Average
#2485 of 3,440 schools in OH
Independence High School
High School · Columbus City Schools District
5175 Refugee Rd, Columbus, OH 43232
Enrollment
676
Student-Teacher
16.5:1
Score
5.3
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
676
Student-Teacher
16.5:1
Score
5.3
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Columbus
#101 of 224
public schools
Ohio high schools
#740 of 886
In district
#46 of 114
Columbus City Schools District
School environment
8.6 / 10
Exceptional
About Independence High School
Independence High School is a regular public high school located in Columbus, Ohio's Franklin County. The school serves students from ninth through twelfth grade with an enrollment of 676 students and a student-teacher ratio of 16.5:1. Independence High has 41 full-time equivalent teachers dedicated to supporting its diverse range of learners.
The academic performance at Independence High School shows room for improvement, according to the MySchoolScout rating of 3.3 out of 10 and a state ranking of #3272 out of 3468 schools in Ohio, placing it in the 6th percentile. In terms of subject proficiency, only 16% of students are proficient or above in English Language Arts/Reading, while just 4% meet proficiency standards in math. Despite these challenges, Independence High School continues to focus on student development and provides a supportive environment for its community of learners.
The school is situated in the heart of a large city, offering students access to urban resources and experiences.
What Parents Should Know
While current test scores at Independence High School are below average, the school shows strong growth metrics — meaning students are making above-average progress year over year. This upward trajectory can be a positive indicator for families who value a school's ability to help students improve, even if absolute scores haven't caught up yet.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 4/4 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Independence High School — Students at Independence High School score 7% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 44%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
0.3%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores OH EDFACTS (2020-21)
Based on 4 test records from OH state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* 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: 8.3/10.
How Independence High School Compares
See how Independence High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 6% (2019) to 2.5% (2021). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 19% (2019) to 12% (2021).
Location
5175 Refugee Rd, Columbus, OH 43232
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Independence High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Capital City Career Prep High School (rated 6.9/10, 1.4 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Focus Learning Academy of Southeastern Columbus (rated 5.6/10, 1.2 miles away), with a very similar rating. Additionally, Walnut Ridge High School (rated 5.2/10, 1.8 miles away), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Columbus, see our Columbus schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 1.7 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Liberty Elementary School Columbus | 0.1 mi | 3.5 |
| Dunloe Elementary School Columbus | 0.6 mi | 2.4 |
| Groveport Madison Middle School North Columbus | 1.0 mi | 4.3 |
| Sedalia Elementary Columbus | 1.0 mi | 3.9 |
| Asbury Elementary School Columbus | 1.4 mi | 2.9 |
| Oakmont Elementary School Columbus | 1.5 mi | 3.7 |
| Focus Learning Academy of Southeastern Columbus Columbus | 1.2 mi | 5.6 |
| Woodcrest Elementary School Columbus | 1.6 mi | 3.9 |
| Arts & College Preparatory Academy Columbus | 1.5 mi | 3.9 |
| Performance Academy Eastland Columbus | 1.4 mi | 4.9 |
| Madison Elementary School Columbus | 1.4 mi | 5.9 |
| Capital City Career Prep High School Columbus | 1.4 mi | 6.9 |
| Yorktown Middle School Columbus | 1.8 mi | 6.9 |
| Walnut Ridge High School Columbus | 1.8 mi | 5.2 |
| Columbus Online Academy Columbus | 1.8 mi | — |
| Eastland Preparatory Academy Columbus | 1.5 mi | 5.9 |
| Zenith Academy East Columbus | 1.6 mi | 2.9 |
| Shady Lane Elementary School Columbus | 2.0 mi | 3.8 |
| Patriot Preparatory Academy Columbus | 2.1 mi | 5.4 |
| Columbus Arts & Technology Academy Columbus | 1.7 mi | 4.5 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 43232 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$50,599
Median Home Value
$152,700
Median Rent
$1,048/mo
Population
46,844
College Educated
17.6%
Homeownership
38.9%
Avg Commute
22.2 min
Poverty Rate
18.6%
Median Age
33.4
Community Profile
The community surrounding Independence High School has a median household income of $50,599. It is a community where 18% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $152,700, with a median rent of $1,048/month. The area has a poverty rate of 18.6%. The average commute for residents is 22 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 |
|---|---|
| Buckeye Community School Ontario, OH | 5.3 |
| Elida High School Elida, OH | 5.3 |
| Harrison Central Jr./Sr. High School Cadiz, OH | 5.3 |
| Mifflin High School Columbus, OH | 5.3 |
| Mineral Ridge High School Mineral Ridge, OH | 5.3 |
| Mt Healthy High School Cincinnati, OH | 5.3 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Independence High School
What grades does Independence High School serve?
Independence High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend Independence High School?
Independence High School has an enrollment of approximately 676 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Independence High School?
The student-teacher ratio at Independence High School is 16.5:1. 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 OH?
Independence High School is ranked #2485 out of 3,440 schools in OH.
What is Independence High School's MySchoolScout rating?
Independence High School has a composite rating of 5.3 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.
What are the test scores at Independence High School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Independence High School has 4.3% math proficiency and 15.5% reading/ELA proficiency.
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.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
- City Safety
- High (3,090/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Columbus). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 676
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 16.5:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 41
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large City
- County
- Franklin County
- Phone
- (614) 365-5372
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Columbus City Schools District- District Enrollment
- 45,181
- Schools in District
- 116
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $22,308
- District Rank
- #46 of 114
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 methodologyRelated reading
- Best Schools in Columbus, OH — 2026 Rankingsbest schools
- Best Schools in Akron, OH — 2026 Rankingsbest schools
- Best States for Public Schools in 2026: A Complete Rankingdata insights
- Charter Schools vs Public Schools: What the Data Actually Shows (2026)school choice
- Moving for Schools: How to Find the Best Schools Before You Relocateguides
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.