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Very Good

#404 of 1,851 schools in VA

Top 22% in state

Independence Elementary

Elementary School · Grayson County Public Schools

PO Box 429, Independence, VA 24348

Enrollment

301

Student-Teacher

13.7:1

Score

7.8

Grades

Pre-K – 5th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Virginia schools

#404 of 1,851

In Independence

#2 of 3

public schools

In district

#5 of 6

Grayson County Public Schools

School environment

8.9 / 10

Excellent

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Independence Elementary

7.8/10

Elementary School in Independence · grades Pre-K – 5th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Independence Middle

7.4/10

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

Grayson County High

9.3/10

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

About Independence Elementary

Independence Elementary is a public elementary school in Independence, VA, part of Grayson County Public Schools. Independence Elementary serves approximately 301 students, and covers grades Pre-K-5th, and has a 13.7:1 student-teacher ratio. Independence Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.8 out of 10 and ranks #404 of 1,851 schools in VA.

Structured state assessment records for Independence Elementary show 75% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 76% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it compares1.2 pts below district
  • This school 7.8 · Very Good
  • District avg 9.0
  • VA avg 6.2

What Parents Should Know

Independence Elementary 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.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress8.4Excellent50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data14
Annual Change-0.32 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendStable
Academics5.9Average30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency70% (2025 SOL)
Reading/ELA Proficiency65% (2025 SOL)
Math vs. State Avg-3.2 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-10.7 pts
Overall Proficiency68% (2025 SOL, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)65% (model expectation from 2025 SOL)
vs. Expected+2.1 pts
Adjusted Percentile42th
Resources & Environment8.9Excellent20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio13.7:1
Per-Pupil Spending$16,370
Chronic Absenteeism7.6%

Independence Elementary — Students at Independence Elementary score 68% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 65%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

92%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores VA SOL (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 74.9% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
73.5% (2025 SOL)
ELA Proficiency 75.9% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
72.2% (2025 SOL)

Based on 33 test records from VA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2009
Math
87%
ELA
82%
2010
Math
92%
ELA
82%
2011
Math
52%
ELA
87%
2012
Math
42%
ELA
67%
2013
Math
67%
ELA
77%
2014
Math
92%
ELA
87%
2015
Math
92%
ELA
82%
2016
Math
87%
ELA
82%
2017
ELA
77%
2018
Math
92%
ELA
77%
2019
Math
92%
ELA
77%
2020*
Math
62%
ELA
77%
2021*
Math
62%
ELA
77%
2025
Math
70%
ELA
65%

* 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: 8.4/10.

How Independence Elementary Compares

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

Overall Score
7.8/10
78th percentile in VA
Academic
5.9/10
Average
Growth
8.4/10
Excellent
Environment
8.9/10
Excellent
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
92%
Teaching Staff
14:1 student-teacher ratio
22 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
7.6%

Programs & Offerings

Gifted & Talented Program Available
This school offers a gifted and talented program for qualifying students. · CRDC 2021-22

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

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 9.8/10, 12.8 miles away, in nearby Galax), which scores notably higher. Another option is Grayson Highlands (rated 9.6/10, 15.1 miles away, in nearby Troutdale), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Fries Elementary (rated 8.9/10, 11.0 miles away, in nearby Fries), 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 7.4
Grayson County High Independence 0.6 mi 9.3
Alleghany High Sparta 7.6 mi 8.0
Sparta Elementary Sparta 7.9 mi 4.2
Piney Creek Elementary Piney Creek 10.6 mi 5.1
Fries Elementary Fries 11.0 mi 8.9
Speedwell Elementary Wytheville 13.5 mi 7.4
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 7.5
Galax Elementary Galax 12.0 mi 7.0
Galax High Galax 12.0 mi 8.9
Fairview Elementary Galax 12.8 mi 9.8
Gladeville Elementary Galax 15.3 mi 7.7
Grayson Highlands Troutdale 15.1 mi 9.6
Traphill Elementary School Traphill 20.0 mi 6.4
Oakland Elementary Galax 16.6 mi 7.1
Sheffey Elementary Wytheville 19.9 mi 8.8
Rural Retreat High Rural Retreat 20.2 mi 9.0
Rural Retreat Middle Rural Retreat 20.2 mi 7.9

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

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Arthur R. Ware Elementary Staunton, VA 7.8
Scottsburg Elementary Scottsburg, VA 7.8
Sharon C. McAuliffe Elementary Woodbridge, VA 7.8
Stuart Elementary Stuart, VA 7.8
Dare Elementary Yorktown, VA 7.7
Fort Lewis Elementary Salem, VA 7.7

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 ranks #404 of 1,851 schools in VA.

What is Independence Elementary's MySchoolScout rating?

Independence Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.8 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 Elementary?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Independence Elementary has 75% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 76% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

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.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
33 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
17 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

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
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
7.6%

District

Grayson County Public Schools
District Enrollment
1,576
Schools in District
7
Per-Pupil Spending
$16,370
District Rank
#5 of 6

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