Independence High School

850 Independence Rd
Sophia, WV 25921
(School attendance zone shown in map)
3/
10
Bottom 50%
Independence High School is a consolidated high school in rural Raleigh County, West Virginia, located in the town of Coal City, West Virginia. The names of Independence and its sister school and rival Liberty High School reflect the fact they were both built in 1976, the U.S. Bicentennial.
Serving 592 students in grades 9-12, Independence High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in West Virginia for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 15-19% (which is lower than the West Virginia state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 40-44% (which is approximately equal to the West Virginia state average of 41%).
The student-teacher ratio of 16:1 is higher than the West Virginia state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 5% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is lower than the West Virginia state average of 12% (majority Black).

Quick Facts (2025-26)

  • Grades: 9-12
  • Enrollment: 592 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 5%
  • : 90-94% (Top 50% in WV)
  • : Bottom 50%
  • : 15-19% (Btm 50%)
  • : 40-44% (Top 50%)
  • : 15-19% (Btm 50%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WV Dept. of Education

School Overview

Independence High School's student population of 592 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 37 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
592 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
37 teachers
Year Founded
1976
Last Day of School
Mon. May 25, 2026
Campus Size
50 acres
School Motto
Truth and Honor
School Mascot
Wild Boars

School Rankings

Independence High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 617 schools in West Virginia (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Independence High School is 0.10, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.22. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
This School
State Level (WV)
#442 out of 617 schools
(Bottom 50%)
15-19%
34%
40-44%
41%
15-19%
28%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
n/a
1%
Hispanic
2%
2%
Black
2%
4%
White
95%
88%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
1%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
0.10
90-94%
91%
Eligible for Free Lunch
51%
50%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
7%
5%
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WV Dept. of Education

School Notes

  • School Mascot: Wild Boars

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Independence High School's ranking?
Independence High School is ranked #442 out of 617 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in West Virginia.
What schools are Independence High School often compared to?
Independence High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Shady Spring High School, Woodrow Wilson High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
15-19% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% WV state average), while 40-44% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 41% WV state average).
What is the graduation rate of Independence High School?
The graduation rate of Independence High School is 90-94%, which is lower than the West Virginia state average of 91%.
How many students attend Independence High School?
592 students attend Independence High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
95% of Independence High School students are White, 2% of students are Hispanic, 2% of students are Black, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Independence High School?
Independence High School has a student ration of 16:1, which is higher than the West Virginia state average of 13:1.
What grades does Independence High School offer ?
Independence High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Independence High School part of?
Independence High School is part of Raleigh County Schools School District.

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Quick Facts (2025-26)

  • Grades: 9-12
  • Enrollment: 592 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 5%
  • : 90-94% (Top 50%)
  • : Bottom 50%
  • : 15-19% (Btm 50%)
  • : 40-44% (Top 50%)
  • : 15-19% (Btm 50%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WV Dept. of Education

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