Average
#285 of 635 schools in WV
Top 45% in state
Independence Middle School
Middle School · RALEIGH COUNTY SCHOOLS
PO Box 1171, Sophia, WV 25921
Enrollment
444
Student-Teacher
13.1:1
Score
6.7
Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
444
Student-Teacher
13.1:1
Score
6.7
Grades
6th – 8th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
West Virginia schools
#285 of 635
In Sophia
#2 of 3
public schools
In district
#14 of 26
RALEIGH COUNTY SCHOOLS
Academic performance
8.0 / 10
Excellent
Shortlisting around Independence Middle School?
Use this profile as one decision point, then compare nearby options, source confidence, and commute fit before picking a neighborhood around it.
Shortlist starter
Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.
Independence Middle School
Middle School in Sophia · grades 6th – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Independence High School
0.1 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Coal City Elementary
0.3 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Independence Middle School
Independence Middle School is a public middle school in Sophia, WV, part of RALEIGH COUNTY SCHOOLS. Independence Middle School serves approximately 444 students, and covers grades 6th-8th, and has a 13.1:1 student-teacher ratio. Independence Middle School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.7 out of 10 and ranks #285 of 635 schools in WV.
Structured state assessment records for Independence Middle School show 36% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 50% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
- This school 6.7 · Average
- District avg 6.7
- WV avg 6.4
What Parents Should Know
Independence Middle School 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.
49% of students at Independence Middle School were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Independence Middle School — Students at Independence Middle School score 50% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 41%).
Test Scores WV WVGSA (2024-25)
Based on 37 test records from WV 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: 7.4/10.
How Independence Middle School Compares
See how Independence Middle School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
Location
PO Box 1171, Sophia, WV 25921
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Independence Middle School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Shady Spring Middle School (rated 7.1/10, 6.7 miles away, in nearby Shady Spring), which scores slightly higher. Another option is Park Middle School (rated 6.9/10, 5.5 miles away, in nearby Beckley), with a very similar rating. Additionally, Beckley-Stratton Middle School (rated 5.7/10, 7.2 miles away, in nearby Beckley), with a comparable rating. For more schools in Sophia, see our Sophia schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 8.8 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Independence High School Sophia | 0.1 mi | 5.3 |
| Coal City Elementary Coal City | 0.3 mi | 4.1 |
| HOUSE OF PRAYER CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Sophia | 1.3 mi | — |
| SOPHIA CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Sophia | 2.1 mi | — |
| Ridgeview Elementary Sophia | 2.5 mi | 7.4 |
| Hollywood Elementary Beckley | 5.2 mi | 5.1 |
| Mabscott Elementary Mabscott | 5.3 mi | 8.5 |
| ST FRANCIS DE SALES SCHOOL Beckley | 5.2 mi | 8.8 |
| Park Middle School Beckley | 5.5 mi | 6.9 |
| Stratton Elementary Beckley | 5.6 mi | 5.7 |
| Crescent Elementary Beckley | 6.3 mi | 6.6 |
| MT TABOR CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Beckley | 6.7 mi | — |
| Beckley Elementary Beckley | 7.1 mi | 6.7 |
| Beckley-Stratton Middle School Beckley | 7.2 mi | 5.7 |
| Maxwell Hill Elementary Beckley | 7.8 mi | 9.2 |
| Woodrow Wilson High School Beckley | 7.8 mi | 4.4 |
| Shady Spring Middle School Shady Spring | 6.7 mi | 7.1 |
| Shady Spring Elementary Shady Spring | 6.8 mi | 7.4 |
| Daniels Elementary Daniels | 7.1 mi | 7.5 |
| Cranberry-Prosperity Elementary Beckley | 8.8 mi | 8.3 |
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
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Wayne Middle School Wayne, WV | 6.7 |
| Blennerhassett Middle School Parkersburg, WV | 6.8 |
| Bridge Street Middle School Wheeling, WV | 6.8 |
| Du Pont Middle School Belle, WV | 6.8 |
| Pleasants County Middle School Belmont, WV | 6.8 |
| Hayes Middle School Saint Albans, WV | 6.5 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Independence Middle School
What grades does Independence Middle School serve?
Independence Middle School serves students in grades 6th through 8th.
How many students attend Independence Middle School?
Independence Middle School has an enrollment of approximately 444 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Independence Middle School?
The student-teacher ratio at Independence Middle School is 13.1:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Independence Middle School rank in WV?
Independence Middle School ranks #285 of 635 schools in WV.
What is Independence Middle School's MySchoolScout rating?
Independence Middle School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.7 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 School?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Independence Middle School has 36% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 50% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
Is Independence Middle School a charter school?
No, Independence Middle School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Independence Middle School a Title I school?
No, Independence Middle School is not currently a Title I school.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
- Walk Score
- 5 Car-Dependent
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 6th – 8th
- Enrollment
- 444
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 13.1:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 34
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Fringe Rural
- County
- Raleigh County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 48.6%
- Phone
- (304) 683-4542
Resources & Links
District
RALEIGH COUNTY SCHOOLS- District Enrollment
- 10,604
- Schools in District
- 27
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $13,305
- District Rank
- #14 of 26
Other Schools in This District
How we rate schools
A clear 1–10 score built from public data — growth, academics, and learning environment. No hidden criteria, no pay-to-play.
See how we rateGet 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.