Independence High School is a public high school located at 5175 E. Refugee Road, Columbus, Ohio. It is a part of Columbus City Schools. The school colors are red, white and blue. The school nickname is the 76ers.
Serving 676 students in grades 9-12, Independence High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Ohio for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 4% (which is lower than the Ohio state average of 54%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 15-19% (which is lower than the Ohio state average of 60%).
The student-teacher ratio of 16:1 is lower than the Ohio state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 96% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Ohio state average of 34% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2025-26)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 676 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 96%
- Graduation Rate: 70-74% (Btm 50% in OH)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 4% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 15-19% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 29% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), OH Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Independence High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Ohio for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Independence High School's student population of 676 students has declined by 9% over five school years.
The teacher population of 41 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
676 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
41 teachers
Colors
White, Blue, Red
School Calendar
School Rankings
Independence High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 3,181 schools in Ohio (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Independence High School is 0.49, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.53. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#3134 out of 3181 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
4%
54%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
15-19%
60%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
29%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
17:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
1%
3%
Hispanic
22%
8%
Black
68%
17%
White
4%
66%
Hawaiian
1%
n/a
Two or more races
4%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
70-74%
86%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
82%
42%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (13-14)
2%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), OH Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: 76ers
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Independence High School's ranking?
Independence High School is ranked #3134 out of 3,181 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Ohio.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
4% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 54% OH state average), while 15-19% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 60% OH state average).
What is the graduation rate of Independence High School?
The graduation rate of Independence High School is 70-74%, which is lower than the Ohio state average of 86%.
How many students attend Independence High School?
676 students attend Independence High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
68% of Independence High School students are Black, 22% of students are Hispanic, 4% of students are White, 4% of students are Two or more races, 1% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Independence High School?
Independence High School has a student ration of 16:1, which is lower than the Ohio state average of 17:1.
What grades does Independence High School offer ?
Independence High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Independence High School part of?
Independence High School is part of Columbus City Schools.
In what neighborhood is Independence High School located?
Independence High School is located in the South Columbus neighborhood of Columbus, OH. There are 43 other public schools located in South Columbus.
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