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Average

#1592 of 2,846 schools in PA

Independence Cs

Elementary School · Independence CS

1600 Lombard Street, Philadelphia, PA 19146

Charter

Enrollment

794

Student-Teacher

12.6:1

Score

6.0

Grades

Kindergarten – 8th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Pennsylvania schools

#1,592 of 2,846

In Philadelphia

#60 of 300

public schools

School environment

7.9 / 10

Very Good

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Independence Cs

6.0/10

Elementary School in Philadelphia · grades Kindergarten – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

The City School

7.7/10

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

Universal Institute Cs

3.0/10

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

About Independence Cs

Independence Cs is a public elementary school in Philadelphia, PA, part of Independence CS. Independence Cs serves approximately 794 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-8th, and has a 12.6:1 student-teacher ratio. Independence Cs has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.0 out of 10 and ranks #1,592 of 2,846 schools in PA.

Structured state assessment records for Independence Cs show 48% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 58% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it compares0.4 pts below PA schools
  • This school 6.0 · Average
  • PA avg 6.4

What Parents Should Know

Independence Cs is a charter school: publicly funded, but run with more independence than a traditional district school. Many charters are built around a specific model or focus, so it's worth understanding this one's mission, how enrollment works, and how it differs from the district schools nearby.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress4.9Below Average50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change-2.59 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics6.7Average30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency38.9% (2024 PSSA)
Reading/ELA Proficiency46.8% (2024 PSSA)
Math vs. State Avg-12.6 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-9 pts
Overall Proficiency43% (2024 PSSA, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)33% (model expectation from 2024 PSSA)
vs. Expected+9.5 pts
Adjusted Percentile52th
Resources & Environment7.9Very Good20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio12.6:1
Per-Pupil Spending$18,985
Chronic Absenteeism19%

Independence Cs — Students at Independence Cs score 43% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 33%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

99.9%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores PA PSSA (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 48.3% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
40.7% (2024 PSSA)
ELA Proficiency 57.6% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
53.3% (2024 PSSA)

Based on 42 test records from PA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2009
Math
81%
ELA
74%
2010
Math
78%
ELA
69%
2011
Math
77%
ELA
72%
2012
Math
75%
ELA
69%
2013
Math
74%
ELA
69%
2014
Math
40%
ELA
60%
2015
Math
46%
ELA
62%
2016
Math
45%
ELA
64%
2017
Math
48%
ELA
66%
2018
Math
46%
ELA
65%
2019
Math
46%
ELA
65%
2020*
Math
27%
ELA
48%
2021*
Math
27%
ELA
48%
2022
Math
33.8%
ELA
51.1%
2024
Math
38.6%
ELA
46.8%

* 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: 4.9/10.

How Independence Cs Compares

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

Overall Score
6.0/10
44th percentile in PA
Academic
6.7/10
Average
Growth
4.9/10
Below Average
Environment
7.9/10
Very Good

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
100%
Teaching Staff
13:1 student-teacher ratio
63 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
19.0%

Location

1600 Lombard Street, Philadelphia, PA 19146

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Independence Cs may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Greenfield Albert M Sch (rated 9.1/10, 0.7 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is McCall Gen George A Sch (rated 8.9/10, 0.9 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Marian Anderson Neighborhood Academy (rated 8.7/10, 0.4 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Philadelphia, see our Philadelphia schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 1.0 mi
School Distance Rating
THE CITY SCHOOL Philadelphia 0.1 mi 7.7
Universal Institute CS Philadelphia 0.3 mi 3.0
Stanton Edwin M Sch Philadelphia 0.3 mi 4.6
Creative and Performing Arts Philadelphia 0.4 mi 7.5
Marian Anderson Neighborhood Academy Philadelphia 0.4 mi 8.7
Academy at Palumbo Philadelphia 0.5 mi 8.3
Freire CS Philadelphia 0.6 mi 3.8
PHILLY AGILE LEARNING COMMUNITY SCHOOL Philadelphia 0.7 mi
Russell Byers CS Philadelphia 0.8 mi 2.1
Christopher Columbus CS Philadelphia 0.8 mi 7.2
Greenfield Albert M Sch Philadelphia 0.7 mi 9.1
Philadelphia Electrical & Technology CHS Philadelphia 0.8 mi 3.7
Fanny Jackson Coppin Sch Philadelphia 0.8 mi 7.9
CLEMENTINE MONTESSORI Philadelphia 0.8 mi
GREENE TOWNE MONTESSORI SCHOOL Philadelphia 0.8 mi
THE PHILADELPHIA SCHOOL Philadelphia 0.7 mi 7.5
Childs George W Sch Philadelphia 0.9 mi 3.6
McCall Gen George A Sch Philadelphia 0.9 mi 8.9
THE BRIDGE WAY SCHOOL Philadelphia 1.0 mi
Nebinger George W Sch Philadelphia 1.0 mi 7.8

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 19146 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$99,702

Median Home Value

$452,200

Median Rent

$1,708/mo

Population

40,845

College Educated

64.9%

Homeownership

52.5%

Avg Commute

28.6 min

Poverty Rate

13.5%

Median Age

33.2

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Bethlehem-Center El Sch Fredericktown, PA 6.0
Mastery Prep Elementary CS Philadelphia, PA 6.0
South St Marys Street El Sch Saint Marys, PA 6.0
Taggart John H Sch Philadelphia, PA 6.0
Bon Air El Sch Lower Burrell, PA 6.1
Brigadier General Anna Mae Hays El Sch Allentown, PA 6.1

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Independence Cs

What grades does Independence Cs serve?

Independence Cs serves students in grades Kindergarten through 8th.

How many students attend Independence Cs?

Independence Cs has an enrollment of approximately 794 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Independence Cs?

The student-teacher ratio at Independence Cs is 12.6:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Independence Cs rank in PA?

Independence Cs ranks #1,592 of 2,846 schools in PA.

What is Independence Cs's MySchoolScout rating?

Independence Cs 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 Cs?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Independence Cs has 48% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 58% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

Is Independence Cs a charter school?

Yes, Independence Cs is a charter school. Charter schools are publicly funded but independently operated, often with more flexibility in curriculum and teaching methods.

Is Independence Cs a Title I school?

No, Independence Cs is not currently a Title I school.

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

99.9% of students at Independence Cs 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
99 Walker's Paradise
Transit Score
100 Rider’s Paradise
Bike Score
89 Very Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Kindergarten – 8th
Enrollment
794
Student-Teacher Ratio
12.6:1
Teachers (FTE)
63
Free/Reduced Lunch
99.9%
Type
regular
Setting
Large City
County
Philadelphia County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
19.0%

District

Independence CS
District Enrollment
800
Schools in District
1
Per-Pupil Spending
$18,985
District Rank
#1 of 1

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