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 597 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 17:1 is higher than the West Virginia state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 5% of the student body (majority Black), which is lower than the West Virginia state average of 13% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 597 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Minority Enrollment: 5%
- Graduation Rate: 90-94% (Top 50% in WV)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 15-19% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 40-44% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 15-19% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Independence High School serves the southern part of Sophia, WV, covering an area of approximately 104.8 square miles. Most students typically drive 15-20 minutes to reach the school, with an average distance of 9.9 miles to the edge of the zone and a maximum distance of 12.3 miles.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WV Dept. of Education
School Overview
Independence High School's student population of 597 students has grown by 8% over five school years.
The teacher population of 36 teachers has grown by 12% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
597 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
36 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Year Founded
1976
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 0.23. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#442 out of 617 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
15-19%
34%
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
41%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
15-19%
28%
Student-Teacher Ratio
17:1
13:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
1%
3%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 18-year historical data available below ↓
Black
2%
4%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 36-year historical data available below ↓
White
95%
87%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 36-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
2%
5%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 11-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 36-year historical data available below ↓
Graduation Rate
90-94%
92.6%
Showing 2014–2023. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)37%
33.8%
Eligible for Free Lunch
51%
50%
Showing 2012–2025. Full 36-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
7%
5%
Showing 2012–2025. Full 27-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
School Mascot
Patriot
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WV Dept. of Education
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 92.6%.
How many students attend Independence High School?
597 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 Black, 2% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Hispanic.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Independence High School?
Independence High School has a student ration of 17:1, 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.
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