The top reported proficiency rate is 39% in English language arts. The lowest is 29% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on Independence Middle
Independence Middle School serves grades six through eight in the small southeast Kansas city of Independence. It is a conventional public school, not a charter or magnet, and it draws its students from the Independence USD 446 district. The enrollment is modest for a three-grade middle school, and the student body reflects the demographics of the city itself: a substantial majority of students are white, with a smaller Hispanic share and very small populations of Black, Asian, and multiracial students. A large share of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, placing the school in a higher-poverty context than many of its peers in the county.
The school participates in the Kansas Assessment Program (KAP), and the most recent available results offer a clear picture of academic performance. In both math and English language arts, proficiency rates across grades six, seven, and eight sit below the midpoint among districts in Montgomery County when averaged together. The sixth-grade cohort shows the highest rates in both subjects, while seventh and eighth grade rates are lower. Science, tested only in eighth grade, also comes in at a level that is below the county median. Kansas changed its cut scores for math and ELA for this testing cycle, which makes direct comparisons with prior years uncertain, but the current snapshot shows an overall proficiency index that places the school in the lower half of the county’s districts. A parent considering this school may want to ask the school or district about specific academic supports and what steps are being taken to address the achievement levels.
The school does not report data on chronic absenteeism, discipline, staffing ratios, or special populations such as students with individualized education programs or English learners, so those dimensions of the school environment are not available here. The absence of that information limits what can be said about student support structures and climate. The school’s grade band means there is no graduation rate to consider.
Independence itself is a county seat with a long history tied to agriculture, oil and gas, and some manufacturing. Its population has declined over the past two decades, and the housing market reflects that overall affordability: home values are well below the state and national benchmarks, even after recent modest appreciation. The city is compact, with a traditional downtown grid, a community college, and several civic anchors such as Riverside Park and a public library. The district operates elementary schools and a high school within the city as well, and there were no notable district-level changes reported in recent years that would affect families.
For a family, Independence Middle School offers a conventional public school experience in a small, affordable community. The academic results are below the county average, and the student body is economically disadvantaged at a relatively high rate. The school does not appear to offer specialized program pathways such as magnet themes or career-focused coursework, at least none that were reported. A parent who values a small-town setting and is willing to engage with the school on academic improvement may find it a reasonable fit, while a family prioritizing higher test scores or a broader range of extracurricular programs may want to compare options in surrounding districts. The available data paints a straightforward picture without many frills, and the gaps in reported information mean some important questions about student support and school climate remain unanswered.
See more original research from School Decision →