Average
#703 of 1,850 schools in VA
Top 38% in state
Independence Middle
Middle School · Grayson County Public Schools
PO Box 155, Independence, VA 24348
Enrollment
295
Student-Teacher
16.4:1
Score
6.9
Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
295
Student-Teacher
16.4:1
Score
6.9
Grades
6th – 8th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Independence
#1 of 3
public schools
Virginia middle schools
#156 of 340
In district
#3 of 6
Grayson County Public Schools
Equity
9.8 / 10
Exceptional
About Independence Middle
Independence Middle, located in the remote rural area of Independence, Virginia, serves students in grades 6 through 8. With an enrollment of 295 students and a student-teacher ratio of 16.4:1, the school benefits from small class sizes that allow for more personalized attention. The dedicated teaching staff includes 18 full-time equivalent teachers who are committed to supporting each student's academic growth.
Independence Middle holds a MySchoolScout rating of 5.5 out of 10 and ranks at #967 among the state’s 1,856 schools, placing it in the 48th percentile. Academically, students perform well, with 77% meeting or exceeding proficiency standards in ELA/reading and 76% doing so in math. These scores indicate that while many students are excelling, there is still room for improvement across the board.
Set against the backdrop of rural Grayson County, Independence Middle reflects its community’s values and spirit. The school's setting offers a unique environment where students can grow both academically and personally amidst the natural beauty and tight-knit community of Virginia’s countryside.
What Parents Should Know
Located in a rural area, Independence Middle 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
View breakdown
View breakdown
Independence Middle — Students at Independence Middle score 88% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 69%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
93.2%
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
→ StableAverage 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: 6.8/10.
How Independence Middle Compares
See how Independence Middle performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has improved from 86% (2019) to 100% (2025). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 83% (2019) to 77% (2025).
Location
PO Box 155, Independence, VA 24348
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Independence Middle may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Galax Middle (rated 6.2/10, 12.5 miles away, in nearby Galax), with a comparable rating. Additionally, Rural Retreat Middle (rated 5.8/10, 20.1 miles away, in nearby Rural Retreat), a more accessible option. For more schools in Independence, see our Independence schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 17.2 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Grayson County High Independence | 0.1 mi | 6.8 |
| Independence Elementary Independence | 0.5 mi | 4.2 |
| Alleghany High Sparta | 7.5 mi | 7.8 |
| Sparta Elementary Sparta | 7.8 mi | 5.2 |
| Piney Creek Elementary Piney Creek | 10.1 mi | 6.3 |
| OAK HILL ACADEMY Mouth Of Wilson | 10.8 mi | 8.2 |
| Fries Elementary Fries | 11.5 mi | 5.9 |
| Speedwell Elementary Wytheville | 13.6 mi | 6.1 |
| Glade Creek Elementary Ennice | 12.4 mi | 4.7 |
| Galax Middle Galax | 12.5 mi | 6.2 |
| Galax Elementary Galax | 12.5 mi | 4.3 |
| Galax High Galax | 12.6 mi | 8.0 |
| Fairview Elementary Galax | 13.3 mi | 8.2 |
| Grayson Highlands Troutdale | 14.6 mi | 7.6 |
| Gladeville Elementary Galax | 15.8 mi | 5.3 |
| Traphill Elementary School Traphill | 20.1 mi | 7.9 |
| Rural Retreat High Rural Retreat | 20.1 mi | 8.0 |
| Rural Retreat Middle Rural Retreat | 20.1 mi | 5.8 |
| Sheffey Elementary Wytheville | 20.3 mi | 6.3 |
| Oakland Elementary Galax | 17.2 mi | 6.0 |
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 Middle 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 |
|---|---|
| Glade Spring Middle Glade Spring, VA | 7.0 |
| Scott Memorial Middle Wytheville, VA | 7.0 |
| Pennington Middle Pennington Gap, VA | 6.8 |
| Amelia County Middle Amelia, VA | 6.7 |
| Sussex Central Middle Stony Creek, VA | 7.2 |
| Auburn Middle Riner, VA | 6.6 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Independence Middle
What grades does Independence Middle serve?
Independence Middle serves students in grades 6th through 8th.
How many students attend Independence Middle?
Independence Middle has an enrollment of approximately 295 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Independence Middle?
The student-teacher ratio at Independence Middle is 16.4:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Independence Middle rank in VA?
Independence Middle is ranked #703 out of 1,850 schools in VA.
What is Independence Middle's MySchoolScout rating?
Independence Middle has a composite rating of 6.9 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 Middle?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Independence Middle has 79.8% math proficiency and 77.0% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Independence Middle a charter school?
No, Independence Middle is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Independence Middle a Title I school?
No, Independence Middle is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Independence Middle?
93.2% of students at Independence Middle 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
- 6th – 8th
- Enrollment
- 295
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 16.4:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 18
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 93.2%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Remote Rural
- County
- Grayson County
- Phone
- (276) 773-3020
- 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
- #3 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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