Serving 236 students in grades 6-8, Independence Jr High School ranks in the top 20% of all schools in Illinois for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 30% (which is higher than the Illinois state average of 27%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 64% (which is higher than the Illinois state average of 30%).
The student-teacher ratio of 11:1 is lower than the Illinois state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 15% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Illinois state average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 236 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1
- Minority Enrollment: 15%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 20% in IL
- Math Proficiency: 30% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 64% (Top 5%)
- Science Proficiency: 50-54% (Top 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Independence Jr High School's attendance zone encompasses the entire school district in Palos Heights, IL, covering approximately 4 square miles. Most students typically have a drive of 5-10 minutes to reach the school, with the furthest edge of the zone located about 1.8 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Independence Jr High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Illinois for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
School Overview
Independence Jr High School's student population of 236 students has declined by 5% over five school years.
The teacher population of 22 teachers has grown by 10% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
Total Students
236 students
Total Classroom Teachers
22 teachers
School Calendar
School Motto
Where Children Are First!
School Rankings
Independence Jr High School ranks within the top 20% of all 3,542 schools in Illinois (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Independence Jr High School is 0.27, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.70. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#636 out of 3542 schools
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
30%
27%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
64%
30%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
50-54%
50%
Student-Teacher Ratio
11:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
1%
6%
Hispanic
10%
29%
Black
4%
16%
White
85%
45%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
n/a
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)14%
29.7%
Eligible for Free Lunch
15%
43%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
School Mascot
Patriots
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Independence Jr High School's ranking?
Independence Jr High School is ranked #636 out of 3,542 schools, which ranks it among the top 20% of public schools in Illinois.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
30% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 27% IL state average), while 64% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 30% IL state average).
How many students attend Independence Jr High School?
236 students attend Independence Jr High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
85% of Independence Jr High School students are White, 10% of students are Hispanic, 4% of students are Black, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Independence Jr High School?
Independence Jr High School has a student ration of 11:1, which is lower than the Illinois state average of 13:1.
What grades does Independence Jr High School offer ?
Independence Jr High School offers enrollment in grades 6-8
What school district is Independence Jr High School part of?
Independence Jr High School is part of Palos Heights SD 128 School District.
School Reviews
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