For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public schools serving 1,415 students in Independence, IA (there are , 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 9% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public school average of 29% (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 | 724 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 | 371 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: n/an/a
1011 1st St W
Independence, IA 50644
(319) 334-4780
Independence, IA 50644
(319) 334-4780
Gr: PK | 39 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: n/an/a
1103 First Street West
Independence, IA 50644
(319) 334-7425
Independence, IA 50644
(319) 334-7425
Gr: K-2 | 281 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
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 9% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public schools average of 29% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles
Esports Programs in Public Schools: Benefits & Funding
Explore how esports programs in public schools support academic achievement, boost student engagement, and operate through sustainable funding models and partnerships.
Apprenticeship Pathways in High School: Alternatives to College
Explore apprenticeship pathways in high school as practical alternatives to traditional college routes, including benefits, programs, and career outcomes.
FAFSA Changes and High School College Counseling
Explore how recent FAFSA changes are reshaping high school college counseling, financial aid planning, and what families should expect in the 2026 application cycle.