Below Average
#1603 of 1,850 schools in VA
Independence Elementary
Elementary School · Grayson County Public Schools
PO Box 429, Independence, VA 24348
Enrollment
301
Student-Teacher
13.7:1
Score
4.2
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Enrollment
301
Student-Teacher
13.7:1
Score
4.2
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Independence
#3 of 3
public schools
Virginia elementary schools
#918 of 1,147
In district
#6 of 6
Grayson County Public Schools
About Independence Elementary
Independence Elementary, nestled in the remote rural setting of Independence, Virginia, is a regular public school serving students from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade. With an enrollment of 301 students and a student-to-teacher ratio of 13.7:1, the school provides personalized attention to help each child thrive academically and socially. The dedicated team of teachers works hard to support every student's learning journey.
According to MySchoolScout’s rating system, Independence Elementary scores a 4.0 out of 10 overall, with its academic performance placing it in the 24th percentile among Virginia schools. In terms of standardized tests, 69% of students are proficient or above in ELA/Reading and 72% in Math, indicating areas for growth but also highlighting strengths in certain subjects. While Independence Elementary faces challenges, it remains committed to fostering a nurturing environment that encourages learning and development.
The school’s location in Grayson County offers students the unique opportunity to experience rural life while still receiving quality education.
What Parents Should Know
Located in a rural area, Independence Elementary may involve longer commutes for some families. Rural schools often serve as community anchors and may have smaller class sizes, but parents should consider transportation logistics, after-school program availability, and access to specialized services.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
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Data not available for this school
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Independence Elementary — Students at Independence Elementary score 68% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 69%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
92%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores VA SOL (2024-25)
Based on 12 test records from VA 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: 2.6/10.
How Independence Elementary Compares
See how Independence Elementary performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 92% (2019) to 70% (2025). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 77% (2019) to 65% (2025).
Location
PO Box 429, Independence, VA 24348
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Independence Elementary may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Fairview Elementary (rated 8.2/10, 12.8 miles away, in nearby Galax), which scores notably higher. Another option is Traphill Elementary School (rated 7.9/10, 20.0 miles away, in nearby Traphill), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Grayson Highlands (rated 7.6/10, 15.1 miles away, in nearby Troutdale), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Independence, see our Independence schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 20.2 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Independence Middle Independence | 0.5 mi | 6.9 |
| Grayson County High Independence | 0.6 mi | 6.8 |
| Alleghany High Sparta | 7.6 mi | 7.8 |
| Sparta Elementary Sparta | 7.9 mi | 5.2 |
| Piney Creek Elementary Piney Creek | 10.6 mi | 6.3 |
| Fries Elementary Fries | 11.0 mi | 5.9 |
| Speedwell Elementary Wytheville | 13.5 mi | 6.1 |
| Glade Creek Elementary Ennice | 12.2 mi | 4.7 |
| OAK HILL ACADEMY Mouth Of Wilson | 11.3 mi | 8.2 |
| Galax Middle Galax | 11.9 mi | 6.2 |
| Galax Elementary Galax | 12.0 mi | 4.3 |
| Galax High Galax | 12.0 mi | 8.0 |
| Fairview Elementary Galax | 12.8 mi | 8.2 |
| Gladeville Elementary Galax | 15.3 mi | 5.3 |
| Grayson Highlands Troutdale | 15.1 mi | 7.6 |
| Traphill Elementary School Traphill | 20.0 mi | 7.9 |
| Oakland Elementary Galax | 16.6 mi | 6.0 |
| Sheffey Elementary Wytheville | 19.9 mi | 6.3 |
| Rural Retreat High Rural Retreat | 20.2 mi | 8.0 |
| Rural Retreat Middle Rural Retreat | 20.2 mi | 5.8 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 24348 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$42,408
Median Home Value
$146,200
Median Rent
$621/mo
Population
5,095
College Educated
13.6%
Homeownership
71.1%
Avg Commute
20.4 min
Poverty Rate
19.7%
Median Age
47
Community Profile
The community surrounding Independence Elementary has a median household income of $42,408. It is a community where 14% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $146,200, with a median rent of $621/month. The area has a poverty rate of 19.7%. The average commute for residents is 20 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 |
|---|---|
| Chincoteague Elementary Chincoteague, VA | 4.2 |
| Montvale Elementary Montvale, VA | 4.2 |
| Stuart Elementary Stuart, VA | 4.2 |
| Booker T. Washington Elementary Suffolk, VA | 4.3 |
| Council Elementary/Middle Honaker, VA | 4.3 |
| River Bend Elementary Elkton, VA | 4.3 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Independence Elementary
What grades does Independence Elementary serve?
Independence Elementary serves students in grades Pre-K through 5th.
How many students attend Independence Elementary?
Independence Elementary has an enrollment of approximately 301 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Independence Elementary?
The student-teacher ratio at Independence Elementary is 13.7:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Independence Elementary rank in VA?
Independence Elementary is ranked #1603 out of 1,850 schools in VA.
What is Independence Elementary's MySchoolScout rating?
Independence Elementary has a composite rating of 4.2 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 Elementary?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Independence Elementary has 72.3% math proficiency and 69.0% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Independence Elementary a charter school?
No, Independence Elementary is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Independence Elementary a Title I school?
No, Independence Elementary is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Independence Elementary?
92.0% of students at Independence Elementary qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Neighborhood Context
- City Safety
- High (2,985/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Independence). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 5th
- Enrollment
- 301
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 13.7:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 22
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 92.0%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Remote Rural
- County
- Grayson County
- Phone
- (276) 773-2722
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Grayson County Public Schools- District Enrollment
- 1,576
- Schools in District
- 7
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $16,370
- District Rank
- #6 of 6
Other Schools in This District
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
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