Serving 1,193 students in grades 6-8, Independence Middle School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in 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 66% (which is lower than the Virginia state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 78% (which is higher than the Virginia state average of 69%).
The student-teacher ratio of 16:1 is higher than the Virginia state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 55% of the student body (majority Black), which is lower than the Virginia state average of 56% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 1,193 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 55%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in VA
- Math Proficiency: 66% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 78% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 75-79% (Top 10%)
- Attendance Zone: Independence Middle serves the northwest part of Virginia Beach, VA, covering an area of approximately 16.4 square miles. Most students live within a 5-10 minute drive of the school, with an average distance of 2.9 miles to the zone's edge and a maximum distance of 4.5 miles to its furthest point.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Independence Middle School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Virginia for:
Category
Attribute
Science Proficiency
School Overview
Independence Middle School's student population of 1,193 students has declined by 5% over five school years.
The teacher population of 76 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
1,193 students
Total Classroom Teachers
76 teachers
School Rankings
Independence Middle School ranks within the top 50% of all 1,773 schools in Virginia (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Independence Middle School is 0.70, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.72. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#761 out of 1773 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
66%
68%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)78%
69%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)75-79%
59%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
4%
8%
Hispanic
14%
20%
Black
26%
21%
White
45%
44%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
11%
7%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)18.9%
19.1%
Eligible for Free Lunch
41%
57%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
7%
2%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Independence Middle School's ranking?
Independence Middle School is ranked #761 out of 1,773 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Virginia.
What schools are Independence Middle School often compared to?
Independence Middle Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Larkspur Middle School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
66% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% VA state average), while 78% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 69% VA state average).
How many students attend Independence Middle School?
1,193 students attend Independence Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
45% of Independence Middle School students are White, 26% of students are Black, 14% of students are Hispanic, 11% of students are Two or more races, and 4% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Independence Middle School?
Independence Middle School has a student ration of 16:1, which is higher than the Virginia state average of 14:1.
What grades does Independence Middle School offer ?
Independence Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Independence Middle School part of?
Independence Middle School is part of Virginia Beach City School District.
In what neighborhood is Independence Middle School located?
Independence Middle School is located in the Northwest neighborhood of Virginia Beach, VA. There are 17 other public schools located in Northwest.
School Reviews
Review Independence Middle 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
How to Evaluate School Safety Beyond Headlines
Learn how to evaluate school safety beyond headlines by examining reliable data, school climate, emergency planning, bullying prevention, communication, student experiences, and everyday security practices before choosing a school.
Choosing a Public School for Executive Function Needs
Learn how to choose a public school for a child with executive function challenges by evaluating routines, classroom support, organization, accommodations, communication, transitions, and special education services before enrollment.
What School Climate Surveys Tell You Before Enrolling
Learn how school climate surveys reveal student safety, belonging, relationships, engagement, and support, and how families can interpret results carefully before choosing a public school for their child today.
