Photo: TheCatalyst31 with modifications by Kbh3rd · CC BY-SA 3.0Independence’s public schools score below 65% of Missouri districts on tests and graduation
Math proficiency in Independence’s districts is 28%, below the Missouri average (39%). The grade covers the two public school districts serving Independence, from kindergarten through graduation, on state tests and graduation. Each state writes its own tests, so this is the one TownRatings grade compared within Missouri, not nationally.
From Missouri state tests taken in spring 2022, when 100% of students in the tested grades sat them, and the class of 2023’s four-year graduation rate, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education.
Independence’s schools, in brief
Against towns with similar incomes
Among the 624 Missouri towns with household incomes within a quarter of Independence’s, its schools beat 26%, lower than their 35% against all the state’s districts. The grade ↓
Results trail the state
In spring 2022, 35% of tested students were proficient in reading and 28% in math, against 43% and 39% statewide; 100% of students in the tested grades sat the tests. The grade ↓
Graduation
90% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 89% across Missouri. Districts ↓
Spending and class size
Independence 30 spends $12,949 per student and Fort Osage R-I $13,905, against $14,569 across Missouri (FY2024). Neither counts toward the grade. Districts ↓
Choice beyond the district
Center Place Restoration School (private), Nativity of Mary School (private), Sunrise Montessori Academy of Independence LLC. (private) and Nova Center (private) are in town. Every school ↓
Written from the figures on this page. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023; each school’s own letter uses 2020–21 results.
What’s behind Independence’s grade
C+: better than 35% of Missouri school districts, #190 of 247 Missouri towns. Graduation is above the Missouri average; test scores are below it.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Independence, with each school’s own grade.
6th grade in Independence · depends on your address
Clifford H. Nowlin Middle
Grades 6–8 · 902 students · 17:1 students per teacher
Bridger Middle
Grades 6 · 744 students · 16:1 students per teacher
7th grade in Independence · depends on your address
Clifford H. Nowlin Middle
Grades 6–8 · 902 students · 17:1 students per teacher
Pioneer Ridge Middle
Grades 7–8 · 731 students · 14:1 students per teacher
Bingham Middle
Grades 7–8 · 730 students · 15:1 students per teacher
8th grade in Independence · depends on your address
Clifford H. Nowlin Middle
Grades 6–8 · 902 students · 17:1 students per teacher
Pioneer Ridge Middle
Grades 7–8 · 731 students · 14:1 students per teacher
Bingham Middle
Grades 7–8 · 730 students · 15:1 students per teacher
9th grade in Independence · depends on your address
Truman High
Grades 9–12 · 1,720 students · 19:1 students per teacher
William Chrisman High
Grades 9–12 · 1,417 students · 17:1 students per teacher
Van Horn High
Grades 9–12 · 1,067 students · 17:1 students per teacher · in Independnce
10th grade in Independence · depends on your address
Truman High
Grades 9–12 · 1,720 students · 19:1 students per teacher
William Chrisman High
Grades 9–12 · 1,417 students · 17:1 students per teacher
Van Horn High
Grades 9–12 · 1,067 students · 17:1 students per teacher · in Independnce
Independence runs its own schools through grade 12 (Independence 30 School District). From grade PK, students attend the Fort Osage R-I School District, shared with Buckner, Levasy, River Bend, Sibley and Sugar Creek. Parts of Independence (19% of its land) are served by Blue Springs R-IV instead. To confirm the school for a specific address, ask the district.
Two districts serve Independence
Spending and class size are shown but don’t count toward the grade. Each district’s own page has every school.
Well below the state in reading
Independence vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the Missouri towns that share Independence’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Independence | C+ | Independence 30 PK–12 · Fort Osage R-I PK–12 |
| Blue Springs | A | Blue Springs R-IV |
| Kansas City | C+ | North Kansas City 74 PK–12 · Kansas City 33 PK–12 |
| Sugar Creek | C+ | Fort Osage R-I PK–12 · Independence 30 PK–12 |
| Lee's Summit | A | Lee's Summit R-VII |
Every school in Independence
36 schools. Each public school’s letter compares its own 2020–21 reading and math results with Missouri’s other public schools (the newest school-level results we have).
Left off: 2 public programs with fewer than 25 students (Day Treatment and Independence Academy).
Questions about Independence’s schools
Are Independence’s schools good?
On Missouri’s tests they score below most of the state: the public schools Independence children attend score below 65% of Missouri’s school districts on tests and graduation, a C+ Schools grade, #190 of 247 Missouri towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 26%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Independence in?
Two districts: Independence 30 School District runs grades PK–12, and Fort Osage R-I School District runs grades PK–12, shared with Buckner, Levasy, River Bend, Sibley and Sugar Creek.
Where do Independence kids go to high school?
One of 3 high schools, depending on your address: Truman High, William Chrisman High and Van Horn High.
What is Independence’s graduation rate?
90% of the class of 2023 in Independence 30 School District graduated in four years, against 89% across Missouri.
How much does Independence spend per student?
$12,949 in Independence 30 School District and $13,905 in Fort Osage R-I School District (FY2024), against $14,569 across Missouri. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in Independence?
Yes: Center Place Restoration School (religious, grades PK–12, 232 students), Nativity of Mary School (Catholic, grades PK–8, 158 students), Sunrise Montessori Academy of Independence LLC. (nonsectarian, grades PK–K, 113 students) and Nova Center (special education, grades K–12, 48 students).
Parents talk
What Independence families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Independence → They have their own page.
School data: state test results (2021–22, with participation) and four-year graduation rates (class of 2023) reported to the U.S. Department of Education (EDFacts via ED Data Express); each school’s own letter uses its 2020–21 results (EDFacts via the Urban Institute); schools and enrollment from NCES (2024–25; private schools 2023–24); spending from the Census Bureau’s school finance survey (FY2024). The School Grade is our own summary, graded within Missouri. Stars are from neighbors.