Independence High School is a public high school located at 5175 E. Refugee Road, Columbus, Ohio. It is a part of Columbus City Schools. The school colors are red, white and blue. The school nickname is the 76ers.
Serving 852 students in grades 9-12, Independence High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Ohio for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 4% (which is lower than the Ohio state average of 54%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 15-19% (which is lower than the Ohio state average of 60%).
The student-teacher ratio of 19:1 is higher than the Ohio state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 96% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Ohio state average of 35% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 852 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 19:1
- Minority Enrollment: 96%
- Graduation Rate: 70-74% (Btm 50% in OH)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 4% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 15-19% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 29% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), OH Dept. of Education
School Overview
Independence High School's student population of 852 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 46 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
852 students
Total Classroom Teachers
46 teachers
Colors
White, Blue, Red
School Calendar
School Rankings
Independence High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 3,181 schools in Ohio (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Independence High School is 0.50, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.54. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#3134 out of 3181 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
4%
54%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
15-19%
60%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
29%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
19:1
17:1
American Indian
1%
n/a
Asian
1%
3%
Hispanic
23%
8%
Black
67%
17%
White
4%
65%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
4%
7%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
70-74%
86%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)60.6%
30.8%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
65%
42%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (13-14)
2%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), OH Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: 76ers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Independence High School's ranking?
Independence High School is ranked #3134 out of 3,181 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Ohio.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
4% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 54% OH state average), while 15-19% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 60% OH state average).
What is the graduation rate of Independence High School?
The graduation rate of Independence High School is 70-74%, which is lower than the Ohio state average of 86%.
How many students attend Independence High School?
852 students attend Independence High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
67% of Independence High School students are Black, 23% of students are Hispanic, 4% of students are White, 4% of students are Two or more races, 1% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Independence High School?
Independence High School has a student ration of 19:1, which is higher than the Ohio state average of 17:1.
What grades does Independence High School offer ?
Independence High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Independence High School part of?
Independence High School is part of Columbus City Schools.
In what neighborhood is Independence High School located?
Independence High School is located in the South Columbus neighborhood of Columbus, OH. There are 43 other public schools located in South Columbus.
School Reviews
Review Independence High 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
Gifted, Honors, and Advanced Tracks: Are They Accessible or Just Advertised?
Learn how to evaluate gifted, honors, and advanced academic programs in public schools, including admission criteria, equity, and the questions every parent should ask.
Algebra Readiness: What Parents Should Ask Before Middle School
Discover how to determine if your child is ready for algebra before middle school, including the questions parents should ask and the skills students need to succeed.
How to Evaluate Reading Instruction in Your Zoned Elementary School
Learn how to evaluate reading instruction in your neighborhood elementary school by recognizing effective literacy practices, asking the right questions, and understanding what quality reading instruction looks like.
