Average
#288 of 635 schools in WV
Top 45% in state
Independence High School
High School · RALEIGH COUNTY SCHOOLS
850 Independence Rd, Sophia, WV 25921
Enrollment
592
Student-Teacher
16:1
Score
6.6
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
592
Student-Teacher
16:1
Score
6.6
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Sophia
#3 of 3
public schools
West Virginia high schools
#31 of 114
In district
#18 of 26
RALEIGH COUNTY SCHOOLS
Academic growth
7.9 / 10
Very strong
About Independence High School
Independence High School in Sophia, West Virginia, is a regular public high school serving students from ninth through twelfth grade. With an enrollment of 592 students and a student-teacher ratio of 16:1, the school aims to provide individualized attention and support for its diverse student body. Located on Independence Road in a rural area near the town of Sophia, Independence High School has 37 full-time equivalent teachers dedicated to helping their students succeed.
The academic performance at Independence High is currently focusing on areas with room for growth. The MySchoolScout rating stands at 3.8 out of 10, and the school ranks #530 among 641 schools in West Virginia. In state assessments, 40% of students are proficient or above in ELA/Reading, while only 14% meet proficiency standards in Math.
Independence High School is situated in a community that values education and supports its young people as they navigate their high school years.
What Parents Should Know
While current test scores at Independence High School are below average, the school shows strong growth metrics — meaning students are making above-average progress year over year. This upward trajectory can be a positive indicator for families who value a school's ability to help students improve, even if absolute scores haven't caught up yet.
Located in a rural area, Independence High School 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 · 4/4 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Independence High School — Students at Independence High School score 27% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 35%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
0.3%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores WV EDFACTS (2021-22)
Based on 5 test records from WV state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↑ ImprovingAverage 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: 7.9/10.
How Independence High School Compares
See how Independence High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2020-21 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 17% (2019) to 12% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has improved from 37% (2021) to 42% (2022).
Location
850 Independence Rd, Sophia, WV 25921
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Independence High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. ST FRANCIS DE SALES SCHOOL (rated 8.8/10, 5.2 miles away, in nearby Beckley), which scores notably higher. Another option is Hollywood Elementary (rated 8.7/10, 5.2 miles away, in nearby Beckley), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Crescent Elementary (rated 8.6/10, 6.3 miles away, in nearby Beckley), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Sophia, see our Sophia schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 8.8 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Independence Middle School Sophia | 0.1 mi | 6.8 |
| Coal City Elementary Coal City | 0.2 mi | 8.0 |
| HOUSE OF PRAYER CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Sophia | 1.5 mi | — |
| SOPHIA CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Sophia | 2.2 mi | — |
| Ridgeview Elementary Sophia | 2.6 mi | 6.8 |
| Hollywood Elementary Beckley | 5.2 mi | 8.7 |
| Mabscott Elementary Mabscott | 5.3 mi | 7.1 |
| ST FRANCIS DE SALES SCHOOL Beckley | 5.2 mi | 8.8 |
| Park Middle School Beckley | 5.5 mi | 7.5 |
| Stratton Elementary Beckley | 5.5 mi | 3.5 |
| Crescent Elementary Beckley | 6.3 mi | 8.6 |
| MT TABOR CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Beckley | 6.8 mi | — |
| Beckley Elementary Beckley | 7.0 mi | 5.1 |
| Beckley-Stratton Middle School Beckley | 7.2 mi | 6.3 |
| Maxwell Hill Elementary Beckley | 7.8 mi | 7.2 |
| Woodrow Wilson High School Beckley | 7.8 mi | 5.2 |
| Shady Spring Middle School Shady Spring | 6.6 mi | 7.2 |
| Shady Spring Elementary Shady Spring | 6.6 mi | 7.5 |
| Daniels Elementary Daniels | 7.0 mi | 7.3 |
| Cranberry-Prosperity Elementary Beckley | 8.8 mi | 6.1 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 25921 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$34,184
Median Home Value
$99,600
Median Rent
$814/mo
Population
2,820
College Educated
11.6%
Homeownership
58.9%
Poverty Rate
20.6%
Median Age
43.1
Community Profile
The community surrounding Independence High School has a median household income of $34,184. It is a community where 12% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $99,600, with a median rent of $814/month. The area has a poverty rate of 20.6%, indicating some economic challenges in the community. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Berkeley Springs High School Berkeley Springs, WV | 6.5 |
| Robert C Byrd High School Clarksburg, WV | 6.7 |
| Wahama Junior/Senior High School Mason, WV | 6.7 |
| Chapmanville Regional High School Chapmanville, WV | 6.4 |
| Fairmont Senior High School Fairmont, WV | 6.4 |
| Weir High School Weirton, WV | 6.4 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Independence High School
What grades does Independence High School serve?
Independence High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend Independence High School?
Independence High School has an enrollment of approximately 592 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Independence High School?
The student-teacher ratio at Independence High School is 16:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Independence High School rank in WV?
Independence High School is ranked #288 out of 635 schools in WV.
What is Independence High School's MySchoolScout rating?
Independence High School has a composite rating of 6.6 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 High School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Independence High School has 13.7% math proficiency and 39.5% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Independence High School a charter school?
No, Independence High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Independence High School a Title I school?
No, Independence High School is not currently a Title I school.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
- County Safety
- Elevated (968/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. County-level only. Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 592
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 16:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 37
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Fringe Rural
- County
- Raleigh County
- Phone
- (304) 683-3228
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
RALEIGH COUNTY SCHOOLS- District Enrollment
- 10,604
- Schools in District
- 27
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $13,305
- District Rank
- #18 of 26
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 methodologyGet school insights in your inbox
New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.