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#1098 of 1,851 schools in VA

Independence Middle

Middle School · Virginia Beach City Public Schools

1370 Dunstan Ln, Virginia Beach, VA 23455

Enrollment

1,208

Student-Teacher

16.5:1

Score

5.9

Grades

6th – 8th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Virginia schools

#1,098 of 1,851

In Virginia Beach

#67 of 82

public schools

In district

#67 of 82

Virginia Beach City Public Schools

Academic growth

7.7 / 10

Very Good

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Independence Middle

5.9/10

Middle School in Virginia Beach · grades 6th – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Bayside Presbyterian Preschool and Kindergarden

Nearby

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

Thoroughgood Elementary

7.6/10

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

About Independence Middle

Independence Middle is a public middle school in Virginia Beach, VA, part of Virginia Beach City Public Schools. Independence Middle serves approximately 1,208 students, and covers grades 6th-8th, and has a 16.5:1 student-teacher ratio. Independence Middle has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.9 out of 10 and ranks #1,098 of 1,851 schools in VA.

Structured state assessment records for Independence Middle show 69% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 83% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it compares0.7 pts below district
  • This school 5.9 · Average
  • District avg 6.6
  • VA avg 5.9

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress7.7Very Good40%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data14
Annual Change-0.51 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendStable
Academics5.6Average35%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency65% (2025 SOL)
Reading/ELA Proficiency80% (2025 SOL)
Math vs. State Avg-10.4 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+4.3 pts
Overall Proficiency73% (2025 SOL, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)77% (model expectation from 2025 SOL)
vs. Expected-4.7 pts
Adjusted Percentile39th
Resources & Environment3.5Needs Improvement25%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio16.5:1
Per-Pupil Spending$14,888
Chronic Absenteeism18.6%

Independence Middle — Students at Independence Middle score 72% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 77%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

47.8%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores VA SOL (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 69.4% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
66.4% (2025 SOL)
ELA Proficiency 82.8% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
73.8% (2025 SOL)

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

Proficiency Trend

→ Stable

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

2009
Math
80%
ELA
90%
2010
Math
77%
ELA
91%
2011
Math
66%
ELA
93%
2012
Math
64%
ELA
75%
2013
Math
70%
ELA
78%
2014
Math
79%
ELA
82%
2015
Math
81%
ELA
82%
2016
Math
60%
ELA
85%
2017
ELA
85%
2018
Math
86%
ELA
84%
2019
Math
86%
ELA
84%
2020*
Math
62%
ELA
78%
2021*
Math
62%
ELA
78%
2025
Math
59.5%
ELA
80.5%

* 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: 7.7/10.

How Independence Middle Compares

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

Overall Score
5.9/10
41th percentile in VA
Academic
5.6/10
Average
Growth
7.7/10
Very Good
Environment
3.5/10
Needs Improvement
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
48%
Teaching Staff
17:1 student-teacher ratio
73 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
18.6%

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

1370 Dunstan Ln, Virginia Beach, VA 23455

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Independence Middle may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Old Donation School (rated 8.9/10, 0.9 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Bayside Middle (rated 7.4/10, 2.1 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Bayside 6th Grade Campus (rated 3.6/10, 1.8 miles away), a more accessible option. For more schools in Virginia Beach, see our Virginia Beach schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 2.4 mi
School Distance Rating
BAYSIDE PRESBYTERIAN PRESCHOOL AND KINDERGARDEN Virginia Beach 0.5 mi
Thoroughgood Elementary Virginia Beach 0.8 mi 7.6
Old Donation School Virginia Beach 0.9 mi 8.9
OLD DONATION EPISCOPAL DAY SCHOOL Virginia Beach 1.0 mi
Pembroke Meadows Elementary Virginia Beach 1.1 mi 8.7
Luxford Elementary Virginia Beach 1.2 mi 6.8
FOREVER YOUNG MONTESSORI SCHOOL AND DAY CARE Virginia Beach 1.5 mi
Hermitage Elementary Virginia Beach 1.4 mi 5.8
Pembroke Elementary Virginia Beach 1.8 mi 6.7
Bayside 6th Grade Campus Virginia Beach 1.8 mi 3.6
Shelton Park Elementary Virginia Beach 1.7 mi 8.5
Bayside High Virginia Beach 1.6 mi 6.9
Thalia Elementary Virginia Beach 2.4 mi 7.3
Diamond Springs Elementary Virginia Beach 2.1 mi 7.3
Kingston Elementary Virginia Beach 2.1 mi 8.5
Princess Anne High Virginia Beach 2.5 mi 8.9
Bayside Middle Virginia Beach 2.1 mi 7.4
IVY LEAGE ACADEMY Virginia Beach 2.7 mi 7.7
Newtown Elementary Virginia Beach 2.3 mi 4.1
Williams Elementary Virginia Beach 2.4 mi 5.0

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 23455 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$88,223

Median Home Value

$397,700

Median Rent

$1,610/mo

Population

50,501

College Educated

42.4%

Homeownership

61%

Avg Commute

22.6 min

Poverty Rate

6.5%

Median Age

38.2

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Benjamin Syms Middle Hampton, VA 5.9
Deep Creek Middle Chesapeake, VA 5.9
Lois Hornsby Middle Williamsburg, VA 5.9
Sandburg Middle Alexandria, VA 5.9
George H. Moody Middle Richmond, VA 6.0
J. Lupton Simpson Middle Leesburg, VA 6.0

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 1,208 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Independence Middle?

The student-teacher ratio at Independence Middle 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 Middle rank in VA?

Independence Middle ranks #1,098 of 1,851 schools in VA.

What is Independence Middle's MySchoolScout rating?

Independence Middle has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.9 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 Middle?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Independence Middle has 69% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 83% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

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?

47.8% 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.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
7 Car-Dependent
Transit Score
35 Some Transit
Bike Score
27 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
1,208
Student-Teacher Ratio
16.5:1
Teachers (FTE)
73
Free/Reduced Lunch
47.8%
Type
regular
Setting
Large City
County
Virginia Beach city
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
18.6%

District

Virginia Beach City Public Schools
District Enrollment
64,986
Schools in District
88
Per-Pupil Spending
$14,888
District Rank
#67 of 82

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