West Elementary School

1301 1st St W
Independence, IA 50644
(School attendance zone shown in map)
: 
5/
10
Bottom 50%
Serving 360 students in grades 3-6, West Elementary School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Iowa for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 75% (which is higher than the Iowa state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 69% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 70%).
The student-teacher ratio of 11:1 is lower than the Iowa state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 11% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Iowa state average of 30% (majority Hispanic).

Quick Facts (26-27)

  • Grades: 3-6
  • Enrollment: 360 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 11%
  • : Bottom 50% in IA
  • : 75% (Top 50%)
  • : 69% (Btm 50%)
  • : 65-69% (Top 50%)
  • : West Elementary School's attendance zone encompasses the entire school district in Independence, IA, covering approximately 171.7 square miles. Families can expect a typical drive of 15-20 minutes, with the furthest edge of the zone located 14.5 miles from the school.
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education

School Overview

West Elementary School's student population of 360 students has declined by 5% over five school years.
The teacher population of 32 teachers has grown by 10% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 3-6
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
360 students

Showing 2016–2025. View full 39-year historical data

Total Classroom Teachers
32 teachers

Showing 2016–2025. View full 39-year historical data

School Calendar

School Rankings

West Elementary School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,223 schools in Iowa (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of West Elementary School is 0.20, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.48. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
This School
State Level (IA)
#649 out of 1223 schools
(Bottom 50%)

Showing 2013–2023. View full 14-year historical data

75%
68%

Showing 2013–2023. View full 14-year historical data

69%
70%

Showing 2012–2022. View full 13-year historical data

65-69%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
11:1
14:1

Showing 2016–2025. View full 39-year historical data

Hispanic
5%
14%

Showing 2016–2025. View full 30-year historical data

White
89%
70%

Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data

Two or more races
6%
5%

Showing 2016–2025. View full 14-year historical data

All Ethnic Groups
11%
0.20

Showing 2016–2025. View full 37-year historical data

(22-23)
13.1%
24.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
31%
35%

Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data

Eligible for Reduced Lunch
8%
7%

Showing 2016–2025. View full 27-year historical data

School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education

Frequently Asked Questions

What is West Elementary School's ranking?
West Elementary School is ranked #649 out of 1,223 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Iowa.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
75% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% IA state average), while 69% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 70% IA state average).
How many students attend West Elementary School?
360 students attend West Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
89% of West Elementary School students are White, 6% of students are Two or more races, and 5% of students are Hispanic.
What is the student-teacher ratio of West Elementary School?
West Elementary School has a student ration of 11:1, which is lower than the Iowa state average of 14:1.
What grades does West Elementary School offer ?
West Elementary School offers enrollment in grades 3-6 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is West Elementary School part of?
West Elementary School is part of Independence Comm School District.

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Quick Facts (26-27)

  • Grades: 3-6
  • Enrollment: 360 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 11%
  • : Bottom 50%
  • : 75% (Top 50%)
  • : 69% (Btm 50%)
  • : 65-69% (Top 50%)
  • : West Elementary School's attendance zone encompasses the entire school district in Independence, IA, covering approximately 171.7 square miles. Families can expect a typical drive of 15-20 minutes, with the furthest edge of the zone located 14.5 miles from the school.
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education

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