For the 2026 school year, there are 2 public elementary schools serving 652 students in Independence Community School District. This district's average elementary testing ranking is 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of public elementary schools in Iowa.
Public Elementary Schools in Independence Community School District have an average math proficiency score of 75% (versus the Iowa public elementary school average of 70%), and reading proficiency score of 69% (versus the 69% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 10% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public elementary school average of 29% (majority Hispanic).
Overview
This School District
This State (IA)
# Schools
4 Schools
924 Schools
# Students
1,415 Students
320,020 Students
# Teachers
102 Teachers
23,100 Teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
14:1
Student By Grade
District Rank
Independence Community School District, which is ranked within the top 50% of all 325 school districts in Iowa (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data) for the 2022-2023 school year.
The school district's graduation rate of 82% has decreased from 90-94% over five school years.
Overall District Rank
#126 out of 327 school districts
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
76%
68%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
73%
70%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
66%
63%
Graduation Rate
82%
90%
Students by Ethnicity:
Diversity Score
0.18
0.47
% American Indian
n/a
n/a
% Asian
n/a
3%
% Hispanic
4%
13%
% Black
1%
7%
% White
90%
71%
% Hawaiian
n/a
1%
% Two or more races
5%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
District Revenue and Spending
The revenue/student of $16,189 in this school district is less than the state median of $16,468. The school district revenue/student has stayed relatively flat over four school years.
The school district's spending/student of $15,182 is less than the state median of $16,042. The school district spending/student has grown by 13% over four school years.
Total Revenue
$23 MM
$8,262 MM
Spending
$22 MM
$8,048 MM
Revenue / Student
$16,189
$16,468
Spending / Student
$15,182
$16,042
Best Independence Community School District Public Elementary Schools (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
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
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%
Recent Articles
Year-Round Schooling in 2026: Updated Parent Guide
Explore the latest 2026 data, trends, costs, and parent planning tips in the ongoing debate over year-round schooling vs the traditional calendar.
No Child Left Behind: Past, Present, and Future of U.S. School Policy
Explore how No Child Left Behind evolved into ESSA, what it means for 2025‑26 schooling, and what parents need to know about testing, admissions planning, and funding.
Understanding Public School Fees & Optional Costs Guide
Discover what public school fees are required versus optional, with 2026 updates for parents, students, and educators on budgeting and planning.
