIGH SCHOOL Senatobia 9.4 mi 5.5
SENATOBIA MIDDLE SCHOOL Senatobia 9.4 mi 4.4
SENATOBIA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Senatobia 10.0 mi 8.4
MAGNOLIA HEIGHTS SCHOOL Senatobia 10.2 mi 5.3
COLDWATER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Coldwater 10.1 mi 7.2
COMO PRIMARY Como 12.5 mi 3.3
NORTH PANOLA MIDDLE SCHOOL Como 12.6 mi 4.8
LEWISBURG PRIMARY Olive Branch 14.3 mi 6.7
LEWISBURG ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Olive Branch 14.4 mi 7.1
LEWISBURG INTERMEDIATE Olive Branch 14.5 mi 8.2
LEWISBURG HIGH SCHOOL Olive Branch 14.7 mi 6.3
HERNANDO HIGH SCHOOL Hernando 14.6 mi 6.7
HERNANDO MIDDLE SCHOOL Hernando 14.9 mi 6.6
HERNANDO ELEM Hernando 14.9 mi 6.2
GALENA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (K-7) Holly Springs 13.6 mi 5.8
BYHALIA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (K-4) Byhalia 16.1 mi 5.5
BYHALIA MIDDLE SCHOOL (5-8) Byhalia 16.1 mi 4.1
BYHALIA HIGH SCHOOL (9-12) Byhalia 16.3 mi 7.0

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
PONTOTOC HIGH SCHOOL Pontotoc, MS 6.0
RALEIGH HIGH SCHOOL Raleigh, MS 6.0
CALHOUN CITY HIGH SCHOOL Calhoun City, MS 6.1
HUMPHREYS COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL Belzoni, MS 5.9
J Z GEORGE HIGH SCHOOL North Carrollton, MS 6.1
NEW ALBANY HIGH SCHOOL New Albany, MS 5.9

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Independence High School

What grades does Independence High School serve?

Independence High School serves students in grades 7th through 12th.

How many students attend Independence High School?

Independence High School has an enrollment of approximately 539 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Independence High School?

The student-teacher ratio at Independence High School is 16.3:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Independence High School rank in MS?

Independence High School ranks #527 of 863 schools in MS.

What is Independence High School's MySchoolScout rating?

Independence High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.0 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 High School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Independence High School has 48% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 34% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

Is Independence High School a charter school?

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

Is Independence High School a Title I school?

No, Independence High School is not currently a Title I school.

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

72.5% of students at Independence High School 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
3 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
24 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
7th – 12th
Enrollment
539
Student-Teacher Ratio
16.3:1
Teachers (FTE)
33
Free/Reduced Lunch
72.5%
Type
regular
Setting
Distant Rural
County
Tate County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
33.4%
4-Year Graduation
77.0%

District

TATE CO SCHOOL DIST
District Enrollment
2,060
Schools in District
6
Per-Pupil Spending
$11,208
District Rank
#3 of 5

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