Âé¶¹¹û¶³´«Ã½

Independence High School

850 Independence Rd
Sophia, WV 25921
(School attendance zone shown in map)
3/
10
Bottom 50%
Independence High School is a consolidated high school in rural Raleigh County, West Virginia, located in the town of Coal City, West Virginia. The names of Independence and its sister school and rival Liberty High School reflect the fact they were both built in 1976, the U.S. Bicentennial.
Serving 592 students in grades 9-12, Independence High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in West Virginia for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 15-19% (which is lower than the West Virginia state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 40-44% (which is approximately equal to the West Virginia state average of 41%).
The student-teacher ratio of 16:1 is higher than the West Virginia state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 5% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is lower than the West Virginia state average of 12% (majority Black).

Quick Facts (2026)

  • Grades: 9-12
  • Enrollment: 592 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 5%
  • : 90-94% (Top 50% in WV)
  • : Bottom 50%
  • : 15-19% (Btm 50%)
  • : 40-44% (Top 50%)
  • : 15-19% (Btm 50%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WV Dept. of Education
<Âé¶¹¹û¶³´«Ã½ class='so-dt-title' id="overview">School Overview
Independence High School's student population of 592 students has grown by 7% over five school years.
The teacher population of 37 teachers has grown by 15% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
592 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
37 teachers
Year Founded
1976
Last Day of School
Mon. May 25, 2026
Campus Size
50 acres
School Motto
Truth and Honor
<Âé¶¹¹û¶³´«Ã½ class='so-dt-title' id="school-rankings">School Rankings
Independence High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 617 schools in West Virginia (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Independence High School is 0.10, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.22. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
This School
State Level (WV)
#442 out of 617 schools
(Bottom 50%)
15-19%
34%
40-44%
41%
15-19%
28%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
n/a
1%
Hispanic
2%
2%
Black
2%
4%
White
95%
88%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
1%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
0.10
90-94%
91%
Eligible for Free Lunch
51%
50%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
7%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WV Dept. of Education
<Âé¶¹¹û¶³´«Ã½ class='so-dt-title' id="school-notes">School Notes
  • School Mascot: Wild Boars
<Âé¶¹¹û¶³´«Ã½ class='so-dt-title' id='faq'>Frequently Asked Questions
What is Independence High School's ranking?
Independence High School is ranked #442 out of 617 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in West Virginia.
What schools are Independence High School often compared to?
Independence High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Shady Spring High School, Woodrow Wilson High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
15-19% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% WV state average), while 40-44% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 41% WV state average).
What is the graduation rate of Independence High School?
The graduation rate of Independence High School is 90-94%, which is lower than the West Virginia state average of 91%.
How many students attend Independence High School?
592 students attend Independence High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
95% of Independence High School students are White, 2% of students are Hispanic, 2% of students are Black, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Independence High School?
Independence High School has a student ration of 16:1, which is higher than the West Virginia state average of 13:1.
What grades does Independence High School offer ?
Independence High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Independence High School part of?
Independence High School is part of Raleigh County Schools.

School Reviews

Review Independence High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:

  • Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
  • Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Rate this school:

Âé¶¹¹û¶³´«Ã½ Articles

Zero Tolerance Policies in Public Schools Today
Zero Tolerance Policies in Public Schools Today
An updated look at zero tolerance policies in public schools, including current trends, costs, legal concerns, and what parents need to know now.
The Pros and Cons of Tracking in Schools Today
The Pros and Cons of Tracking in Schools Today
Explore the advantages and drawbacks of academic tracking in today’s public schools, including equity, outcomes, and what parents should consider.
Budgeting Hidden Costs of Public Schooling in 2026
Budgeting Hidden Costs of Public Schooling in 2026
Learn how families budget for school lunch, after-school care, and activities, the hidden costs of public schooling in 2026.

Quick Facts (2026)

  • Grades: 9-12
  • Enrollment: 592 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 5%
  • : 90-94% (Top 50%)
  • : Bottom 50%
  • : 15-19% (Btm 50%)
  • : 40-44% (Top 50%)
  • : 15-19% (Btm 50%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WV Dept. of Education

Quick Links