Best Public Schools in Independence, KS

The city of Independence, Kansas is home to 5 schools, including 2 elementary schools, 1 middle school, 2 high schools (one of which is a virtual school), and no alternative schools. These schools serve a diverse student population and provide a range of educational opportunities.

Among the standout schools in the area, Independence Senior High has consistently performed well, ranking in the top 50 high schools in Kansas for the past two school years and earning a 4-star rating from SchoolDigger. The school boasts a strong 89.5% four-year graduation rate and a low 1.3% dropout rate, along with test scores that exceed the district and state averages in both English Language Arts and Mathematics. In contrast, Jefferson School, an elementary school, has shown impressive performance, with test scores that surpass the district and state averages across multiple grade levels and subject areas, particularly in Science, where 54.54% of students were proficient or better in 2024-2025.

Across the schools in Independence, there are some common trends. All schools have high rates of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch, ranging from 62.17% at Independence Senior High to 76.2% at Eisenhower Elementary. Additionally, the district faces a concerning issue of high chronic absenteeism rates of 19.5% across all schools in the 2024-2025 school year, which may require targeted interventions to address.