For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public schools serving 1,383 students in Independence, IA (there are 2 private schools, serving 176 private students). 89% of all K-12 students in Independence, IA are educated in public schools (compared to the IA state average of 90%).
The top-ranked public schools in Independence, IA are Independence Junior Senior High School and West Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Independence, IA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 76% (versus the Iowa public school average of 68%), and reading proficiency score of 73% (versus the 70% statewide average). Schools in Independence have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Iowa public schools.
Minority enrollment is 10% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public school average of 30% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Independence, IA (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Independence Junior Senior High School
(Math: 77% | Reading: 76%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
700 20th Ave Sw
Independence, IA 50644
(319) 334-7405
Independence, IA 50644
(319) 334-7405
Gr: 7-12 | 712 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #22.
West Elementary School
(Math: 75% | Reading: 69%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1301 1st St W
Independence, IA 50644
(319) 334-7430
Independence, IA 50644
(319) 334-7430
Gr: 3-6 | 360 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: n/an/a
1011 1st St W
Independence, IA 50644
(319) 334-4780
Independence, IA 50644
(319) 334-4780
Gr: PK | 46 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 2%
Rank: n/an/a
1103 First Street West
Independence, IA 50644
(319) 334-7425
Independence, IA 50644
(319) 334-7425
Gr: K-2 | 265 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Independence, Iowa Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Buchanan County Success Center (Closed 2012)
Alternative School
2349 Jamestown Ave
Independence, IA 50644
(319) 334-7440
Independence, IA 50644
(319) 334-7440
Gr: 9-12 | 40 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
514 5th Ave Se
Independence, IA 50644
(319) 334-7405
Independence, IA 50644
(319) 334-7405
Gr: 7-8 | 174 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Independence, IA?
The top-ranked public schools in Independence, IA include Independence Junior Senior High School and West Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Independence?
4 public schools are located in Independence.
What percentage of students in Independence go to public school?
89% of all K-12 students in Independence are educated in public schools (compared to the IA state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Independence?
Independence public schools minority enrollment is 10% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public schools average of 30% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles
How to Read a School Improvement Plan Before Choosing a School
Learn how to read a school improvement plan, identify meaningful goals, and evaluate whether a school's improvement efforts align with your child's educational needs.
Should You Move for a Better Public School? A Cost vs. Benefit Analysis
Considering a move to a better public school? Explore the financial, academic, and lifestyle tradeoffs before making one of your family's biggest decisions.
When a Higher-Rated School Isn't the Better Fit
Discover why the highest-rated public school may not always be the best choice and learn how to evaluate schools based on your child's unique needs.