Serving 758 students in grades 3-5, Independence Elementary School ranks in the top 30% of all schools in Minnesota for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 30%, and reading proficiency is top 30%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 56% (which is higher than the Minnesota state average of 46%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 55% (which is higher than the Minnesota state average of 51%).
The student-teacher ratio of 15:1 is higher than the Minnesota state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 22% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Minnesota state average of 40% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 3-5
- Enrollment: 758 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 22%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30% in MN
- Math Proficiency: 56% (Top 30%)
- Reading Proficiency: 55% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 61% (Top 20%)
- Attendance Zone: Independence Elementary serves the west part of Big Lake, MN, covering an area of approximately 18.7 square miles. Families in this zone typically have a drive of 10 to 12 minutes to the school, with the furthest edge being about 9.5 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MN Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Independence Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Minnesota for:
Category
Attribute
Science Proficiency
School Overview
Independence Elementary School's student population of 758 students has grown by 19% over five school years.
The teacher population of 49 teachers has grown by 16% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 3-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
758 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
49 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Year Founded
2019
School Rankings
Independence Elementary School ranks within the top 30% of all 1,773 schools in Minnesota (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Independence Elementary School is 0.38, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.60. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#454 out of 1773 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
56%
46%
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
55%
51%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
61%
41%
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
13:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
2%
7%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
8%
12%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 36-year historical data available below ↓
Black
5%
12%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 37-year historical data available below ↓
White
78%
60%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
7%
7%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 15-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)8.7%
27.3%
Eligible for Free Lunch
29%
34%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
6%
7%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 26-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
School Mascot
Hornet
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MN Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Independence Elementary School's ranking?
Independence Elementary School is ranked #454 out of 1,773 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in Minnesota.
What schools are Independence Elementary School often compared to?
Independence Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Zimmerman Elementary School, Becker Intermediate Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
56% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 46% MN state average), while 55% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% MN state average).
How many students attend Independence Elementary School?
758 students attend Independence Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
78% of Independence Elementary School students are White, 8% of students are Hispanic, 7% of students are Two or more races, 5% of students are Black, and 2% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Independence Elementary School?
Independence Elementary School has a student ration of 15:1, which is higher than the Minnesota state average of 13:1.
What grades does Independence Elementary School offer ?
Independence Elementary School offers enrollment in grades 3-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Independence Elementary School part of?
Independence Elementary School is part of Big Lake Public School District.
School Reviews
Review Independence Elementary School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
Does Your Public School Have Enough Nurses?
Learn whether your public school has enough nurses, how staffing affects student safety, chronic illness management, emergency care, and what parents should ask about available school health services today.
When Your Child Falls Behind Without Special Education
Learn what happens when your child falls behind academically but doesn't qualify for special education, including available school interventions, parent rights, tutoring options, and practical strategies for securing support.
When Your Child Finishes Classwork Faster Than Others
Discover why some children finish classwork faster than classmates, how teachers manage early finishers, and what parents can do to ensure meaningful learning, appropriate challenges, and continued academic growth.
