Best Public Schools in Independence, MO

The city of Independence, Missouri is home to 34 schools across two school districts - Independence 30 and Fort Osage R-I. This includes 24 elementary schools, 6 middle schools, and 4 high schools. While the district has some high-performing schools, there are also significant disparities in academic achievement across the schools.

A few standout schools include William Yates Elementary, which consistently ranks among the top elementary schools in the state, and Mill Creek Elementary, which also performs very well. On the other hand, schools like Elm Grove Elementary and Randall Elementary struggle, with proficiency rates well below the state and district averages. The high schools in the district have relatively high graduation rates, ranging from 92.3% to 92.9%.

A key concern across the district is the high rates of chronic absenteeism, with most schools reporting rates around 30% or higher, significantly above the state average. Additionally, many schools have high percentages of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch, indicating high levels of economic disadvantage. While the district faces these challenges, the success of schools like William Yates Elementary and Mill Creek Elementary demonstrates that high levels of student achievement are possible with the right strategies and support.