Independence High School is a consolidated high school in rural Raleigh County, West Virginia, located in the town of Coal City, West Virginia. The names of Independence and its sister school and rival Liberty High School reflect the fact they were both built in 1976, the U.S. Bicentennial.
Serving 592 students in grades 9-12, Independence High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in West 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 10-14% (which is lower than the West Virginia state average of 32%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 40-44% (which is approximately equal to the West Virginia state average of 41%).
The student:teacher ratio of 16:1 is higher than the West Virginia state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 5% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is lower than the West Virginia state average of 12% (majority Black).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 592 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 5%
- Graduation Rate: 85-89% (Btm 50% in WV)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 10-14% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 40-44% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 15-19% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WV Dept. of Education
School Overview
Independence High School's student population of 592 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 37 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
592 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
37 teachers
Year Founded
1976
School Rankings
Independence High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 627 schools in West Virginia (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Independence High School is 0.10, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.22. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#470 out of 627 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
10-14%
32%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
41%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
15-19%
28%
Student : Teacher Ratio
16:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
n/a
1%
Hispanic
2%
2%
Black
2%
4%
White
95%
88%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
1%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
85-89%
91%
Eligible for Free Lunch
51%
50%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
7%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WV Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Patriot
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Independence High School's ranking?
Independence High School is ranked #470 out of 627 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in West Virginia.
What schools are Independence High School often compared to?
Independence High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Shady Spring High School, Woodrow Wilson High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
10-14% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 32% WV state average), while 40-44% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 41% WV state average).
What is the graduation rate of Independence High School?
The graduation rate of Independence High School is 85-89%, which is lower than the West Virginia state average of 91%.
How many students attend Independence High School?
592 students attend Independence High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
95% of Independence High School students are White, 2% of students are Hispanic, 2% of students are Black, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Independence High School?
Independence High School has a student ration of 16:1, which is higher than the West Virginia state average of 13:1.
What grades does Independence High School offer ?
Independence High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Independence High School part of?
Independence High School is part of Raleigh County Schools School District.
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
Parents’ Guide to Special Education
Special education law is not easy to decipher, with several regulations that govern special education services for disabled students. In this article, learn about the core components of the laws, rights, and individual education plans that can help create the best public school environment for your child.
Surveillance Cameras: Violation of Rights or Improved Security?
A school district in Virginia has given the green light to schools that want to install surveillance cameras in common areas like cafeterias and hallways. We’ll look at whether this is a violation of student privacy or the best way to keep order in schools.
Teachers in 19 States Allowed to Physically Punish Students
As of 2014, nineteen states still allow corporal punishment – spanking and paddling the most common choices – in their public schools. However, some argue that not only are these punishments physically harmful, they also are disproportionately administered to students of color. As a result, House democrats have taken up the issue in a new bill that would ban all forms of corporal punishment nationwide.
